EWM miniDrive GS User manual

Operating instructions
EN
Intermediate drive unit
miniDrive GS
miniDrive WS
099-005262-EW501
Observe additional system documents!
22.11.2016
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General instructions
WARNING
Read the operating instructions!
The operating instructions provide an introduction to the safe use of the products.
•Read and observe the operating instructions for all system components, especially the
safety instructions and warning notices!
•Observe the accident prevention regulations and any regional regulations!
•The operating instructions must be kept at the location where the machine is operated.
•Safety and warning labels on the machine indicate any possible risks.
Keep these labels clean and legible at all times.
•The machine has been constructed to state-of-the-art standards in line with any applicable
regulations and industrial standards. Only trained personnel may operate, service and
repair the machine.
•Technical changes due to further development in machine technology may lead to a
differing welding behaviour.
In the event of queries on installation, commissioning, operation or special conditions at the
installation site, or on usage, please contact your sales partner or our customer service
department on [phone].
A list of authorised sales partners can be found at www.ewm-group.com.
Liability relating to the operation of this equipment is restricted solely to the function of the
equipment. No other form of liability, regardless of type, shall be accepted. This exclusion of
liability shall be deemed accepted by the user on commissioning the equipment.
The manufacturer is unable to monitor whether or not these instructions or the conditions and
methods are observed during installation, operation, usage and maintenance of the equipment.
An incorrectly performed installation can result in material damage and injure persons as a
result. For this reason, we do not accept any responsibility or liability for losses, damages or
costs arising from incorrect installation, improper operation or incorrect usage and maintenance
or any actions connected to this in any way.
© EWM AG
Dr. Günter-Henle-Straße 8
56271 Mündersbach
Germany
The copyright to this document remains the property of the manufacturer.
Copying, including extracts, only permitted with written approval.
The content of this document has been prepared and reviewed with all reasonable care. The information
provided is subject to change; errors excepted.

Contents
Notes on the use of these operating instructions
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1 Contents
1Contents..................................................................................................................................................3
2For your safety.......................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Notes on the use of these operating instructions ..........................................................................5
2.1.1 Explanation of icons .......................................................................................................6
2.2 Part of the complete documentation..............................................................................................7
3Intended use...........................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Use and operation solely with the following machines..................................................................8
3.2 Documents which also apply.........................................................................................................9
3.2.1 Warranty.........................................................................................................................9
3.2.2 Declaration of Conformity...............................................................................................9
3.2.3 Service documents (spare parts and circuit diagrams)..................................................9
3.2.4 Calibration/Validation .....................................................................................................9
4Machine description –quick overview ..............................................................................................10
4.1 Front view ....................................................................................................................................10
4.2 Inside view...................................................................................................................................11
5Design and function.............................................................................................................................12
5.1 Transport and installation ............................................................................................................12
5.1.1 Ambient conditions.......................................................................................................12
5.1.1.1 In operation...................................................................................................12
5.1.1.2 Transport and storage...................................................................................12
5.1.2 Machine cooling............................................................................................................13
5.1.3 Workpiece lead, general...............................................................................................13
5.1.4 Welding torch cooling system.......................................................................................14
5.1.4.1 Approved coolants overview.........................................................................14
5.1.4.2 Maximal hose package length ......................................................................14
5.1.5 Notes on the installation of welding current leads........................................................15
5.1.5.1 Stray welding currents...................................................................................16
5.2 Preparing the welding system......................................................................................................17
5.2.1 Switching between Push/Pull and intermediate drive ..................................................17
5.3 Welding torch connection ............................................................................................................18
5.4 Hose package/intermediate drive connection..............................................................................19
5.5 Wire feed......................................................................................................................................20
5.5.1 Open the protective flap of the wire feeder..................................................................20
5.5.2 Changing the wire feed rollers......................................................................................20
5.5.3 Inching the wire electrode ............................................................................................21
5.6 Setting the operating point (welding output)................................................................................23
5.7 Replacing the steel liner in the hose package.............................................................................24
6Maintenance, care and disposal.........................................................................................................26
6.1 General........................................................................................................................................26
6.2 Cleaning.......................................................................................................................................26
6.3 Maintenance work, intervals........................................................................................................27
6.3.1 Daily maintenance tasks ..............................................................................................27
6.3.1.1 Visual inspection...........................................................................................27
6.3.1.2 Functional test...............................................................................................27
6.3.2 Monthly maintenance tasks..........................................................................................27
6.3.2.1 Visual inspection...........................................................................................27
6.3.2.2 Functional test...............................................................................................27
6.3.3 Annual test (inspection and testing during operation)..................................................28
6.4 Disposing of equipment ...............................................................................................................28
6.4.1 Manufacturer's declaration to the end user..................................................................28
6.5 Meeting the requirements of RoHS.............................................................................................28
7Rectifying faults ...................................................................................................................................29
7.1 Checklist for rectifying faults........................................................................................................29
7.2 Vent coolant circuit.......................................................................................................................30
8Technical data ......................................................................................................................................31

Contents
Notes on the use of these operating instructions
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8.1 miniDrive ......................................................................................................................................31
9Accessories ..........................................................................................................................................32
9.1 Remote control / connection cable...............................................................................................32
9.2 General accessories ....................................................................................................................32
10 Replaceable parts.................................................................................................................................33
10.1 Conversion kit ..............................................................................................................................33
10.2 Wire feed rollers...........................................................................................................................33
10.2.1 Wire feed rollers for steel wire......................................................................................33
10.2.2 Wire feed rollers for aluminium wire.............................................................................33
11 Appendix A............................................................................................................................................34
11.1 Circuit diagram –cable adapter...................................................................................................34
12 Appendix B............................................................................................................................................35
12.1 Overview of EWM branches.........................................................................................................35

For your safety
Notes on the use of these operating instructions
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2 For your safety
2.1 Notes on the use of these operating instructions
DANGER
Working or operating procedures which must be closely observed to prevent imminent
serious and even fatal injuries.
•Safety notes include the "DANGER" keyword in the heading with a general warning symbol.
•The hazard is also highlighted using a symbol on the edge of the page.
WARNING
Working or operating procedures which must be closely observed to prevent serious
and even fatal injuries.
•Safety notes include the "WARNING" keyword in the heading with a general warning
symbol.
•The hazard is also highlighted using a symbol in the page margin.
CAUTION
Working or operating procedures which must be closely observed to prevent possible
minor personal injury.
•The safety information includes the "CAUTION" keyword in its heading with a general
warning symbol.
•The risk is explained using a symbol on the edge of the page.
Special technical points which users must observe.
Instructions and lists detailing step-by-step actions for given situations can be recognised via bullet
points, e.g.:
•Insert the welding current lead socket into the relevant socket and lock.

For your safety
Notes on the use of these operating instructions
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2.1.1 Explanation of icons
Symbol
Description
Symbol
Description
Indicates technical aspects which the
user must observe.
Activate and release/tap/tip
Switch off machine
Release
Switch on machine
Press and keep pressed
Switch
Wrong
Turn
Correct
Numerical value –adjustable
Menu entry
Signal light lights up in green
Navigating the menu
Signal light flashes green
Exit menu
Signal light lights up in red
Time representation (e.g.: wait
4 s/activate)
Signal light flashes red
Interruption in the menu display (other
setting options possible)
Tool not required/do not use
Tool required/use

For your safety
Part of the complete documentation
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2.2 Part of the complete documentation
These operating instructions are part of the complete documentation and valid only in
combination with all other parts of these instructions! Read and observe the operating
instructions for all system components, especially the safety instructions!
The illustration shows a general example of a welding system.
Figure 2-1
Item
Documentation
A.1
Wire feeder
A.2
Conversion instructions
A.3
Power source
A.4
Cooling unit, voltage converter, tool box etc.
A.5
Trolley
A.6
Welding torch
A.7
Remote control
A.8
Control
A
Complete documentation

Intended use
Use and operation solely with the following machines
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3 Intended use
WARNING
Hazards due to improper usage!
The machine has been constructed to the state of the art and any regulations and
standards applicable for use in industry and trade. It may only be used for the welding
procedures indicated at the rating plate. Hazards may arise for persons, animals and
material objects if the equipment is not used correctly. No liability is accepted for any
damages arising from improper usage!
•The equipment must only be used in line with its designated purpose and by trained or
expert personnel!
•Do not improperly modify or convert the equipment!
Wire feeder (intermediate drive) for welding wire electrodes used for gas-shielded metal-arc welding and
hose packages of up to 25 m.
3.1 Use and operation solely with the following machines
A compact or decompact system component with wire feeder is required to operate the
intermediate drive.
In addition, the system component has to be equipped with a current M 3.7X-X variant machine
control (three digital displays).
The following machine series can be combined with the intermediate drive:
•Taurus Synergic S
•Phoenix
•alpha Q
All compact 355 TKM and 355 TKWmachines in the relevant series are excluded.

Intended use
Documents which also apply
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3.2 Documents which also apply
3.2.1 Warranty
For more information refer to the "Warranty registration" brochure supplied and our information
regarding warranty, maintenance and testing at www.ewm-group.com!
3.2.2 Declaration of Conformity
The labelled machine complies with the following EC directives in terms of its design and
construction:
•Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
•Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
•Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS)
In case of unauthorised changes, improper repairs, non-compliance with specified deadlines for "Arc
Welding Equipment –Inspection and Testing during Operation", and/or prohibited modifications which
have not been explicitly authorised by EWM, this declaration shall be voided. An original document of the
specific declaration of conformity is included with every product.
3.2.3 Service documents (spare parts and circuit diagrams)
WARNING
Do not carry out any unauthorised repairs or modifications!
To avoid injury and equipment damage, the unit must only be repaired or modified by
specialist, skilled persons!
The warranty becomes null and void in the event of unauthorised interference.
•Appoint only skilled persons for repair work (trained service personnel)!
Original copies of the circuit diagrams are enclosed with the unit.
Spare parts can be obtained from the relevant authorised dealer.
3.2.4 Calibration/Validation
We hereby confirm that this machine has been tested using calibrated measuring equipment, as
stipulated in IEC/EN 60974, ISO/EN 17662, EN 50504, and complies with the admissible tolerances.
Recommended calibration interval: 12 months

Machine description –quick overview
Front view
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4 Machine description – quick overview
4.1 Front view
Connections and operating elements for torch cooling only with correspondent machine
versions.
Figure 4-1
Item
Symbol
Description 0
1
Carrying handle
2
Wire speed rotary dial
Infinitely adjustable setting of the wire speed from min. to max.
(welding output, one-dial operation)
3
Rotary dial, Arc length correction
Arc length correction from -10 V to + 10 V
4
Quick connect coupling (red)
coolant return
5
Quick connect coupling (blue)
coolant supply
6
19-pole connection socket (analogue)
For connecting analogue accessory components (remote control, welding torch control
lead, etc.)
7
Welding torch connection (Euro torch connector)
Welding current, shielding gas and torch trigger integrated

Machine description –quick overview
Inside view
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4.2 Inside view
Figure 4-2
Item
Symbol
Description 0
1
Slide latch, lock for the protective cap
2
Protective cap
Cover for the wire feed mechanismand other operating elements.
Depending on the machine series, additional stickers with information on the
replacement parts and JOB lists will be located on the inside.
3
Changeover switch, remote control on/off
ON Set the welding performance via the remote control
OFF Set the welding performance via the machine control
4
Wire feed unit
5
Intermediate hose package
6
Push-button, wire inching
Potential- and gas-free inching of the wire electrode through the hose package to the
welding torch > see 5.5.3 chapter.
The inching speed is infinitely adjustable by simultaneously pressing the wire inching push-
button and turning the wire speed rotary knob.

Design and function
Transport and installation
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5 Design and function
WARNING
Risk of injury from electric shock!
Contact with live parts, e.g. welding current sockets, is potentially fatal!
•Follow safety instructions on the opening pages of the operating instructions.
•Commissioning may only be carried out by persons who have the relevant expertise of
working with arc welding machines!
•Connection and welding leads (e.g. electrode holder, welding torch, workpiece lead,
interfaces) may only be connected when the machine is switched off!
5.1 Transport and installation
WARNING
Risk of accident due to improper transport of machines that must not be lifted!
Do not lift or suspend the machine! The machine can drop and cause injuries! The
handles, straps or brackets are suitable for transport by hand only!
•The machine must not be suspended or lifted using a crane.
Read and observe the documentation to all system and accessory components!
5.1.1 Ambient conditions
T he machine must not be operated in the open air and must only be set up and operated on a
suitable, stable and level base!
•The operator must ensure that the ground is non-slip and level, and provide sufficient lighting
for the place of work.
•Safe operation of the machine must be guaranteed at all times.
Unusually high quantities of dust, acid, corrosive gases or substances may damage the
equipment.
•Avoid high volumes of smoke, vapour, oil vapour and grinding dust!
•Avoid ambient air containing salt (sea air)!
5.1.1.1 In operation
Temperature range of the ambient air:
•-25 °C to +40 °C
Relative air humidity:
•Up to 50% at 40 °C
•Up to 90% at 20 °C
5.1.1.2 Transport and storage
Storage in an enclosed space, temperature range of the ambient air:
•-30 °C to +70 °C
Relative air humidity
•Up to 90% at 20 °C

Design and function
Transport and installation
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5.1.2 Machine cooling
Insufficient ventilation results in a reduction in performance and equipment damage.
•Observe the ambient conditions!
•Keep the cooling air inlet and outlet clear!
•Observe the minimum distance of 0.5 m from obstacles!
5.1.3 Workpiece lead, general
CAUTION
Risk of burning due to incorrect welding current connection!
If the welding current plugs (machine connections) are not locked or if the workpiece
connection is contaminated (paint, corrosion), these connections and leads can heat up
and cause burns when touched!
•Check welding current connections on a daily basis and lock by turning to the right when
necessary.
•Clean workpiece connection thoroughly and secure properly. Do not use structural parts of
the workpiece as welding current return lead!

Design and function
Transport and installation
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5.1.4 Welding torch cooling system
Insufficient frost protection in the welding torch coolant!
Depending on the ambient conditions, different liquids are used for cooling the welding
torch > see 5.1.4.1 chapter.
Coolants with frost protection (KF 37E or KF 23E) must be checked regularly to ensure that the
frost protection is adequate to prevent damage to the machine or the accessory components.
•The coolant must be checked for adequate frost protection with the TYP 1 frost protection
tester .
•Replace coolant as necessary if frost protection is inadequate!
Coolant mixtures!
Mixtures with other liquids or the use of unsuitable coolants result in material damage and
renders the manufacturer's warranty void!
•Only use the coolant described in this manual (overview of coolants).
•Do not mix different coolants.
•When changing the coolant, the entire volume of liquid must be changed.
Dispose of the coolant in accordance with local regulations and the material safety data sheets
(German waste code number: 70104).
May not be disposed of in household waste.
Prevent entry into sewers.
Absorb with liquid-binding material (sand, gravel, acid-binding agents, universal binding agents,
sawdust).
5.1.4.1 Approved coolants overview
Coolant
Temperature range
KF 23E (Standard)
-10 °C to +40 °C
KF 37E
-20 °C to +10 °C
5.1.4.2 Maximal hose package length
Pump 3.5 bar
Pump 4.5 bar
Machines with or without separate wire feeder
30 m
60 m
Compact machines with additional intermediate
drive (example. miniDrive)
20 m
30 m
Machines with separate wire feeder and additional
intermediate drive (example: miniDrive)
20 m
60 m
Data as a rule refer to the entire hose package length
including welding torch. The pump output is shown on the type plate (parameter: Pmax).
Pump 3.5 bar: Pmax = 0.35 MPa (3.5 bar)
Pump 4.5 bar: Pmax = 0.45 MPa (4.5 bar)

Design and function
Transport and installation
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5.1.5 Notes on the installation of welding current leads
Incorrectly installed welding current leads can cause faults in the arc (flickering).
Lay the workpiece lead and hose package of power sources without HF igniter (MIG/MAG) for as
long and as close as possible in parallel.
Lay the workpiece lead and hose package of power sources with HF igniter (TIG) for as long as
possible in parallel with a distance of 20 cm to avoid HF sparkover.
Always keep a distance of at least 20 cm to leads of other power sources to avoid interferences
Always keep leads as short as possible! For optimum welding results max. 30 m (welding lead +
intermediate hose package + torch lead).
Figure 5-1
Use an individual welding lead to the workpiece for each welding machine!
Figure 5-2

Design and function
Transport and installation
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Fully unroll welding current leads, torch hose packages and intermediate hose packages. Avoid
loops!
Always keep leads as short as possible!
Lay any excess cable lengths in meanders.
Figure 5-3
5.1.5.1 Stray welding currents
WARNING
Risk of injury due to stray welding currents!
Stray welding currents can destroy protective earth conductors, damage machines and
electronic devices and cause overheating of components, leading to fire.
•Check that all welding current connections are firmly secured and electrical connections are
in perfect condition.
•Set up, attach or suspend all conductive power source components such as casing,
transport vehicles and crane frames so they are insulated.
•Do not place any other electronic devices such as drills or angle grinders on the power
source, transport vehicle or crane frames unless they are insulated.
•Always put welding torches and electrode holders on an insulated surface when they are
not in use.
Figure 5-4

Design and function
Preparing the welding system
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5.2 Preparing the welding system
5.2.1 Switching between Push/Pull and intermediate drive
WARNING
Do not carry out any unauthorised repairs or modifications!
To avoid injury and equipment damage, the unit must only be repaired or modified by
specialist, skilled persons!
The warranty becomes null and void in the event of unauthorised interference.
•Appoint only skilled persons for repair work (trained service personnel)!
The wire feeder used in the welding system has to be modified for use with an intermediate drive. To do
so, unscrew the casing cover and perform the following two actions on PCB M370/1:
Replug the connector (X23/X24)
Plug
Function
On X24
Use with push/pull welding torch (ex factory)
On X23
Use with intermediate drive
Install cable adapter
The cable adapter (included with the intermediate drive) has to be added to the wire feeder cable
harness.
The cable adapter has to be plugged in at three locations (X2, X3 and X5) between the relevant PCB
connections and cable plugs (see attached circuit diagram > see 11.1 chapter):
•PCB M370/1, connection X2 (18-pole)
•PCB M370/1, connection X3 (2-pole)
•PCB M370/1, connection X5 (12-pole)
Figure 5-5
Test!
Before re-commissioning, it is essential that an "inspection and test during operation" is carried
out conforming to IEC / DIN EN 60974-4 "Arc welding devices - inspection and testing during
operation"!
•For detailed instructions, please see the standard operating instructions for the welding
machine.

Design and function
Welding torch connection
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5.3 Welding torch connection
Equipment damage due to improperly connected coolant pipes!
If the coolant pipes are not properly connected or a gas-cooled welding torch is used, the coolant
circuit is interrupted and equipment damage can occur.
•Connect all coolant pipes correctly!
•Completely unroll the hose package and the torch hose package!
•Observe maximal hose package length > see 5.1.4.2 chapter.
•When using a gas-cooled welding torch, use a hose bridge to establish the coolant
circuit > see 9 chapter.
On delivery, the Euro torch connector is fitted with a capillary tube for welding torches with a
steel liner. Conversion is necessary if a welding torch with a liner is used!
•Operate welding torches with a liner > with a guide tube.
•Operate welding torches with a steel liner > with a capillary tube.
Depending on the wire electrode diameter or type, either a steel liner or liner with the correct inner
diameter must be inserted in the torch!
Recommendation:
•Use a steel liner when welding hard, unalloyed wire electrodes (steel).
•Use a chrome nickel liner when welding hard, high-alloy wire electrodes (CrNi).
•Use a plastic or teflon liner when welding or brazing soft wire electrodes, high-alloy wire electrodes or
aluminium materials.
Preparation for connecting welding torches with a liner:
•Push forward the capillary tube on the wire feed side in the direction of the Euro torch connector and
remove it there.
•Insert the liner guide tube from the Euro torch connector side.
•Carefully insert the welding torch connector with as yet too long a liner into the Euro torch connector
and secure with a crown nut.
•Cut off the liner with a liner cutter > see 9 chapter just before the wire feed roller.
•Loosen the welding torch connector and remove.
•Carefully chamfer the cut off end of the liner with a liner sharpener > see 9 chapter and sharpen.

Design and function
Hose package/intermediate drive connection
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Figure 5-6
Item
Symbol
Description 0
1
Welding torch
2
Welding torch hose package
3
Welding torch connection (Euro torch connector)
Welding current, shielding gas and torch trigger integrated
4
Quick connect coupling (red)
coolant return
5
19-pole connection socket (analogue)
For connecting analogue accessory components (remote control, welding torch control
lead, etc.)
6
Quick connect coupling (blue)
coolant supply
•Insert the central plug for the welding torch into the central connector and screw together with crown
nut.
Where applicable:
•Insert the welding torch control cable into the 19-pole connection socket and lock (MIG/MAG torches
with additional control cables only).
•Lock connecting nipples of the cooling water tubes into the corresponding quick connect couplings:
Return line red to quick connect coupling, red (coolant return) and
supply line blue to quick connect coupling, blue (coolant supply).
5.4 Hose package/intermediate drive connection
•Insert central connector of the intermediate hose package into the Euro torch connector of the relevant
wire feeder (compact or decompact system component) and secure with crown nut.
Read and observe the documentation to all system and accessory components!

Design and function
Wire feed
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5.5 Wire feed
5.5.1 Open the protective flap of the wire feeder
To perform the following steps, the protective flap of the wire feeder needs to be opened. Make
sure to close the protective flap again before starting to work.
•Unlock and open protective flap.
5.5.2 Changing the wire feed rollers
Unsatisfactory welding results due to faulty wire feeding!
Wire feed rollers must be suitable for the diameter of the wire and the material.
•Check the roller label to verify that the rollers are suitable for the wire diameter. Turn or
change if necessary!
•use V-groove rollers with for steel wires and other hard wires.
•Slide new drive rollers into place so that the diameter of the wire used is visible on the drive roller.
•Screw the drive rollers in place with knurled screws.
Figure 5-7