Welding plasma: technology, the principle of work and feedback. Plasma welding by yourself

Every year the pace of industrial development is increasing. This leads to the introduction of new technologies and methods of manufacturing certain products. At the same time, innovations should not only be more effective than morally outdated methods, but also not yield to the economic feasibility and safety of work. Let's talk about what plasma welding is. It appeared relatively recently, but is already very actively used in many industries.

About plasma welding

This method of connection is used for metal pipes, stainless steel and some other materials. The essence of the method lies in local melting with the direction of the plasma flow to the desired site. The plasma is an ionized gas stream, which contains a lot of charged particles actively conducting an electric current. When heated, ionization of the gas takes place, which is achieved by using a high-speed arc that exits directly from the plasma torch. Naturally, as the gas temperature rises, the degree of ionization increases. The temperature amplitude of the arc is not less than 5 and not more than 30 thousand degrees Celsius. Of course, today plasma welding is used everywhere, but equipment, in particular plasma torch, is very expensive. In this way, you can connect parts without cutting the edges, which is very convenient.

Principle of operation

Plasma welding is possible only if it is possible to obtain a plasma arc from an ordinary arc. This is usually achieved by compression and by means of a system of forced supply of special gas to the arc. Argon with a small amount of helium or hydrogen is used as a plasma-forming gas. It is extremely important to create a protective shell around the electrode; for these purposes, the same argon is best suited. By the way, the electrodes are made of tungsten, activated by thorium or yttrium. It is worth noting that the walls of the plasma torch are heated strongly because of high pressure, so they need to be constantly cooled. From the foregoing, it can be concluded that plasma welding is remarkable for high temperature in combination with a small arc diameter. The last parameter allows you to increase the pressure on the metal several times. In addition, the process is maintained at a small current of 0.2-3.0 Ampere.

Plasma welding by yourself

At first, this kind of welding was not used among domestic craftsmen, since it required high qualification. Today the situation has not changed dramatically. Nevertheless, there are welding machines that are suitable for use in domestic conditions. The technology in this case is quite simple. You will need to acquire a special welding machine, electrodes and filler wire.

Before starting work, the electrode should be sharpened to a conical shape with an angle of no more than 30 degrees. It is extremely important to install the electrode correctly. The main thing is to monitor the coincidence of the electrode axis with the axis of the gas-forming nozzles. The welding joint is treated in exactly the same way as in the case of argon welding. The edges are cleaned and degreased, only after that you can start work. By the way, pay attention to the absence of gaps of more than 1.5 mm. The parts of the tack should be further cleaned and ensure that the tack welds and welding seam are of similar quality.

We continue the work

Plasma welding with their own hands is carried out at a constant current, the value of which should not leave the recommended range. In addition, for 5-20 seconds before the welding begins, a shielding gas is supplied, which turns off approximately 10-15 seconds after the arc breaks. During operation, the plasma torch should be no more than 1 cm from the product, and it is advisable not to break the arc until the end of the seam. When welding, do not overheat the metal. After reaching the critical mark, plasma welding is suspended. The metal is cooled by compressed air, and only after this work is renewed. Pay attention to the fact that the burner should move smoothly and evenly, as on an automatic device. In this case, you can count on a really qualitative and reliable seam.

Plasma welding "Gorynych": price and features

Multifunctional welding machine "Gorynych" is one of the most famous among domestic devices. You can say that this is really a quality product, thanks to which you can independently carry out welding work. It should be noted that the model range of "Gorynychy" differs in power. There are models for 8, 10 and 12 amperes. The first option is perfect for domestic needs, the average has an excellent price / performance ratio, and the most powerful "Gorynych" is used only by professionals. So, the 8 amp model will cost 29 thousand, 10 A - 30 thousand, and 12 A - 33,000 rubles. In principle, the plasma welding "Gorynych", whose price is lower than that of foreign analogues, is very popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries.

Plasma welding machine

If previously it was very difficult to find a suitable model, today there are no problems with this. As a rule, the plasma welding machine can be found in any specialized store. You will be pleasantly surprised by the large selection of the offered units. But they are all much more expensive than electric welding and inverters. Plasma on the background of other options looks very profitable. First, the speed of the work performed is several times higher, and secondly, there is practically no waste left. Plasma welding requires electricity and compressed air, and in the presence of a special compressor - only a connection to the network. Periodic replacement of the nozzle burner and electrode. In addition, the plasmatron should be refueled regularly. To do this, use special cylinders. Interestingly, plasma cutting and welding are considered the safest. Nevertheless, it is desirable to conduct work in the open air or in a well ventilated room.

Welding on average current

We already know a little about what plasma welding is. The price of equipment, as you can see, depends on its capacity. But you should pay attention to the fact that there are several types of welding. One of them is work on an average current (50-150 Ampere). Such welding can be compared with argon, but it is considered somewhat more efficient, since the arc power is higher and the heating area is limited. This option, in comparison with the traditional arc, allows to increase the depth of melting of the processed metal and to improve the transfer of heat into the layers. In principle, this is due not only to the energy performance, but also to the high pressure on the welding baths. Welding on the average current is carried out with the help of a filler wire. To date, this is a very in demand and effective solution. If you are going to work at home, you will need this kind of plasma welding. The price of equipment will not differ, since there is a possibility of adjustment.

Welding at high current

In this case, the work proceeds under a current of more than 150 Amperes. This is necessary to obtain a greater effect on the metal. In fact, welding at 150 A is similar to welding at the same temperature with a non-consumable electrode. A distinctive feature of this solution is that during the work, a through hole in the bath is formed, which guarantees a complete penetration of the treated surface. But it is very important to observe the technology, because with careless attitude it is possible to easily get burns. In addition, other important parameters must be observed: cooling of the plasma torch and its storage conditions, periodic replacement of the burner nozzle, refueling and much more. In principle, the instruction is written for a reason, and the requirements must be observed. Typically, a plasma welding and cutting machine, operating at high current, is necessary for the connection of alloyed and low-carbon steels, copper, titanium, and other materials.

Feedback from professionals and beginners

So we have considered this topic with you. As you can see, plasma welding is quite interesting and effective. This is the subject of numerous responses. Professional welders say that where it is not possible to use argon welding , only plasma is suitable. Beginners also note that this type of reception of welded joints is good not only for its speed, but also for high quality of the seam.

In addition, the performance of all work in compliance with the rules of operation is completely safe. If you are going to be engaged in welding at home, the apparatus "Gorynych" is suitable. This technique from the domestic manufacturer is considered very high quality and at the same time has a very affordable price. Of course, the price compared to welding inverters may seem sky-high, but you have to pay for quality. By the way, plasma welding "Gorynych" allows you to carry out all the installation work quite simply. But first, you need to carefully read the instructions and prepare for the first use. Your first experience will seem very unusual, but in time you will see that the quality of the seam is at a professional level.