Welding machine-inverter - which is better? Firms, characteristics, prices

The method, in which metal parts of various kinds of products are joined at the seam, has been known for more than 100 years. Evolved welding machines quickly enough, but the principle of their work remained unchanged. The connection at their use is performed with the help of electrodes and AC power. The newest version of such equipment is a welding machine-inverter. Which is better to buy a tool of this type? We will talk about this later in the article.

What is the device-inverter

From old welding transformers and rectifiers, such equipment is distinguished primarily by an improved power circuit. The process of ignition of an electric arc in inverters is realized more easily than in old models. Thanks to this, these devices are characterized by maximum stable operation.

How it works

Easy to use - this is what distinguishes any welding machine-inverter. Which is better than the unit is suitable in this or that case - we'll talk about this a little later. First of all, let's look at the way in which such equipment functions.

The principle of operation of welding inverters is quite simple. The voltage applied to the device is pre-rectified. Then it is converted back to the variable with a simultaneous increase in frequency. The next step is to lower this parameter. Then the high-frequency voltage is again rectified. Such a technological solution made it possible to make the welding machine-inverter as compact and suitable for use at home.

Varieties

The inverter apparatuses are classified mainly on the basis of differences in the operating current characteristics. Today on sale are:

• Household appliances;

• Professional;

• Industrial.

Household inverters are small in size and not very expensive, but they are not designed for long-term load. That's why they are used mostly only at home or in the garage. The welding current index varies between 120-200 A. The optimal version of household equipment is considered by many as the one that is designed for 160 A.

Professional models are capable of delivering current from 200 to 300 A. Such inverters are usually used by workers of small and medium-sized companies of the corresponding specialization. This type of equipment can be used, including for long loads. With the help of such a device it is possible, for example, to weld communication pipes or to perform installation work. In industrial devices, the current index varies between 250-500 A. Such aggregates can be not only single-phase, but also three-phase.

What to look for when buying

What should be taken into account when choosing a welding machine-inverter? What is the best time to purchase the unit? The answer to this question may depend on such factors as:

• Strength of the output current;

• Phase of the device;

• Wire feeding method;

• Range of electrode diameter values;

• Brand of equipment.

In order to correctly choose a version of the device, you first need to determine the tasks that will be subsequently solved with its help. Conventional household inverters are designed for no more than 10-30 minutes of welding. After this, you need to arrange a break. If such a performance is not enough, it is, of course, worthwhile to purchase a more powerful professional inverter welding machine. The price for such models, of course, is higher than for household ones. However, at the same time, they can be used to carry out much more complex welding operations.

Among other things, when choosing an inverter, it is worth taking into account the stability of the network in the house. The worse the voltage quality, the higher the welding current is required. Owners of houses built in those areas where the power lines do not give a stable voltage of 220 V, it is worth considering the purchase of a device that produces a current of not less than 200 A.

Household models of inverter welding machines are usually used for working with a metal not more than 4 mm thick. In this case, electrodes with a diameter of about 2.5 mm are used. If you want to work with thicker material, you should buy a professional inverter instead of a household one. On such models it is possible to use electrodes of a larger diameter.

The best brands

The brand of the manufacturer is, of course, also something that is worth paying attention to when choosing a welding machine-inverter. What is the best version of the equipment for this feature in this or that case is a relatively uncomfortable issue. Almost all the brands of inverters available at the moment are very good quality. Moreover, both imported and domestic equipment of this type deserved good reviews. But, of course, there are in the modern market, including the brands of vehicles that are very popular. These include, for example, models of foreign production Fubag, as well as domestic inverters "Svarog" and "Resanta".

Fubag units: specifications and reviews

Professional apparatus of this manufacturer can be used to perform welding operations of any complexity. The most popular model of the company Fubag is IR 200. This inverter is characterized by high current (200 A) and a wide range of operating voltages (from 150 V). Among other things, it has such functions as anti-adhesion, hot start and afterburning of the arc.

Ease of use is what the welding machine-inverter reviews deserve in the first place . The work on the connection of metal parts with its application can even beginner. Some complaints from consumers this model deserved only for a low coefficient of PV (40%). When operating at the maximum current using this inverter, breaks (for 6 minutes) must be done every 4 minutes.

Svarog: reviews and features

The devices of this brand are praised primarily for the stability of the operating mode, reliability and quietness. Also, they deserve good customer reviews for high efficiency and low demand for quality of voltage. The most popular are two models of this manufacturer - ARC 250 and EASY MIG 160. What specific technical characteristics are the welding machine-inverter "Svarog" ARC 250 and model EASY MIG 160 of this manufacturer, can be found in the table below.

As you can see, "Svarog ARC 250" is a very convenient and at the same time productive inverter welding machine. 220V - this voltage is required for him to work. And consequently, it is very convenient to use it in the country or, for example, in the garage. The same goes for the EASY MIG model. This device is also quite handy in work and productive. However, its power is slightly less than the ARC 250 and costs less.

Models of "Resanta"

Inverters of this brand are appreciated by consumers primarily for good performance at a not too high cost. The most popular model of this manufacturer is the welding machine-inverter "Resanta Sai-220". Technical characteristics of him are:

• The rated current is 10-220 A;

• Weight - 4.9 kg;

• The required voltage is 220 V;

• Idling voltage is 80 V.

The maximum electrode diameter for this model is 5 mm.

How to choose a welding machine-inverter? Price of issue

It is worth such modern equipment is slightly more expensive than obsolete transformer models. But also to make welding work with its use is much more convenient. The price for the popular model "Svarog" ARC 250, for example, is 30 -45 thousand rubles. The EASY MIG 160 machines cost about 30-35 thousand rubles. For the model Fubag IR 200, as for less productive, suppliers usually ask for about 10-12 thousand rubles. However, if you want, you can pick up such equipment for 9-9.5 thousand rubles. Welding machines "Resanta Sai-220" cost 8-11 thousand rubles, depending on the region of supply.