After you know about a GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) and what it is used for, how to set up the MIG welder becomes the next question. No matter if you are a beginner in welding or just an eager person who wants to know welding insights, knowing the proper way to do a thing always comes worthwhile. Below we shall take an easy and step-by-step guide on how you can initiate your MIG welder on your own.
How to set up the MIG welder?
Mainly there are three settings for a MIG welder that controls its performance, heat, and the type of gasses that transfer. The settings are as follow;
- Voltage
- Wire Feed Speed
- Gas Flow Rate/Gas Type or Mixture
Voltage Set Up
Voltage settlement on MIG welding is important. For that always ensure its D/C electrode (+) positive. The handle of the MIG welder should be on the positive side of the circuit. As a rule of thumb, this setting will not change. Depending on the choice of material thickness, joint, etc, the voltage settings are however changed. MIG welders are the constant voltage sources hence it does not vary during welding.
Wire Feed Speed
In MIG welders, the wire feed speed is what keeps the check on regulations about how quickly the wire is fed onto the weld joint. It is expressed in IPM (inches per minute) the speed of the wire is what keeps the amperage regulated as well. In MIG welders the voltage settings are constant but the amperage is changing; however, it is dependent on the wire feed speed and electrode sticking-out.
Gas type and rate
Another important thing for MIG welder setup is the gas type and its rate. It is mainly responsible for the transfer type that is related to voltage and wire speed. Gas is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The shielding gas is used to provide shields to the arc of MIG welders and weld puddles from oxygen. Go for 35 CFM but if the gas is too much incorporate oxygen into plasma.
These settings work together to make sure the result-oriented welding is finally. Moreover, the transfer type of the MIG welder readily determines the heat that is just right to be absorbed by the welding material. It ensures not to burn the material by making a hole in the joint.
Conclusion
If you are new to MIG welding, things can be tough to understand, at times. However, with proper guidance, supervision, and above all, with practice, you can master acquiring expertise. For MIG welder setup, you only need to make sure the precautions and follow the set guidelines in order to keep off the mishap of welding.
A tip that is essential to remember for MIG welder setup is that you should know the thickness of your metal for efficient welding. For instance, you essentially need 1 amp of power for every 0.001 inches of steel