Arc Welder Power Sources Flashcards

Welding Electrical Terms and Concepts

• AC (Alternating Current): Current that reverses direction regularly; used in processes like GTAW.
• Direct Current (DC): Flow of current in one direction; essential for GMAW and FCAW.
• Amperage: Measurement of current in a circuit, quantified in amperes.
• Voltage: The electrical pressure driving current flow, measured in volts.

Welding Components and Operation

• Anode: Positive electrical terminal; crucial for SCR operation when negative.
• Cathode: Negative electrical terminal; must be positive for SCR activation.
• Arc Length: Distance between electrode and workpiece; longer lengths necessitate higher voltage.
• Electric Arc: Area where electrical discharge occurs, generating heat for melting metals.

Welding Processes

• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): Precise welding using a nonconsumable tungsten electrode.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Involves a bare wire electrode and shielding gas, also known as MIG welding.
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): Uses a consumable electrode with a flux center.
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Involves flux-coated rods, often called stick welding.

Power Sources and Electromagnetic Components

• Power Factor: Ratio of power drawn versus returned; optimal is 1 or 100%.
• Inverter: Welding power source using high frequency, improving energy efficiency.
• SCR (Silicon-controlled rectifier): Controls current direction in output, allowing for efficient power management.
• Transformer: Device that adjusts voltage levels through primary and secondary windings.

Electrical Measurements and Behavior

• Duty Cycle: Time duration a welder can operate in a given period without overheating; higher preferences are better.
• Resistance: Opposition to current flow; electricity prefers the path of least resistance.
• Output: Represents produced power types, including AC, DC, CC, and CV.

Safety and Operational Features

• Primary Voltage Shock: Risks from high voltage exposure during operation; safety precautions necessary.
• Hot Start: Feature that enables high initial settings to reduce sticking of electrodes.
• Reverse Polarity: Current flows from a negative workpiece to positive electrode; alters welding characteristics.

Specialized Electrodes and Techniques

• Low-Hydrogen Electrode: For welding materials prone to cracking.
• High-Deposition Electrode: Designed to deposit a larger filler metal amount.
• Pulse Welding: A method creating one droplet of metal at a time, requiring high welder settings.

Miscellaneous Concepts

• Inductance Coil/Choke: Smoothens DC power from rectifiers and affects amperage.
• Static Volt-Ampere Curve: Graphical representation of a welder's voltage versus amperage output.
• Energy Efficient: Devices using less electricity, reducing overall costs.

Miscellaneous Electrical and Magnetism

• Electromagnet: Formed by current, often used in devices requiring magnetic fields.
• Magnetic Field: Regions affected by magnetic forces, essential for electric motor functions.
• Field Winding: Electromagnet wire generating the magnetic field within generators.

Test your knowledge on key terms related to arc welding power sources with these flashcards. From definitions of alternating current to the concept of amperage, this quiz will help reinforce important concepts in welding technology. Perfect for students and professionals alike.