Controls & Transformers
Questions and Answers
In the case of press welders controls are usually located on the machine or nearby on a permanent stand or mount. Frequently they are mounted so they can be accessed by the operator standing in the front of the machine but sometimes they are mounted on the side of the main body of the machine.
The weld control manages many functions. Its main function is to initiate or control the functions of pressure, current and time. It initiates the start of the weld sequence at the desired time by closing the electrodes and initiating the force/pressure buildup. At the desired time it turns on the current at the proper level for the desired time and then turns it off. The pressure is maintained until the part has cooled and then pressure is removed. The squeeze, weld, hold, off sequence is complete and the control is ready for another weld sequence.
Alternating current is the standard current in North America that is transmitted with a positive and negative half cycle. There are 60 cycles per second.
Weld controls can be incorporated into automated weld cells and take their initiation signals from the numerical control center of the cell. The weld control will control the actual weld functions being performed within the time allotted by the NC center. Weld controls are capable of sending whatever data is needed back to the NC center to record that the functions are complete or data generated during the operation.
Reference: RWMA - Resistance Welding Manual 4th Edition
Weld controls have the capability to handle a modest number of machine control functions. They are capable of functioning as the weld control and machine control for small cells with a modest number of non-weld functions.
Reference: RWMA - Resistance Welding Manual 4th Edition
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