Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Constant Power Basic Model It is difficult to match voltage and current from
The simplified weld heat density equation for weld station-to-weld station.
constant power operation is: Qd VIt/A, where: Changes in the distance between the electrode
I = Weld current tips and corresponding voltage sensing lead
V = Weld voltage attachment points affect the weld strength.
Electrode life is not as good as constant current
Like constant voltage operation, the voltage sensing operation.
leads must be located as close to the electrode tips as
possible. Constant power feedback also works best Theory versus Reality
when using electrically conductive electrode alloys Thus far, the advantages and disadvantages given for
that minimize the voltage drop between the electrode all feedback modes have been a combination of
tips and voltage sensing lead attachment points. theory and practical experience. The next section
provides several feedback selection rules based on
Constant Power Advantages: real manufacturing equipment limitations and
Ideal for welding parts with variations in plating production volume challenges.
thickness or interface and parts resistances.
Feedback Mode - Practical Selection Rules:
Constant Power Disadvantages: 1. Always start with constant current.
Changes in the contact area affect the weld heat 2. Use constant voltage when faced with severe
density. electrode and parts non-coplanarity.
3. Constant power in most cases emulates constant
Changes in weld cable and weld head resistance current operation due to high welding cable
affect the weld voltage and current at the connector interface resistances and electrode
electrode tip, which affects the weld strength. alloy resistance. See Rule No.1
The table below provides a summary of the practical considerations when selecting a feedback mode.
microTips 2007.01