How does the welding machine work? 

welding machine used by a man at home

All welding machines, regardless of their type, work on the principle of superheating the materials to be joined, using a filler metal to join the metals together in this way. The machines need a power source to operate, either an inverter or a welding transformer can be used for this.  

Parameters of the home welding machine

The intended use of the equipment for specific jobs is a matter to consider when selecting the right equipment.

Parameters will be particularly important: 

  • Welding cycle - It is used to determine the length of operation of the device over a cycle of several minutes. It is determined as a percentage. For example, the 50% welding efficiency specifies that it will run for 5 minutes continuously. For a further 5 minutes, cooling must take place. 
  • Diameter and type of electrode - This choice depends on the thickness of the material to be welded. The rule is: the thickness of the material corresponds to the thickness of the electrode. There are several types of electrode: acid, basic and rutile. The power of the welding machine depends on the type of electrode chosen. Experienced welders choose DC welding with rutile lagging, while beginners choose acid lagging. 
  • Welding mobility - It is important to consider whether the machine will be moved or have a specific place in the workshop. For this reason, it is best to choose a lightweight machine that is mobile. In addition, it will allow you to work in hard-to-reach places. 
  • Power supply - In the shops, appliances are available for purchase with wattages from 230V as well as up to 400V. The decision on the choice of wattage should be dictated by the network installed in the house to avoid overloading it significantly.  
welder's gloves and mask

Welding techniques

When welding, both the machine parameters and the associated technology play a key role, for the successful operation and processing of materials. 

There are three main types of welders, each requiring a different working technique: 

  • MIG/MAG welding machines - This type is designed to work with gas shielding. It is adapted to work with various types of metals. It is used in professional workshops, with a special emphasis on car mechanics. It weighs up to 15 kg. It is powered by an external gas cylinder. 
  • MMA welding machines - These are the most popular models and include the following sub-types: electric, inverter and transformer welding machines. In order to operate the machine, covered electrodes must be supplied. These are lightweight welders and are popular for home workshops. 
  • TIG welding machines - With this type of welder, the welding process is carried out using a non-fusible electrode. It perfectly joins materials of different compositions together. In addition, this type is characterised by its versatility, as it can be used for MMA welding. 
welding in the workshop

For beginners, the use of MIG/MAG welding machines is discouraged due to the considerable power and weight of the machine. Instead, it is recommended to use lightweight welding machines with universal 3in1 technology or the TIG method alone. 

Application of welding machines

Depending on the type of work and the application for the welder, these devices find their use in: 

  • garages, 
  • production halls, 
  • construction sites, 
  • shipyards, 
  • workshops for domestic use.

Questions and answers

Which welding machine would be best for home use?

Of the many types of welding machines, those for home use should be characterised by their versatility. It is advisable to get devices that support MMA, TIG and MIG/MAG technology simultaneously - so-called 3-in-1.

What are the most important parameters when choosing a welding machine for domestic use?

These parameters are the duty cycle of the welder, the diameter and type of welding electrode, the mobility of the welder and its power supply.

What principle does welding work on?

Welding involves the melting of two welded materials using a welding filler.