Part 3: Design Innovations Lead to Fast and Easy Set-Up
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.
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.
1.
Input Power Cable Connections
To access the power leads for some competitive TIG models, the operator
has to remove the entire case side. Other models feature an access
panel usually located at the back of the machine under a hinged door.
These panel doors typically are not designed to remain open; instead,
they have a tendency to fall closed and get in the way. With the Precision
TIG units, the input power connection panel is located high on the
machine for a comfortable working position. In addition, it is housed
under a removable panel door found on the left side of the machine.
Unscrew two screws to remove this large panel door. Clear instructions
are mounted on inside of the door for easy reference. In addition,
well-labeled, intuitive connections make the input power easy to connect.
Cables enter the machine straight from the back; there is no need
to bend the cables at a sharp angle to make the connection. With the
Lincoln Precision TIG, operators don't need ring lugs or ring terminals
to make the connections - they just strip the insulation off the wire
and tighten down - it's that simple.
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
The torch connection box (patent pending) on the Precision TIG is
located high on the machine - not low to the floor like on most other
TIG machines. While competitive units have a panel door that falls
closed easily and gets in the way, the Precision TIG has a panel that
swings open horizontally and stays open and out of the way. The panel
door has a magnetic latch that keeps the door closed after all connections
have been made. This assures that connections are concealed and protected.
In addition, a decal on the inside of the door details all torch connections
for easy reference.
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.
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.
- Other Water Coolers
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.
- Shop Water
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.
- Air-Cooled
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.
3.
Mounting Ease to Lincoln's Undercooler Cart
The Precision TIG's specially designed base easily mates to an
optional undercarriage / cooler cart with four simple bolted connection
points. To install the optional undercarriage cart, an operator
simply lifts the machine and assembles the two components using
the mated pre-configured mounting pattern. When used together,
the Precision TIG and matching UnderCooler Cart present a well
integrated set-up with a minimal shop footprint.
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.
4.
Separate Output Stud for Stick Welding
With the introduction of the Precision TIG, Lincoln has created
a totally new design for TIG /Stick power source output stud connections.
Most TIG machines use an adapter block to make the TIG welding
connections. This block is mounted to the same shared output stud
as the stick electrode holder cable, resulting in tangled cables
and clutter. However, Lincoln Electric has separated the work
cable and electrode holder for stick welding from the TIG torch
connections. This approach provides an easy, straightforward way
to simultaneously connect both stick and TIG cables without the
use of an adapter block.
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.
5.
Ready-Pak™ Version
For the ultimate time saver, Lincoln offers its Precision TIG
in a Ready-Pak version. This is the easiest way to purchase a
welding system. With a single order number, purchasers receive
a pre-specified group of system components, including the power
source, UnderCooler Cart, TIG torch and other accessories. The
Cart is pre-assembled and the torch and water cooler are even
pre-connected. The operator only needs to connect the input power,
add water or coolant, supply a bottle of shielding gas and the
unit is ready to weld. Plus, a Ready-Pak makes the purchase decision
easy by taking the guesswork out of figuring out which torch and
accessories are the best match for the power source.
Conclusion
This multi-faceted machine is just another example of Lincoln's
design innovation and close attention to detail. Not only is the
welding superb, but users will be set up quickly. . . and welding
in no time. Lincoln is the industry leader in solutions, value,
features - and easy set up!
