Oscillator - what is it? The operating principle of the oscillator

Oscillator is a welding device, which facilitates carrying out the corresponding work with elements made of aluminum, another color and stainless steel. Such a device helps to effectively set fire to the welding arc and maintain its stability. The device has both production and household applications.

How is the unit arranged?

The oscillator, the principle of operation of which consists in the formation of a recharging capacitor by a high-frequency transformer and maintenance of a further specific arc value, consists of the following elements:

• A step-up low-frequency transformer (PT) with a secondary voltage of 2-3 kW.
• Discharger (transfer device).
• Inductive circuit of oscillations.
• Working capacity.
• The blocking capacitor.
• Safety winding.

Through the last element, the high frequency oscillation capacitor touches the arc formation. In it, the power supply voltage is not shunted. The throttle, which interacts with the working circuit, acts as a winding insulator in the apparatus from breakdown. Most often used cooking oscillators, whose power is 250-300 watts. The pulse duration is literally a tenth of a second.

Pulse devices

Oscillator is a device that is divided into two types. The device with pulsed power supply makes it possible to provoke its constancy at an alternating current at the initial occurrence of the arc. When welding, fluctuations in the current used may occur, which can sometimes lead to a deterioration in the quality of work. To avoid this, the oscillators are synchronized.

Often, pulse- type generators are used to drive a non-contact arc, in which there are accumulated reservoirs that are recharged from a special device. Taking into account the fact that the phase change of the welding current in the working process is not always stable, for the organization of reliable functionality of the generator, a device is needed that synchronizes the discharge of the capacitor in those cases when the current from the arc passes through zero.

On alternating current, the oscillator is used for welding both conventional electrodes and elements used for working with stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and argon treatment.

Units of continuous operation

Such devices function synchronously with the supply source. The process of excitation occurs by imposing on the current-carrying parts of high voltage and frequency. This current does not pose a danger to the worker, but it can excite the welding arc without contacting the electrode and the object being processed, and due to the high frequency, sufficient arc burning is maintained.

Oscillator, whose types have a serial connection, are considered more effective. It does not require the activation of a special protective system in the source circuit from excessive voltage. The coil is connected in series to the arc. During operation, the arrester emits a soft crackle.

When the unit is switched off from the mains with an adjusting screw, it is possible to correct the spark gap in the range from 1.5 to 2 millimeters. Installation of such equipment should be trusted by specialists, since unprofessional installation can threaten the health and life of the employee operating the device.

Operational conditions

Oscillator is an instrument, registration of which is required in the bodies of inspection of telecommunications. Other conditions of operation include such requirements and opportunities:

• The unit can be used indoors and outdoors.
• In the case of rain and snow, it is forbidden to operate the appliance outdoors.
• The temperature regime of functioning is in the range from minus ten to plus forty degrees.
• Operation of the device is allowed at atmospheric pressure from 85 to 106 kPa and humidity not higher than 98 percent.
• Categorically it is not recommended to use the device in dusty rooms, especially where corrosive gases or vapors are contained.
• Before starting work, it is necessary to take care of reliable grounding.

Security

To understand what an oscillator is, why it is necessary, it is necessary to have the minimum skills of a welder. The main differences between the devices under consideration and the principle of their operation are given above. When working with similar devices, certain safety measures must be observed.

It is necessary to constantly check the correctness of the connection in the welding chain and check the contacts for serviceability. In addition, you should work with a protective casing, which you need to take off and put on when the unit is turned off. Also it is necessary to periodically check the condition of the surface of the arrester (clean it with sandpaper from the deposit).

Where to buy?

Oscillator is a device that can be bought in specialized stores or made by hand. Self-manufacturing requires knowledge of the connection of electrical circuits and the correct selection of components, the main of which is a high-voltage transformer.

Make a homemade model is possible by the most simple scheme. The set includes a regulating voltage (from 220 to 3000 V), a transformer and a spark gap that can withstand the passage of a powerful electric spark.

The device is controlled by means of a button synchronously activating the arrester and supplying shielding gas to the welding area. Directly high frequency pulses, ensuring the efficiency of the process, are generated by a spark gap and a transformer having a high voltage. At the output, such a device has positive and negative contacts. The first supplies currents from the transformer, is connected to the burner of the welding unit, the second - directly to the processed elements.

Features

In order to independently produce this equipment, which significantly facilitates the welding of parts from non-ferrous metals and stainless steel, it is enough to have a minimum knowledge of electrical engineering and skills of assembling electrical devices.

The main thing that must be considered when assembling and using a self-made oscillator is strict adherence to safety precautions when operating electrical appliances. It is important to adhere to the correct assembly of electrical circuits, and also to apply for this only those elements that have optimal characteristics.

Conclusion

Welding device oscillator, what it is, was discussed above. In general, you can designate it as a device that allows you to create a working arc without touching the surface of the processed components with the electrode. It also provides arc stability.

Such functionality of the unit is ensured by the fact that the electric current coming from the welding equipment interacts with a similar value of high frequency and a large voltage index. Especially significant help from the device in question is observed when working with color and stainless steel. The big plus is the moment that the oscillator can be assembled by oneself, without having at the same time superpowers and knowledge of the structure and placement of the elements of electrical appliances.