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2.1 General Description, Purpose and Features.
PowerARC 140STL:
The PowerARC 140STL is a digitally controlled
inverter welder that provides DC stick and DC
TIG welding capability (DC SMAW/DC GTAW)
wrapped up in a completely portable design.
The new digital design has allowed the incorpo-
ration of extra features and improve overall per-
formance. It has also improved serviceability
and reliability of the unit by reducing internal
circuitry and discrete structures. The welder is
ideal for welding tasks where portability and
medium range performance capability are re-
quired. With 120V/240V single phase connectivi-
ty, the unit can be operated almost anywhere a
power outlet is found, and can be used with
small clean powered generators rated for at
least 6500 surge watts (240V). (USA/Canada
models only. Other regions may vary.)
Stick Features.
The digitally managed arc performance of the
PowerARC 140STL creates a perfect arc for
most daily welding chores. The smooth and sta-
ble Stick welding characteristics of the Power-
ARC series are well known, particularly with iron
powder type rods. This unit features the capa-
bility to weld with nearly all welding rods, ex-
cept with most welding rods with cellulose
based flux. Although E-6011 is a rod with cellu-
lose based flux, some brands may produce a
satisfactory stable arc with this welder . Some
brands will not work with this welder. Howev-
er, this is dependent on specific formulation of
the flux chemistry regarding the level of arc sta-
bilizing components included in the flux. So if
you wish to use E6011 welding rods, try several
different brands to determine the suitability of
this unit for your application and welding style.
Not all E6011 rods may work equally well, if at
all.
The addition of features such as adjustable arc
force control, hot start intensity and duration
further refines the performance of the machine
in stick mode. Adjustable Hot start in stick
mode reduces rod sticking while striking an arc
by providing a controlled surge of amps to tem-
porarily increase welding wattage. Similarly, the
adjustable arc force controls the intensity of the
amp reaction to the arc length and by providing
extra current to the arc when the arc length is
shortened and voltage begins to fall below 20
volts. This prevents the arc from extinguishing
and helps to improve overall arc performance in
all position welds by increasing amps to main-
tain a level welding wattage (Remember: Volts x
Amps = Watts). However, if the rod should
stick fast in the weld, the anti-stick function of
the machine will terminate weld output within 3
seconds so the rod can be more easily removed
and the chance of accidental arc flashing of the
user or bystanders will be reduced. Voltage
reduction technology (VRD) has been added to
meet low OCV requirements on jobsites where
the chances of electrocution may be present.
TIG Features.
Additionally the unit has been improved in TIG
function and features. The user now has 2
choices for starting the arc, which can be cho-
sen to match the type of operation that is re-
quired in different circumstances. The low con-
tamination Live lift function provides a continu-
ously live arc and allows the arc to be struck
without the use of a foot pedal or torch switch
that is needed to initiate the arc. The torch will
always remain live, and when contact is sensed,
the current is lowered to allow an easier time of
lifting the torch without the tungsten sticking
fast in the target weld area. The torch is simply
placed on the metal and lifted up to start the arc
and then the current automatically increases
once contact is broken. This is typically used
where a foot pedal is not practical, such as
pipeline or boiler work, under vehicles or on roll
cages. The disadvantage is that the Tungsten is
live all the time and an arc could be accidentally
struck, causing eye flash, burn or serious injury.
The second function, while similar, provides a
safer alternative, by preventing a situation
where live tungsten could accidentally cause an
arc strike if it is touched to the metal. The Lift
TIG Start function also provides a clean, inter-
ference free start for electronically sensitive
areas where high frequency (HF) arc starting is
restricted or prohibited. However, in contrast to
the Live Lift function, the Lift TIG function must
be used with the torch switch, torch amptrol or
foot pedal to start the arc. This is best for oper-
ations that are used with benchwork, or fixed
welding areas where production welding and
fabrication takes place.
NOTE: This unit is DC output only. This unit is
not intended to TIG weld aluminum or magnesi-
um. However, the unit can be used to stick weld
aluminum with specially designed aluminum
stick welding electrodes (rods). Flux -coated
aluminum stick welding rods are expensive. Oth-
er than occasional use for emergency repair, are
not generally considered a economically viable
alternative to AC TIG welding or MIG welding
aluminum. While DC+ and DC– TIG have both
been used to weld aluminum in the past, both
have technical and practical issues. AC TIG is
generally considered to be far superior, and is
generally considered by professionals the best
General Setup and OperationSection 2