Aluminium etch

[Hood]

Just did a test with some Aluminium and altering the choke.
I was expecting that with maximum positive (+40) it would have better penetration and with minimum negative (-40) it would have less but here are the results.


First test with plate cooled in water before each run.
0 choke at top then -40 and then +40

The etch.

Penetration edges it with the -40 I would say.

Then did another test after I had altered the pulse settings.

The one with the X at it should be ignored as I forgot to cool.

The Etch, the -40 walked away with it for sure this time.

I wasn't keen on the -40 arc but I think I might try experimenting with maybe -5, -10 etc and see which I like the best.

 

[Munkul]

What is the "choke" function? Is it different to Arc length correction?

 

[Hood]

What is the "choke" function? Is it different to Arc length correction?

Yes, basically what you would call inductance on an old school Mig.

 

[Brad93]

Choke is like Dynamic on the SpeedPulse xt matt, yours wont have it

 

[Hood]

Another test, can you tell it is raining I don't wan't to go round and measure up on a boat
Anyway this time 3 welds again, -10, 0 and +10 so the difference is not so pronounced.

 

[Mid Wales welder]

Interesting, you would really need to experiment without the other variables though as things like travel speed, torch angle, arc length and addition of filler will make big differences also.

 

[Hood]

I have been trying to keep things as constant as possible in each test, I did alter the pulse after the first plate but the last two have the same pulse settings and as far as possible the same angle and speed, the only variable being the choke.

 

[Hood]

Might be best just putting into single pulse and testing again but rain has stopped so I better go and do some measuring before it comes back on again, I have already had my annual wash so don't need another

 

[Munkul]

Choke is like Dynamic on the SpeedPulse xt matt, yours wont have it

I don't have the skills to make it matter enough anyway

 

[Hood]

I was just wanting to mess about with some more settings to see what things did or if I could notice a difference.
I don't like the arc too soft so I am not going to be going into the minus by much if at all. Zero actually seems nice and maybe if anything slightly positive, it was just I was surprised at the results as I expected the opposite.

I have also been messing around with the pulse timings in double pulse and I think I may set up anther group of 15 programmes with a longer main pulse and shorter low pulse as it seems to be filling out nicer so will be of use for fillets.

 

[Munkul]

I wonder if you'd notice more of a difference vertical-up?

 

[Hood]

I wonder if you'd notice more of a difference vertical-up?

With the choke or the longer pulse?

 

[Munkul]

With the choke or the longer pulse?

The choke. Whether you get a stiffer puddle with it, or not.
Just thinking, what maybe isn't all that obvious on the flat sometimes shows up out of position.

 

[Hood]

Not sure but vertical welding, with even single pulse, is a breeze anyway so...
Will give it a mess around with next time I get a chance.

 

[Hood]

I did quite like the longer duration main pulse when in double pulse.
Did a few runs, well 4

Chopped it to see what it was like and looks decent enough.