NA-3 Automatic Wire Feeder

B-7

OPERATION

Return to Section TOC

Return to Master TOC

1.Set the DC-400 OUTPUT CONTROL switch to “Remote.”

NOTE: Later model NA-3 automatic wire feeders are capable of cold starts when the NA-3 Mode switch is in the CV or CC mode posi- tion. Some earlier models are capable of cold starting only in the CC mode position. Cold starting enables you to inch the wire down to the work, automatically stop, and automatically energize the flux hopper valve. The cold start feature requires the factory installed diode option. See the Accessories section.

2.Set the DC-400 welding MODE switch for the desired process: CV Submerged Arc, CV FCAW/GMAW mode or CC mode.

3.Set the NA-3 mode switch position to either CV or CC to match the DC-400 mode selected in step 2.

4.Set the OUTPUT CONTROL switch to “Remote.”

5.Set the OUTPUT TERMINALS switch to “Remote.”

6.For CC welding, set the ARC FORCE CONTROL to midrange, 5-6. After welding starts, adjust as nec- essary.

7.For CV FCAW/GMAW welding, set the ARC CON- TROL to midrange, 3. After welding starts, adjust as necessary.

8.Refer to the NA-3 operator’s manual for instructions on how to use the NA-3 in conjunction with the DC- 400.

9.Follow the guidelines for good arc striking detailed below for each welding mode.

GOOD ARC STRIKING GUIDELINES FOR THE NA-3 WITH THE IDEALARC DC-400 IN THE CV FCAW/GMAW, CV SUBMERGED ARC OR STICK/TIG CC WELDING MODES.

Following are some basic arc striking techniques that apply to all wire feed processes. Using these proce- dures should provide trouble-free starting. These pro- cedures apply to single, solid wires and Innershield wires.

1.Cut the electrode to a sharp point.

2.Set the NA-3 Open Circuit Voltage Control to the same dial setting as the Arc Voltage Control. If this is a new welding procedure, a good starting point is to set the Open Circuit Voltage Control to #6.

NOTE: The open circuit voltage of the Idealarc DC-400 varies from apporximately 12 volts to 45 volts in the CV FCAW/GMAW or CV Submerged Arc modes. The open circuit voltage is constant in the CC mode.

3.Run a test weld. Set proper current, voltage, and travel speed.

a.For the best starting performance, the NA-3 Open Circuit Voltage Control and Voltage Control setting should be the same. Set the Inch Speed Control for the slowest inch speed possible.

b.To adjust the Open Circuit Voltage Control to get the best starting performance, make repeated starts observing the NA-3 voltmeter.

When the voltmeter pointer swings smoothly up to the desired arc voltage, without undershooting or overshooting the desired arc voltage, the Open Circuit Voltage Control is set properly.

If the voltmeter pointer overshoots the desired voltage and then returns to the desired voltage, the Open Circuit Voltage Control is set too high. This can result in a bad start where the wire tends to “blast off.”

If the voltmeter pointer hesitates before coming up to the desired voltage, the Open Circuit Voltage Control is set too low. This can cause the elec- trode to stub.

4.Start and make the weld.

a.Cold starts. For cold starts, be sure the work piece is clean and the electrode makes posi- tive contact with the work piece.

b.Hot “On the Fly” starts. For hot starts, travel should begin before the wire contacts the work piece.

ARC STRIKING WITH THE NA-3 START BOARD

When electrical stickouts exceed 1-3/4” (44.4 mm) an NA-3 Start Board may be required to improve arc strik- ing.

When the NA-3 Start Board is used to improve arc striking, use the following procedures:

1.Set start time at 0.

2.Set NA-3 start current and start voltage at mid- range.

3.Set the NA-3 output current and voltage to the proper settings for the welding procedure to be used.

IDEALARC DC-400

LINCOLN ®

ELECTRIC