Lincoln Aspect 200
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This is a restricted use machine. You must be specifically trained before using this equipment. Review the self-directed learning information on this page and book in for in-person training with a member of technical staff. |
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Missing Safety Information This machine or process is currently missing safety information. Please make sure you check the risk assessments and datasheets in person - ask a member of technical staff if you are unsure. |
This TIG welder is capable of supplying up to 200 amps of welding current, and can weld in both AC and DC modes. It is capable of also working as a stick/arc welder but the welding space in the Morson Engine Room is not suited for this process.
Safety
Welding is an inherently risky process involving electricity and very high temperatures - you are literally melting steel.
People with heart conditions, a pacemaker, or similar should consult with their GP or cardiology consultant before starting welding to make sure they won't have any problems.
- Review the SSW for TIG welding before starting work.
- Materials you have just been working on are exceptionally hot. The TIG welding gloves are to protect you against incidental heat only - they aren't heat proof gloves! Use pliers or other hand tools to carefully move work around.
Training
TIG welding is a precision welding process that can take a long time to master fully. It's more than possible to learn enough to get started with basic projects in a few hours though, so it's definitely worth giving it a go. The technical staff can give you some pointers, but keep in mind they aren't trained welders so you will have to do some of your own research, and spend a lot of time in the welding bay practicing!
To book training on this machine please complete the training request form.
If you're an experienced welder already please complete the form anyway, we need to show you a few things about our setup and check off the induction form.
Power Up and Power Down
There's a specific process for preparing the TIG welder and supplemental equipment for work.
Power Up and Power Down (TIG Welding)
Welding Area
There is one specific area for welding in the Maker Space, located in the Morson Engine Room next to the waterjet pump. The curtains must be closed fully when welding, and anything that doesn't fit in this space can't be welded in the Maker Space.
Leave the welding table clean when you have finished work, sweep up any dirt or dust and place any short lengths of filler rod in the remnants box. Longer pieces of filler should have their ends bent into a hook and left in the relevant filler rod tube.
Oversized Welding
Staff in the School of Science, Engineering & Environment who are competent and experienced with welding processes may be able to arrange with the Civil Engineering department to use their welding area, but this is not guaranteed and must be arranged with the Civil Engineering technicians directly. This additional space is not available for use by students.
Usage Information
Welding Current
The torch currently attached to the machine will not cope with the full 200A of current for very long - it's rated up to a maximum of 100A continuous use. If you need to use the higher current capabilities of this machine please ask a member of technical staff.
Filler Rod
We have a variety of different filler rods available, in a few diameters. Some are general purpose, but others must be used with a specific material or type of material. Ask a member of technical staff if you need help selecting the right type of filler.
Argon Cylinder
You are not expected (or permitted) to move argon cylinder around or change over regulators yourself - staff will do this for you. If the argon is running low, ask a member of technical staff to help resolve the problem. If you finish a cylinder tell someone!
Shielding Gas Flow Rate
The flow rate on the argon regulator should be set between 6 and 10 litres per minute. Adjust it depending on the type of weld you are trying to perform. Outside corner joint? Probably need more gas as it will be flowing away without restriction. Inside corner joint? Reduce the flow because the argon will be trapped nicely in the joint.
More gas doesn't necessarily mean better coverage - blasting a large amount of fast moving argon at the weld can entrain normal air in the flow and cause unwanted oxidation.
AC vs DC mode
For most welding you will be using Direct Current (DC) mode. If you are welding aluminium you will be using Alternating Current (AC) mode, as this helps clean the oxide layer from the surface of the material as you are welding. If there's a high pitched buzzing sound when welding you are probably in AC mode .
Press the AC/DC mode selector button on the control panel to switch between the two modes.
2T vs 4T mode
We do not currently have a foot-pedal to control the arc - only the button on the torch handle. There are two modes of operation for this button.
- 2T mode - the arc is lit when the button is pressed.
- 4T mode - Pressing the button starts the arc. Pressing it again extinguishes the arc. There may be a period of ramp-up and ramp down at a lower amperage depending on the way the welder has been configured. This lower amperage level can be sustained by holding the button. Review the operators manual for more information on this operation mode.
Press the 2T/4T mode selector button on the control panel to switch between the two modes.