Working with a Welding Power Supply Manufacturer
Power supplies utilized in welding work are unique to that specific field. When power supplies for welding are required, it is important to work with a Power Supply Manufacturer who understands and can fulfill this specific type of power supply need.
What is a Welding Power Supply
A welding power supply is a device that provides an electric current to perform welding. Unlike other standard pieces of equipment, welding requires a very high current of over 80 amperes and up to 12,000 amps for spot welding purposes. If gas tungsten arc welding is being completed, currents as low as five amps could be required.
A power supply specialized for welding needs provided by a power supply manufacturer can be a simple as a car battery or as complex as the most modern equipment. Welding machinery is often classified as either constant current (CC) or constant voltage (CV). A CC varies the output voltage to maintain a steady current and is used in shielded metal arc welding. A CV will fluctuate its output current to maintain a set voltage and is used in gas metal arc welding and flux-cored arc welding.
Working with a Welding Power Supply Manufacturer
Companies that can provide power supplies for welding will understand the unique needs of this piece of equipment. A power supply manufacturer will be able to provide three different welding power supply designs:
Transformer: A transformer-style welding power supply will convert high voltage and low current electricity into a high current and low voltage required for the welding equipment. This is usually between 17 and 45 volts and 55 to 590 amps.
Generator and Alternator: Generators and alternators are used in welding power supplies to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Newer welding power supply designs are typically driven by an internal combustion engine.
Inverter: Inverters (also called “inverter welding units”) are capable of handling the high loads associated with arc welding through the use of high-power semiconductors. They first convert AC power to DC power and then invert the DC power into a stepdown-type transformer to provide the appropriate welding voltage. The switching frequency is usually 10,000 Hz or higher.
A power supply manufacturer will understand the intricacies and differences of each of these welding power supply designs and their applications so they can ensure the proper manufacturing and safe use of welding equipment.
