Digital Controls Improve Submerged Arc Welding Performance

The new SubArc Digital Series of power sources, interface controls and accessories from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. (Appleton, WI) includes digital control and communication electronics designed to improve weld performance and simplify the integration of the equipment in more advanced applications.

The SubArc Digital Series offers a number of significant enhancements, including easier setup and operation and an improved flux delivery system that ensures continuous delivery of flux to the arc.

The series combines the latest in digital process control technology with tested and highly reliable power regulation and the ease of use and reliability of a traditional machine, resulting in equipment that stands up to use in all heavy industrial applications.

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“This new equipment with digital controls is easy to operate and understand, thereby providing proper penetration and optimum deposition through controlled regulation of parameters, making it less dependent on the skill level of the operator,” said Pieter Keultjes, the Miller global product manager for SubArc Equipment. “This extremely reliable process meets the quality and mechanical properties required by even the most demanding industries, such as shipbuilding, heavy fabrication, pressure vessel, wind tower and pipe manufacturing, using tested power technology that has offered continuous reliability for decades. It really offers the best of both worlds.”

The product line includes two DC power source models the SubArc DC 650/800 Digital and the SubArc DC 1000/1250 Digital and one AC/DC model, the SubArc AC/DC 1000/1250 Digital.

The power sources have the capacity to handle Submerged Arc (SAW) and Electroslag (ESW) welding applications, from traditional DC single-arc to multi-wire tandem welding. In the case of ESW welding or other high-current demand, two or more power sources can easily be paralleled.

In addition to these power source options, the series offers two interface controls analog and digital and a range of wire drive motors and accessories, including single and twin-wire torches, narrow gap torches, and internal and external cladding heads. The accessories are powered with a safe, low control- voltage (24 VAC) from the power source.

New digital communication within the equipment recognizes the power source and wire drive connected and automatically configures the system for proper operation, providing easier setup and operation.

The easy-to-understand interface provides the operator with the necessary controls to set process parameters and control output, and the power sources feature simplified parallel and tandem setups just plug the cable into the appropriate connectors.

The SubArc Digital Series power sources are easy to integrate by using the standard Modbus® connection and different levels of integration are possible, from simple remote operation to more complex automated systems.

The improved flux delivery system uses a valve mechanism to assure continuous delivery of flux to the arc, and also provides a barrier between the flux and the actuation device to prevent jamming of the solenoid actuator due to dust and debris. A sight glass on the front of the flux hopper allows the welding operator to visually monitor the remaining flux.

Additionally, an increased environmental rating to IP-23 for all products in the SubArc Digital Series provides the high level of protection required for applications in harsh environments.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058, 800-426-4553, info@millerwelds.com, www.MillerWelds.com.