Lincoln Electric Welding Inverter and Chopper manual What is, Inverter Technology?

P O W E R E L E C T R O N I C S T E C H N O L O G Y

TECHNOLOGY

Inverter Technology		2/8
What is
	Inverter Technology

Inverter Technology?

Inverter-based welding power sources operate at frequencies above 20 kHz, whereas traditional power sources operate at a line frequency

of 50 or 60 Hz. Some of the advantages an inverter has are smaller magnetic components (chokes and transformers), higher efficiency, and a fast response to the welding arc.

The Invertec® V350-PRO

Inverter Technology is

showcased in Lincoln’s The Power Wave® 455M/STT Invertec® V350-PRO, and

Power Wave® welding systems

Inverter power sources were first introduced into the welding industry in the early 1980s. The initial attraction of the inverter was its small size and easy portability. For example, a rectifier-based machine, like the Lincoln CV305, weighs four times more than the Invertec V350-PRO. Less space is needed and the inverter unit is easily moved around the job site. As the popularity and reliability of

The Power Wave® 355M

the inverter increased, the capabilities were expanded. Inverters are now designed for many different processes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, and are capable of operating in

The Power Wave® AC/DC 1000™

extreme environments. Over the last decade, Lincoln Electric has invested heavily in developing inverter technology, producing highly reliable inverter machines.

How	The DC power is inverted into high-frequency AC power,	The current is “smoothed”
	using semiconductor switches above 20 kHz. High-speed
Inverter Works	switching improves welding. Switching above 20 kHz	by a rectifying and
	improves efficiency, reduces weight, and is above the	filtering circuit to make it
	maximum frequency people can hear. Digital controls	suitable for welding.
	dictate the switching rate of the transistors.

Incoming 50 to 60 Hz alternating

current (AC) is converted

to direct current (DC) by a full

wave rectifier.

The high-frequency AC voltage

requires a step-down

transformer. The transformer

takes high voltage, high

frequency AC and converts it to low voltage, high frequency AC.

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