Lincoln Electric MC240, M332, M340, MC232 Using Waveform Control, Waveform Control Software

Waveform Control Technology	TECHNOLOGY
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Using Waveform Control

The amount of current applied in varying time intervals can be charted as a waveform. This waveform characterizes the weld output. Changing specific values during specific periods of the waveform directly affects the characteristics of the weld. Lincoln Waveform Control Technology Welding Systems use high-speed electronics to monitor the electrical signals from the welding arc and make appropriate changes to the current waveform. All the desired factors which control the welding arc from “arc start to arc stop” are written in software. Changes to the waveform can be made in real-time, (that is, during the weld), or after the weld if it is evident that the weld does not meet requirements.

Arc Control: Controlling the Waveform

Waveform Control Technology Welding Systems provide the operators with a simple control knob, “Arc Control”, also known as “Inductance” or “Wave Control”. It allows the operator to vary the arc characteristics from “soft” to “crisp” in most weld modes. It is adjustable from -10.0 to +10.0, with a nominal setting of 00.0. The following are descriptions of the arc control functions for different weld processes.

Arc Force - (SMAW)

Range: -10 (soft) to +10 (crisp)

Arc force adjusts the short circuit current for a soft arc, or a forceful driving arc, to prevent sticking and shorting of electrodes. Arc force is especially effective for the

root pass on pipe with a stainless electrode, and helps minimize spatter.

Pinch - (GMAW CV)

Range: -10 (soft) to +10 (crisp)

Pinch controls the current applied at a short circuit during short arc welding.

Frequency Modulation - (GMAW-PP)

Range: -10 (low frequency) to +10 (high frequency) Frequency Modulation controls the spacing of the ripples in

the pulse-on-pulse weld. Low frequency modulation is used for slow travel speeds, while high frequency modulation is used for narrower welds.

Pulse Frequency - (GMAW-P)

Range: -10 (low frequency) to +10 (high frequency) Pulse frequency controls arc “stiffness” The lower the

frequency of the pulse, the wider and softer the arc.

Trim - (Synergic GMAW, GMAW-P)

Range: 0.5 to 1.5

Trim controls the length of the arc. Trim values less than 1.00 decrease the arc length, while values greater than 1.00 increase the arc length.

Waveform Control

Software

WaveDesigner

Lincoln Electric created the Wave Designer software program to simplify the operator’s experience with controlling various attributes of the waveform. Wave Designer is a tool that allows the manipulation of current waveforms and arc characteristics with a live welding arc. It can also monitor and analyze the critical parameters of the actual waveform at high resolution.

ArcScope

The ArcScope utility allows the operator to view the actual arc voltage in real-time. This provides the necessary information to manipulate the arc characteristics to achieve a quality weld.

Custom Waveforms

Customized welding software means even the most difficult materials can be welded with the Power Feed/Power Wave system. Copper, Nickel, and Silicon Bronze are a few of the unusual alloys the Waveform Control system welds with ease when special software is loaded. Lincoln Electric will build custom waveforms for those customers experiencing difficulty with unique materials or joint configurations.

Wave Designer and ArcScope display real-time readouts of welding arc activity.

T h e f u t u r e o f w e l d i n g i s h e r e . ®