This paper presents a new arc starter circuit that is usable in Manual Metal Arc welding (MMA) power supplies. The proposed circuit uses an auxiliary circuit and a series coupling transformer for adding high frequency spikes to output DC voltage during arc striking. The proposed circuit is usable in inverter based arc welding supplies and it could result in a decrease of weigh, volume and expense of the high frequency transformer. In addition, a cycle –by- cycle arc welding current control strategy is proposed that is useful in reduction of spatters and increasing of welding quality. The effectiveness of proposed circuit and control strategy is verified using simulation and experimental results.

Keywords: Arc Welding, Arc Starter, Cycle - by - Cycle Current Control, Inverter Based Arc Welding Power Supply

Full-Text [PDF 986 kb]   (1701 Downloads)