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TIG Welding Series: The Power to Perform
Part 3: Design Innovations Lead to Fast and Easy Set-Up
In developing this product, Lincoln confirmed through extensive interviews with customers, distributors and sales personnel that setting up many of the TIG machines on the market today proved to be frustrating and time-consuming. Welding facilities desired a machine that could be set-up with minimal effort by a shop maintenance person or skilled trade worker. With this goal in mind, Lincoln worked to ensure that its Precision TIG models would lead the industry by being less frustrating, less time consuming and less complex to set-up. With simpler set-up, operators could get down to the real business at hand - welding. There are five areas we will examine where the Precision TIG offers a set-up advantage over competitive models. These are: 1) input power cable connections; 2) torch connections; 3) mounting ease to undercooler cart; 4) separate output stud for Stick welding; and 5) Ready-Pak™ pre-specified, pre-assembled and pre-connected versions.
In addition to being designed for use with the Lincoln integral under cooler cart, the Precision TIG models can also be easily connected to a stand-alone water cooler. For those who choose a stand-alone water cooler, no additional solenoid is required. As an added convenience, a 115v receptacle turns on Lincoln or other coolers only when the operator strikes an arc. In turn, the water cooler is automatically turned off at the end of a timed post-flow period following the extinguishing of the arc. This approach prolongs the life of the cooler since the pump and motor do not continuously run. The Precision TIG also makes it simple to use tap water from piped-in shop systems for those shop or vo-tech environments that prefer this option. Some other TIG machines on the market require optional solenoid kits to be internally mounted, which involves removing the machine's cover. With the Precision TIG, an optional externally mounted solenoid kit simplifies installation. This kit mechanically mounts to the machine's standard CGA-type water inlet fitting. Electrical power for the solenoid is supplied at the machine's standard 115v receptacle located near the water inlet fitting. There is no need to have an authorized technician internally install this capability, as is necessary with some machines. The Precision TIG easily adapts to air-cooled torches with a simple thread-in adapter that is included for 9 or 17 series torches. An optional thread-in adapter is also available for a 26 series torch. These simple adapters allow the standard fittings on each torch type to match with the standard fittings on the machine. Together with the Precision TIG's torch holster, the connection box provides a straightforward, clutter-free cable management system for the unit.
When using the UnderCooler Cart, incoming power and water hose connections are easily made at the back of the connection box located on the side of the machine. An integral plastic non-corrosive water cooler reservoir and pump are located in one of the cart's two slide-out drawers. The Precision TIG under cooler cart is also designed to use regular distilled or tap water in non-freezing environments, which eliminates the need to purchase special coolant.
What this means is that operators no longer have to reconfigure the machine every time they want to switch from TIG to Stick welding. With the Precision TIG, the operator sets up the machine for Stick welding one time and it remains connected, allowing the operator to easily and quickly switch between stick and TIG processes. The machine also offers built-in strain relief for the work cable and electrode holder so that the cables will not loosen if they are pulled. A specially designed door that covers the work cable and stick electrode connections is equipped with friction washers. This enables the door to remain open and out of the way while the operator makes the connections, as well as remain firmly closed after the connections have been made. A sloped panel design further enhances access and visibility in this area.
Conclusion To view previous Precision TIG articles in this series click on the following links:
For more information on Lincoln's Precision TIG and other TIG Welding Power Sources, click here. Precision TIG Video (RealVideo | MPG)** – Learn More about Precision TIG welding**RealPlayer can be downloaded for free from www.real.com
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This month in our continuing series on the Precision TIG™ 275 and 375 units, we take a look at ease of set-up. The two previous articles focused on the unit's superior arc performance, thanks to Lincoln's Micro-Start Technology™, and innovative value features, both important factors for day-to-day welding. But the Lincoln team of design engineers wanted every aspect of interacting with the Precision TIG to be simplified - even one-time set-up.
1. Input Power Cable Connections
Power Factor Correction is standard on the Precision TIG 375. Those who purchase the Precision TIG 275 model and wish to add optional Power Factor Correction will find installation an easy task. The machine has a small compartment below the reconnect panel that allows an operator to easily install the Power Factor Correction kit in under five minutes. With other units, installing Power Factor Correction might mean drilling holes in the case and mounting each capacitor individually. However, the Precision TIG's modular design means electrical and mechanical components can be added with minimal effort.
2. Torch Connections
All Precision TIG cables and connections use standard fittings that mate to the industry standard fittings for torch connections. Torch connections exit from the front of the torch connection box, while water and gas input connections enter from the back of the connection box. No adapters are needed for a water-cooled set-up - everything is simple and intuitive with three discrete fittings for each of the torch connections. To further enhance ease of set-up, hoses are color-coded to match the inputs on the water cooler cart. Unlike systems requiring power block adapters, the Precision TIG's three discrete fittings and color-coded connections are nearly foolproof. No complicated connection or plumbing diagrams are necessary. All of these details help to minimize the risk of mis-connection that could damage your torch. 
3. Mounting Ease to Lincoln's Undercooler Cart
4. Separate Output Stud for Stick Welding
5.
Ready-Pak Version