How to cook thin metal so that it does not burn out: tips for a beginner

Welding thin-walled structures is a real challenge for the novice welder. The knowledge gap leaves annoying holes in the metal. How to cook thin metal correctly - read on. Don't forget to like and subscribe to the channel - we only have useful and interesting content!

Set reverse polarity when running on inverter

On inverter type welding machines, there are two types of polarities: forward and reverse.

• Straight line is when the holder is connected to the negative terminal, and the mass is connected to the positive terminal.
• Reverse - the holder is connected to the positive terminal, and the mass to the negative terminal.

The positive terminal is responsible for heating, so the element that is connected to it will heat up more. This should be used when working with a DC welding machine.

Straight polarity provides deeper penetration of the work piece. That is, the heat is concentrated on the metal being welded, and not on the electrode. This polarity is used when cutting metal and when welding thick-walled structures.

Reverse polarity, on the contrary, heats the metal product less, and the highest temperature is concentrated on the electrode. This provides:

• lower temperature of the metal, which means that it reduces the chances of burning it;
• faster melting of the electrode and better formation of the weld metal.

For thin metal - thin electrodes

Thin-walled structures are best welded with thin electrodes - 1.6-2 mm. For thin metal, the welding current must be reduced. Large diameter electrodes will not work here - they will extinguish the arc at low current. And if the current is added to the required value on the same electrode with a diameter of 3 mm, then the thin-walled metal product will immediately begin to burn. So it is better to use electrodes 1.6-2 mm in diameter.

Set a reduced welding current

To prevent a thin metal structure from burning, it is necessary to reduce the welding current. For example:

• with a metal thickness of 1 to 2 mm, use electrodes with a diameter of 1.6 mm and set the current to 25-50 amperes;
• for metal 2–3 mm thick, use a 2 mm electrode and set the current setting to 40–80 amperes;
• with a metal product thickness of 3-4 mm, an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm is needed, and the welding current should be set at 80-160 amperes.

Maintain a short arc

Thin metal most often burns out on a long arc - when the electrode is pulled up from the surface to be welded. At this moment, a long arc arises, which burns through the metal. Maintain a short arc to prevent thin-walled structures from burning through. The shorter the arc, the less chance of burning through a thin sheet.

Use these tips and you will avoid burning through thin-walled metal structures when welding.

How do you cook thin metal? Write in the comments!

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