Rating of welding inverters (2014). Welding inverters: reliability rating

Due to the development of inverter technologies, welding machines have become more compact and economical, and thanks to their versatility and convenience, even beginners can use them. You can meet such machines in garages, and in private workshops. The high and fairly stable demand for such welding machines makes brands constantly improve their products, democratize prices and develop related services.

To get a really good arc or automatic inverter that could be used at home, at work or in the same dacha, where stable 220 V is not always there, is a difficult task. Let's try to designate the most successful and popular welding inverters (reliability rating and the list of the best you will find in our article). In the calculation will be taken the opinions of experts in this field and reviews of ordinary owners of such devices.

The best welding inverters (rating):

• FUBAG IR 200.
• "Svarog" ARC 205 (J96).
• Aurora OVERMAN 180.

All the devices have repeatedly visited exhibitions and earned respect both in professional and amateur environments.

FUBAG IR 200

This model was included in the rating of welding inverters due to the high maximum current at the output of 200 amperes and the ability to cut and weld metal with electrodes of all types (up to 5 mm). Also, the device distinguished itself by a rather wide spread of working stress, which makes it more versatile.

It is also worth noting that the effective operation of the inverter is maintained even with a voltage drop of up to 150 V, and this is likely to be appreciated by rural residents and garage masters. For more flexible use of the device, it additionally has anti-stick function, hot start and arc boosting.

Features of the device

The model was presented at the exhibition of building technologies in Moscow and won first place in the list of the best hand-held arc welding machines (rating of welding inverters 2014).

The only negative that experts and owners could not see was a small value of the PV index - only 40%. That is, while working at maximum current, the device should rest at least five minutes every four minutes. For small garage workshops, this may not be so important, but for professional welders this can be a critical moment when choosing a machine.

Pros of the model:

• High maximum current;
• Maintains the inverter's performance when the voltage drops;
• Availability of additional modes facilitating welding.

Minuses:

• Continuous work lasts only four minutes.

The approximate price is 10 200 rubles.

"Svarog ARC 205" (J96)

The model got into the rating of welding inverters due to its versatility. The apparatus of the Russian-Chinese brand "Svarog" can be used not only for arc operations of the MMA type, but also for argon (TIG). However, it should be noted immediately that this inverter can not fully replace the devices for argon-arc welding, since it lacks an AC mode such as TIG AC (work with aluminum alloys).

It is also superfluous to note that, despite Russian-Chinese production, the Svarog machines are very reliable welding inverters (the reliability rating of the model line does not leave the top five).

Features of the model

The device in both modes (arc and argon) has a maximum welding current of 180 amperes. Despite such a seemingly modest indicator, the duration of continuous operation (coefficient PV) fluctuates within 60%. The figure is almost the same as that of venerable and expensive competitors in the same segment.

The only fly in the fly is a small spread of working stresses: 187-253 V. It can be difficult to work in garages or private workshops with high current. To facilitate the exploitation of newcomers, there are additionally provided schemes "anti-adhesion" and "hot start". The owners speak very warmly of the model, especially those who have just started welding. They appreciated the universality of Svarog and its reliability along with a democratic price.

Advantages of the device:

• Combination of argon medium with arc welding;
• Easy and quick arc ignition;
• Relatively high duration of work at high loads.

Disadvantages:

• The device requires an exceptionally stable voltage.

Estimated price is 14 500 rubles.

Aurora OVERMAN 180

In the rating of welding inverters for the house "Aurora" got due to the democratic price and flexible characteristics, coupled with good reliability indicators. Model 180 is the most popular among the entire amateur lineup of "Overman". The domestic consumer, along with experts, speaks very warmly about this semiautomatic device.

Also in the rating of welding inverters the device got at the expense of its economy - its power is only 4.7 kW at a maximum current of 175 amperes. The model is easily controlled with any wire diameter not exceeding 1 mm. Unlike similar devices for semi-automatic works, the Aurora has a manual adjustment of the hardness of the current-voltage characteristics (inductance). Due to this feature welding for both thin and massive parts is much more convenient (soft or hard adjustment of the I-V characteristic).

Inverter Features

Welding inverters whose safety and reliability rating are presented to your attention, in contrast to the Aurora, have an unregulated post-gas time, therefore, to protect and cool the seam, carbon dioxide still enters the sleeve about 1-2 seconds after the work is finished, and this adds significantly Reliability of the device. For a more comfortable refueling designers have provided accelerated broach, which is activated if necessary by a special button on the control panel.

In the rating of welding inverters, the model also fell due to intelligent electronics. Instead of the usual wire feed speed adjusters, a competent toggle switch is installed "fast-slow", which is very convenient for beginners. Professional welders sometimes complain about this automation, as they are accustomed to thoroughly regulate the entire process of work. But otherwise the reliability and convenience of the device they were quite satisfied.

Pros of the model:

• Obvious economy of the device;
• The welding arc has wide and flexible settings;
• Safety and reliability of the model.

Minuses:

• There is no manual wire feed adjustment (critical for professionals).

Approximate price - 26 000 rubles.