Welders Usable electrodes MMA 1 - 5

Welding machines are essential tools for anyone requiring welding work, whether for professional or DIY use.

They are used to join two pieces of metal by fusion, creating a strong and durable joint.

This category includes different types of welding machines, each suited to specific needs and applications.

• MMA electrode welding machines: These welding machines are robust, efficient and economical, ideal for simple and reliable welding jobs. They use a coated electrode to create the electric arc necessary for welding.
• TIG welding machines: They offer precise and versatile welding, perfect for jobs requiring high quality. They are mainly used for precision welding on stainless steels and non-ferrous metals.
• Gas/no gas wire welding machines (MIG/MAG/MOG): Ideal for high-quality welding, they can operate with shielding gas or be used without gas. They provide a wide versatility and precision suitable for work on various materials.
• Petrol welding machines:: Equipped with an internal combustion engine, these welding machines are powerful and reliable, ideal for off-grid work.
• Accessories for Welding Machines: A wide range of accessories to enhance the welding experience including helmets, gloves, welding wires and much more.

Inverter welding machines are tools used to merge two pieces of metal by fusion.

This fusion occurs thanks to an electric arc that fuses the filler material and the workpieces to be welded, creating a solid and strong joint. The operation of different types of welding machines is based on the principle explained above, but each type works slightly differently from the others. We will elaborate on these in a moment.

• Power supply: Welding machines can be powered by single-phase household electricity (230V) by three-phase electricity (400V) for professional use or by an internal combustion engine for working without mains power.
• Welding protection: The use of inert gas or opting to work gas-free affects the quality and precision of the work performed.
• Work precision: TIG welding machines are known for their precision, while MMA and wire welding machines offer robustness and efficiency for less complex jobs.

Welding machines are used in many different sectors, from heavy industry to domestic maintenance. They are essential for building metal structures, repairing equipment and vehicles and creating artistic metalwork.

Welding is a cheap and effective method for joining metals compared to other methods such as bolting or the use of adhesives. Other advantages of welding machines are as follows:

• Robustness and Durability: Weldings made with MMA electrode machines are particularly robust and durable. This makes them ideal for structural work and repairs on thick, strong metals. TIG welds, on the other hand, offer superior durability due to their precision and ability to prevent contamination.
• Versatility: TIG welding machines are extremely versatile and can work on a wide range of materials including stainless steel, aluminium and copper. MIG/MAG/MOG welding machines add further versatility by allowing them to work with or without protective gas, depending on the project requirements.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern welding machines are designed to be energy efficient. Gas-free wire welding machines (MOG) are particularly appreciated for their ability to reduce energy consumption while maintaining high welding quality.
• Portability: Petrol-engine welding machines represent an ideal solution for those who need to work without mains power. These machines are powerful and reliable, allowing welding to be performed anywhere without the need for an external power source.
• Safety: Modern protective devices and accessories such as automatic helmets significantly improve safety during welding operations. These tools protect the operator from UV sparks and smoke, reducing the risk of injury.

Welding is the best method for joining metals, especially when compared to methods such as bolting. The latter, for example, can loosen over time while a good weld remains solid and stable. Furthermore, welding allows greater design flexibility, as it allows metals of different shapes and thicknesses to be joined without compromising on the strength of the joint.

• Precision: TIG weldings offer unrivalled precision, making them ideal for jobs requiring fine details and invisible joints. MIG/MAG weldings, thanks to the use of protective gas, guarantee a clean and even finish.
• Reduced costs: MMA electrode welding machines are generally less expensive than other types, offering an excellent solution for those on a tight budget but in need of a reliable machine.
• Reduced Working Time: Thanks to the power and efficiency of modern welding machines, project completion times are significantly reduced, improving productivity and reducing operating costs.

There are various types of inverter welding machines, each suited for specific applications and needs. Here is a brief list of the main types:

• MMA electrode welding machines: Robust and economical, they use coated electrodes for simple welding on both ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
• TIG welding machines: Precise and versatile, they use tungsten electrodes and inert gas for high quality welding on delicate materials.
• Wire welding machines (MIG/MAG/MOG): Efficient and easy to use, they use a continuous wire as a filler material with or without protective gas.
• Petrol-driven welding machines: Powerful and manoeuvrable with an internal combustion engine, ideal for work without mains power.
• Accessories for Welding Machines: Welding helmets, gloves and wires improve efficiency and safety while working.

MMA electrode welding machines are among the most popular due to their simplicity and robustness. They use a coated consumable electrode that acts as both an electrical conductor and a filler material. As the electrode melts, it creates the electric arc necessary for welding. In particular:

• Arc creation: The operator brings the electrode close to the workpiece, creating an electric arc that generates heat.
• Fusion: The arc heat melts the electrode and the base metal, thus creating the weld pool.
• Protection: The electrode coating decomposes, producing protective gases that shield the weld pool from atmospheric oxygen and prevent contamination.
• Solidification: The molten metal solidifies to form the weld joint, while the electrode coating forms a protective slag on the welded surface.

These machines are ideal for welding work on both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Their solid structure makes them perfect for difficult working environments and for welding on thick materials.

MMA welding machines are suitable for a wide range of applications from domestic repairs to structural work, offering a good balance between quality and cost. Their user-friendliness and the availability of various types and sizes of electrodes make them a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals.

TIG welding machines are known for their precision and welding quality. They use a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas such as argon to protect the welding spot. In particular:

• Arc creation: The arc is created between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece.
• Fusion: The heat generated by the arc melts the base metal and, if necessary, the filler material.
• Protection: The inert gas flows through the torch, enveloping the welding area and protecting it from oxidation.
• Check: The operator can adjust the amount of current and the amount of gas, ensuring precise, high quality welding.

These machines provide excellent arc control, allowing extremely precise welding. They are ideal for jobs requiring clean, defect-free welding, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. TIG welding machines are specially suited for welding delicate and thin materials such as stainless steel and aluminium. Their versatility makes them ideal for applications requiring high quality, guaranteeing optimal results even in the most complex jobs.

Wire welding machines are highly valued for their efficiency and user-friendliness. They use a continuous wire as a filler material and can be used with or without protective gas depending on the requirements of the job. In particular:

• Wire feeding: A feed mechanism pushes the wire through the torch.
• Arc creation: The arc is formed between the electrode wire and the workpiece.
• Fusion: The heat of the arc melts the wire and the base metal, creating the weld pool.
• Protection: In MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and MAG (Metal Active Gas) processes, a gas (inert for MIG and active for MAG) protects the welding area from oxidation.
• Continuing: The wire is continuously fed until welding is complete.

These machines allow for fast, high-quality welding. The ability to work with different types of materials and in different indoor and outdoor conditions makes them extremely versatile. MIG/MAG welding machines use protective gas to improve welding quality, while MOG machines work without gas, making them practical in situations where the use of gas would be complicated. Their practicality and versatility make them an excellent choice for professionals and hobbyists.

Petrol welding machines are equipped with an internal combustion engine that makes them independent of the mains supply. In particular:

• Power generation: The internal combustion engine produces mechanical energy that is converted into electrical energy via a generator.
• Arc creation: As in MMA, TIG or MIG/MAG welding machines, the arc is formed between the electrode or wire and the workpiece.
• Fusion and protection: It follows the same principle as the respective welding techniques (MMA TIG MIG/MAG) with adequate protection by electrode coating or gas.

These machines are ideal for working in remote sites or where no electrical power is available. They offer high power, allowing welding on thick and strong materials. Their mobility makes them perfect for construction site work or in situations where an autonomous power source is needed. Their ability to operate without the need for an external power supply makes them essential for many professional applications.

Welding machine accessories are essential to improve efficiency and safety when working with welding. Here is a list of the main accessories and a brief description of each:

• Automatic helmet: It protects against sparks and UV rays and guarantees a clear view during welding.
• Protective gloves: Heat-resistant, they protect hands during welding operations.
• Welding wires: Available in various materials and thicknesses suitable for different welding applications.
• Ground clamps: Essential for connecting the welding machine to the workpiece, ensuring good electrical conduction.
• Electrode holder: Used to hold the electrode firmly during welding, ensuring stability.
• Protective mask: It offers complete protection of the face and eyes from sparks and UV rays.
• Wire brushes: Used to clean metal surfaces before and after welding to improve adhesion.
• Slag hammers: Used to remove slag from the weld, ensuring a clean finish.
• Tool cases: They store and organise all the tools needed for welding, facilitating transportation.
• Welding cables: They transfer the current from the welding machine to the workpiece and are available in various lengths and sections.

Here we look at the main technical specifications of the welding machines and give a detailed overview of each one.

Inverter welding machines stand out for their ability to adapt to different requirements for both professional and domestic use. Let us analyse how these machines can be used in various contexts, highlighting the differences between professional and hobbyist solutions.

Below is a detailed guide to help select the most suitable inverter welding machines according to different criteria and applications.

• Type of work: Identifying the type of work to be carried out is crucial. For example, heavy structural work requires robust MMA welding machines, while precision work on delicate materials requires TIG welding machines.
• Frequency of use: For frequent and intensive use, opt for three-phase or petrol-operated welding machines. For occasional use, a single-phase welding machine may be enough.
• Material to be welded: The main material to be worked on determines the choice. A TIG welding machine is ideal for stainless steel and aluminium. An MMA or MIG welding machine may be suitable for general ferrous materials.
• Working environment: Consider whether you will be working in a permanent location with mains access or in remote locations without power. Petrol-operated welding machines are perfect for locations without access to electricity.
• Available budget: Defining a budget helps to narrow down the options. MMA welding machines are generally cheaper compared to TIG and MIG/MAG, but the best value for money must be assessed according to requirements.
• Experience level: Beginners may prefer more simple and intuitive welding machines such as MMA, while professionals may opt for advanced models such as TIG or MIG/MAG with additional functions.
• Safety first: Always opt for models that offer safety accessories such as automatic helmets and durable gloves.

Purchasing a quality inverter welding machine means investing in reliability, performance and safety. Some of the best brands in the welding machine sector are available at AgriEuro, each with their own distinctive features. Here is a list of the main brands available and a brief description of each.

• Awelco professional welding machines: Production of robust and reliable welding machines. MMA and TIG electrode welding machines are appreciated for their build quality and durability, ideal for hobbyists and professionals alike.
• Helvi inverter welding machines: Known for innovative and technologically advanced welding machines. Helvi MIG/MAG welding machine offer superior performance and great versatility.
• Stanley welding machine: Long-standing brand in DIY. Stanley welding machines are reliable and easy to use, ideal for beginners and home use.
• Telwin inverter welding machine: A global leader in the production of welding machines. Telwin machines are robust and innovative, ideal for industrial and professional applications.
• Blackstone professional inverter welding machines: It offers great value for money. BlackStone welding machines are robust, reliable and easy to use, suitable for both domestic and professional use.
• Bull Mach welding machines: Specialising in professional welding solutions. BullMach welding machines are powerful and precise machines designed for intense working environments.

Choosing the right inverter welding machine on AgriEuro means relying on an experienced partner that offers a wide range of high-quality products suitable for every need. That is why it is worth purchasing on AgriEuro.co.uk:

• Fast and free shipping: Thanks to AgriEuro's logistics centres, orders are processed quickly and delivered at no extra cost.
• Spare parts always available: The possibility of ordering spare parts guarantees a long product life and work continuity.
• Attentive and personalized after-sales support: A team of experts is always on hand to offer support and advice to ensure every customer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

Purchasing on AgriEuro means benefitting from a complete and professional service, from product selection to after-sales support. Don't hesitate to explore the wide range of welding machines available and find the one that best suits your needs. Visit agrieuro.co.uk and see what's on offer today!

The welding machine works by heating two materials up to the melting point to join them together. There are several types of welding machines, including arc, gas, and resistance welding machines. The arc welding machine uses an electrode to create an electric arc that heats and melts materials. The gas welding machine uses a flame produced by the combustion of gases such as acetylene to melt the materials. The resistance welding machine uses the heat generated by the electrical resistance when a current passes through the materials to be welded.

The main steps in the operation of a welding machine are:

1. Ignition: The welding machine is switched on and reaches operating temperature.
2. Material preparation: The materials to be welded are cleaned and placed accordingly.
3. Welding: The welding machine applies heat to the materials by melting them together. A filler material can be used to improve the joint.
4. Cooling: The welded joint is left to cool and solidify, forming a strong joint.

The most common weld is the MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. This technique uses an electrode wire that is continuously fed through a welding torch. During the process, an inert gas such as argon protects the welding area from oxidation. MIG welding is widely used due to its versatility speed and user-friendliness. It is suitable for welding various materials including steel, aluminium and stainless steel and is commonly used in the automotive, manufacturing and construction industries.

Other popular types of welding include:

• TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding: It uses a tungsten electrode and an inert gas. It offers high-quality and precision welds.
• Shielded metal arc welding: It uses a consumable coated electrode to create the joint. It is simple and suitable for field work.

Some materials cannot be easily welded or require specific techniques due to their chemical, physical or thermal properties. For example:

• Non-metallic materials: Such as plastic, wood and ceramics that do not blend properly with traditional welding methods.
• Metals with high carbon content: They tend to crack and become brittle during rapid cooling.
• Aluminium without proper preparation: It requires thorough cleaning and the use of specific techniques, such as TIG welding, to prevent the formation of oxides that hinder proper joint formation.
• Cast iron: It has a tendency to crack due to its microcrystalline structure.

Aluminium is difficult to weld, mainly due to its high thermal conductivity and oxides formation. Aluminum rapidly transfers heat away from the welding area, making it difficult to maintain the temperature necessary for melting. Additionally, when exposed to air, aluminum forms a layer of aluminum oxide that has a much higher melting point than the metal itself and can prevent proper adhesion during welding.

Welding aluminium often requires thorough cleaning and the use of techniques such as TIG or MIG welding with specific gases to minimize oxidation and better control heat.

There are different welding techniques, each with their own specific characteristics and applications. The main techniques include:

• MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding: It uses a continuous electrode wire and an inert gas to protect the welding area from oxidation. It is versatile and suitable for various materials.
• TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding: It uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas such as argon. It provides high-quality and precise welds, ideal for thin materials.
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): It uses a consumable coated electrode that provides both the filler material and protection for the molten weld pool. It is simple and suitable for field work.
• Gas welding (oxyacetylene): It uses a flame produced by the combustion of acetylene and oxygen to melt the materials. It is versatile and can be used to cut metal.
• Resistance welding (spot welding): It uses the heat generated by electrical resistance to melt the materials. It is commonly used for welding thin sheet metal.
• Laser welding: It uses a laser beam to fuse materials with great precision and control. It is suitable for high-precision applications and hard-to-weld materials.

The most durable weld type depends on the material and the operating conditions. However, TIG welding is often considered one of the most durable techniques due to its ability to produce high quality welds and structural integrity. TIG welding offers:

• High Accuracy: Precise control of heat and filler material.
• No splashes: Reduces surface defects.
• Versatility: Suitable for both thin and thick materials, including stainless steels and aluminium.

Other durable types of welding include laser welding, which offers high-precision welds and penetration depths, and submerged-arc welding (SAW), which is ideal for large joints and structural applications.

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding welding differ in method, materials and applications:

Electrode:

• MIG: It uses a continuous electrode wire that wears off during welding.
• TIG: Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode.

Molten pool protection:

• MIG: It uses inert gases such as argon or a mixture of argon and CO2.
• TIG: It uses mainly pure argon.

Precision:

• MIG: It is faster and more suitable for large volumes and thicknesses.
• TIG: It provides high-quality and precise welds, ideal for thin materials.

Applications:

• MIG: Used in industries such as automotive, manufacturing and construction.
• TIG: Used for applications requiring high-quality finishes, such as in the aerospace industry and precious metal processing.

Electrode welding or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) uses a coated consumable electrode that serves as both filler material and protection for the molten pool. Operation involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: Cleaning and preparation of work pieces.
2. Arc ignition: The electrode is brought closer to the workpiece, and the electric arc ignites when current is applied.
3. Electrode fusion: The heat of the arc melts the electrode and workpieces, creating a molten pool.
4. Molten pool protection: The electrode coating decomposes, producing protective gases and slag that shield the molten weld pool from oxidation.
5. Solidification: The melting pool solidifies to form the welded seam. The slag is removed once it has cooled.

Shielded metal arc welding and continuous wire welding are two techniques used for different purposes and with different methods:

Electrode:

• Shielded metal arc welding: It uses a consumable coated electrode that serves as both filler material and protection for the molten pool.
• Continuous wire welding (MIG/MAG): It uses a continuous wire electrode that is automatically fed by the welding torch.

Molten pool protection:

• Shielded metal arc welding: The electrode coating produces protective gases and slag that cover the molten pool.
• Continuous wire welding: It uses a shielding gas, such as argon or a mixture of argon and CO2, which is delivered through the welding torch.

Speed and efficiency:

• Shielded metal arc welding: It is slower and requires more time to change worn electrodes.
• Continuous wire welding: It is faster and more efficient, ideal for large-scale production work.

Applications:

• Shielded metal arc welding: Suitable for field work and repairs where portability is important.
• Continuous wire welding: Mainly used in industrial environments for high-quality, long-life soldering.

The current required for a welding machine depends on the type of welding and the material to be welded. Generally, a welding machine should have:

• MIG/MAG welding: Between 60 and 180 Amps for light to medium work. Up to 250 Amps for heavier jobs.
• TIG welding: 10 to 200 Amps for thin materials. Up to 300 Amps for thicker materials.
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): 40 to 150 Amps for small diameter (2-4 mm) electrodes. Up to 400 Amps for large diameter (5-8 mm) electrodes.

The amount of Amps required to weld varies depending on several factors:

• Material type: Different metals require different currents. For example, mild steel requires fewer Amps compared to stainless steel or aluminium.
• Material thickness: The thicker the material, the more current is required. For thin materials, 30–80 Amps can be enough and for thick materials, up to 200-300 Amps or more can be required.
• Weld type: MIG/MAG TIG and electrode welding require different currents depending on method and application.

Arc welding requires a specific range of amperage depending on the type of arc welding used.:

• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): Typically requires between 40 and 400 Amps depending on electrode diameter and material type.
• Submerged arc welding (SAW): Requires between 200 and 600 Amps for heavy industrial applications.
• MIG/MAG welding: Requires between 60 and 250 Amps for light to medium duty applications.
• TIG welding: Requires between 10 and 300 Amps depending on material and thickness.

The optimal current must be selected based on the specific requirements of the project and the type of material to be welded.

Welding fumes are produced by the vaporization of metals and chemicals present in the electrodes, welding wires, and base materials. These vapours condense into fine particles suspended in the air, creating welding fumes. The main components of welding fumes include:

• Metal oxides: Such as iron oxide, zinc oxide and aluminium oxide, which form when metals are heated.
• Gas: These include ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which are by-products of chemical reactions during welding.
• Details: Metallic and non-metallic micro-particles that can be inhaled.

Inhaling welding fumes can have negative short-term and long-term health effects. The effects depend on the composition of the fumes and the duration of exposure. Possible consequences include:

• Respiratory tract irritation: Cough, throat irritation, bronchospasm.
• Flu-like symptoms: Nausea, headache, fever (known as "metal fumes fever").
• Chronic lung diseases: Such as chronic bronchitis and chemical pneumonia.
• Systemic effects: Extended exposure to heavy metals such as manganese and chromium can cause neurological and kidney damage.

During electric welding, various forms of radiation are emitted, including:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: They are particularly harmful to the eyes and can cause a painful condition known as photokeratitis or 'arc welder's eye'. This condition is similar to sunburn on the cornea and may cause intense pain, redness, tearing and sensitivity.
• Infrared (IR) radiation: They can cause thermal damage to the eyes, leading to blurred vision and, in extreme cases, cataracts.
• Visible radiation: These can also contribute to eye fatigue if proper protection is not used.

The use of welding helmets with appropriate filters is essential to protect the eyes and skin from harmful radiation.

To protect oneself during welding, it is essential to use an appropriate welding helmet. Welding helmets must provide protection against UV and IR radiation, sparks, and flying particles. Key features of welding helmets:

• Darkening filters: They must have a filter that automatically darkens the visor when the welding arc is struck. The filters have different shades of darkening that must be selected based on the type of welding and the current used.
• Full face protection: Helmets must completely cover the face to protect against sparks and particles.
• Comfort and adjustability: They must be adjustable to fit comfortably on the head and allow good visibility.

More advanced models include ventilation systems to reduce heat build-up and improve working comfort.