Rtech TIG 170 User manual
2
3
Thank you for selecting the R-Tech POWER TIG 170EXT Digital Inverter AC/DC Tig Welder.
The POWER TIG 170EXT Digital has many benefits over traditional TIG welders, including 9
memory stores, advanced AC waveforms, pulse welding, slope up/down, remote foot option
and an industrial 60% duty cycle.
We want you to take pride in operating our POWER TIG 170EXT Digital as much pride as we
have taken in making this product for you. Please read all information in this manual before
operation
PLEASE EXAMINE CARTON AND EQUIPMENT FOR DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY
When this equipment is shipped, title passes to the purchaser upon receipt from the courier.
Consequently all claims for material damaged in shipment must be made by purchaser against the
transportation company used.
Please record your equipment identification below for future reference. This information can be found on
data plate at rear of machine.
Product POWER TIG 170EXT DIGITAL
Serial No. ___________________________________
Date of Purchase _____________________________
Where Purchased _____________________________
Whenever you request replacement parts or information on this equipment please always supply
information you have recorded above
This product is covered by our 3year collect and return UK warranty, External items, torch, earth lead
etc are covered by 3 months warranty. Any faults/damage found caused by customer will be charged
pro-rata.
Pay particular attention to the safety instructions we have provided you for your protection
The level of seriousness to be applied to each section is explained below
WARNING
This statement appears where the information must be followed exactly to avoid serious personal
injury.
CAUTION
This statement appears where the information must be following to avoid a minor personal injury or
damage to this equipment.
4
Introduction
The R-Tech POWER TIG 170EXT Digital is a member of our field acclaimed family of welding
products. Premium features include:-
1. Inverter power source –more efficient to operate, provides smoother weld characteristics.
2. Full Featured Pulse welding in AC & DC Tig welding modes
3. HF Arc start –Easy arc striking and prolonged tungsten life
4. Slope up / slope down
5. Remote foot pedal option
6. Digital control panel with 9 memory store function.
7. Industrial 60% Duty cycle at 170 Amps @ 40C
8. Easy setup mode for automatic setting of parameters.
Recommended Processes
The R-Tech POWER TIG 170EXT Digital is recommended for the Tig welding processes within its
output capacity of 170 Amps
Equipment Limitations
The R-Tech POWER TIG 170EXT Digital is protected from overloads beyond the output ratings and
duty cycle as per machine specifications with thermostat protection of the output coils and rectifiers.
Welding Capability –Duty Cycle
The R-Tech POWER TIG 170EXT Digital is rated at 170 Amps at 60% duty cycle on a ten minute
basis. If the duty cycle is exceeded a thermal protector will shut machine off until the machine
cools.
Technical Specifications
Model No.
POWER TIG 170EXT DIGITAL
Input
240V AC 50/60Hz PFC
Input Amperage 13A
MMA
No-load Voltage
70v
Current Range
20A –125A
Rated Output Current
125A @ 60%
Arc Force Control
0 - 100%
Hot Start
0 - 2 seconds
Hot Start Amps %
0 -100%
VRD Safety Function
Yes
TIG
No-load Voltage
70v
Current Range
5A –170A DC Mode, 10A - 170A AC Mode
Rated Output Current
170A
Duty Cycle Tig
60% @170A
Up-Slope Time
0-25 Seconds
Down-Slope Time
0-25 Seconds
Pulse Frequency Range
0.1 - 500 Hz DC
0.1 - 250 Hz AC Advanced Squarewave
0.1 - 10 Soft Square, Triangular & Sinewave
Pulse Width Range
3 - 100%
5
Pulse Amperage Range
5 - 95%
Gas Post Flow Time
0 - 50 Seconds
Gas Pre Flow Time
0 - 25 Seconds
Arc Starting Mode
High Frequency
AC Waveforms
Advanced Squarewave
Soft Squarewave
Triangular
Sine Wave
AC Balance Control
5 - 90% of Electrode Positive
AC Easy Start Parameters
AC Frequency 120Hz
AC Balance 25%
Pre flow Gas .5 seconds
Post Flow Gas 4 seconds
Main Amps 120A
Start/End Amps 50A
Upslope 1 seconds
Downslope 3 seconds
DC Easy Start Parameters
Pre flow Gas .5 seconds
Post Flow Gas 4 seconds
Main Amps 90A
Start/End Amps 50A
Upslope 1 seconds
Downslope 3 seconds
Gross Weight
22 KG
Insulation
IP21S
Dimensions mm
438H x 232W x 550L (mm)
Safety Precautions
Read entire section before starting installation
WARNING!
Electric Shock can kill –Only qualified personnel should perform this installation. Turn off input
power at the fuse box before working on this equipment. Do not touch electrically live parts. Always
connect the machine to an earthed mains supply as per national recommended standards.
Select suitable location
Place the welder where clean cooling air can freely circulate in and out of the front & rear louver
vents. Dirt, dust or any foreign material that can be drawn through vents into welder must be kept to
a minimum. Failure to observe these precautions can result in excessive operating temperatures
which can lead to plant failure.
Grinding
Do not direct grinding particles towards the welder. An abundance of conductive material can cause
plant failure.
Stacking
6
This machine cannot be stacked.
Transport –Unloading
Never underestimate the weight of equipment, never move or leave suspended in the air above
people. Use recommended lifting equipment at all times.
WARNING!
Falling Equipment can cause injury. Never lift welder with gas bottle attached. Never lift above
personnel.
Tilting
Machine must be placed on a secure level surface or on a recommended undercarriage/trolley.
This machine may topple over if this procedure is not followed.
Environmental Rating
The welding power source carries the IP21S rating. It may be used in normal industrial and
commercial environments. Avoid using in areas where water / rain is around.
Read and follow the ‘Electric Shock Warnings’ in the safety section if welding must be performed
under electrically hazardous conditions such as welding in wet areas or water on the work piece.
Electrical Installation
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
Machine grounding and High Frequency Interference Protection
This welder must be grounded to earth. See national electrical codes fro proper grounding
methods.
The high frequency generator being similar to a radio transmitter may cause interference to radio,
TV and other electronic equipment. These problems may be the result of radiated interference.
Proper grounding methods can reduce or eliminate this.
Radiated interference can develop in the following ways
1. Direct interference from welder power source
2. Direct interference from the welding leads
7
3. Direct interference radiated from feedback into power lines
4. Interference from re-radiation by un-grounded metallic objects.
Keeping these contributing factors in mind, installing equipment as per following instructions should
minimize problems.
1. Keep the welder input power lines as short as possible and enclose as much of them as
possible in metal conduit or equivalent shielding. There should be a good electrical contact
between this conduit and ground (Earth).
2. Keep the work and electrode leads as short as possible. Tape the leads together where
practical.
3. Be sure the torch and earth leads rubber coverings are free from cuts and cracks that allow
welding power leakage
4. Keep earth lead connection to work in good condition –Clean area on workbench where
earth clamp is situated on a regular basis.
Input Connections
Make sure the voltage, phase and frequency of input power is as specified on machine rating plate
located at rear of machine.
Have a qualified electrician provide suitable input power as per national electrical codes. Make sure
machine is earthed / grounded.
Make sure fuse or circuit breaker is correct rating for machine. Using fuses or circuit breakers
smaller than recommended will result in ‘nuisance’ shut off from welder inrush currents even if
welding at low amperages.
Failure to follow these instructions can cause immediate failure within the welder and void
machines warranty.
Turn the input power OFF at the mains switch & fuse box before working on this equipment.
Have a qualified electrician install & service this equipment.
Allow machine to sit for 5 minutes minimum to allow the power capacitors to discharge before
working inside this equipment. Do not touch electrically live parts
The POWER TIG 170EXT DIGITAL Inverter Tig Welder requires a 240V 50/60Hz 13 AMP supply.
The machine comes with a 2.5 metre mains cable attached.
Connect wires according to national coding.
Brown wire –Live
Blue wire –Neutral
Green/Yellow Wire –Earth (Ground)
8
Connecting to a mains electrical supply
THIS MACHINE MUST BE FITTED TO A 13AMP 240V MAINS INPUT
Connecting to an Engine Driven Generator
If connecting this machine to an engine driven generator please ensure the
following
Minimum Generator KVA Output –5.0 KVA continuous
Generator to be fitted with AVR (automatic voltage regulation)
DO NOT USE ON A GENERATOR WITHOUT AVR
Connecting to a generator without the above minimum requirements will in-
validate your warranty.
9
Connections for POWER TIG 170EXT Digital
Rear machine connections
Fig 1
1. On/Off Switch
2. 240V AC Auxiliary output
Connect water cooler to socket, when machine is turned on by on/switch it will then output
power from aux socket.
Fig1.1
1. Main chassis earth bolt
If you experience interference you can fit extra earth to this point (Not normally used)
2. Gas Input connector
Connect input gas hose ensuring connection is tight - 34/8 BSP thread
3. Mains input cable
Fit required plug as per your electrical installation
10
Connections for TIG (GTAW) Welding
Fig 2
1. Negative power connector -
Connect Tig Torch Dinze to power connector by inserting and twisting until tight
ENSURE TIG TORCH IS FITTED TO NEGATIVE CONNECTOR OTHERWISE YOU WILL
EXPERIENCE TUNGSTEN BURNBACK
2. Gas outlet - Quick release type
Connect the torch gas hose
3. Positive power connector +
Connect the earth lead to by inserting and twisting until tight and the earth clamp to
work/bench
4. Torch control socket 7-Pin
Connect torch control plug
To avoid a High Frequency shock keep the Tig torch in good condition and replace if any of the
insulation is damaged.
Connect the gas input hose to gas regulator and use ‘Pure Argon’ Gas, available from local
suppliers. Set gas flow/pressure to 8-12 LPM. Make sure gas bottle is secured to avoid injury.
Remote Foot Pedal connection.
Disconnect Tig Torch switch plug from torch control socket (Fig2.4) and connect plug from foot
pedal.
11
Connections for STICK MMA (SMAW) Welding
Fig 3
1. Negative power connector -
Connect the earth lead to by inserting and twisting until tight and the earth clamp to
work/bench.
2. Not used for MMA welding
3. Positive power connector +
Connect the electrode holder by inserting and twisting until tight
4. Not used for MMA welding
12
Controls and Settings
Fig 4
1. Memory store function
There are 9 memory store programs to enable you to select required parameters for job in
hand and then store to select channel.
Press memory button until required program you wish to store is showing in LED
Then enter parameters as required, now press and hold save button for 3 seconds and
release, the green save LED will now light for about 2 seconds and then go out.
The parameters have now been stored.
The red select LED will then come back on, if you make any more adjustments these will
not be save until you save again
2. Normal / Easy start setup
This machine features two easy startup modes, one for AC and one for DC. They have pre-
programmed settings that are generally useable for most situations and many parameters
will be blocked out, however you can still adjust amperage etc. In normal mode ALL
functions can be programmed.
3. Pre-flow gas
13
Adjustable from 0 - 25 seconds, this enables the backed up gas pressure to be released
from torch before actual arc is started. Common settings for most application is about .3 to
.5 seconds - If welding stainless steel etc sometimes a longer pre-flow is required.
4. Start Amperage
This allows you to set the initial start current from 5A DC and 10A AC. In 4T mode when
trigger is pressed and held you will remain at start amps, when you let go machine will then
go to main set amps.
Do not set the start amperage too low for tungsten size otherwise you may experience
sluggish / non arc starting. I.E A 3.2mm tungsten is for high range 160+ amps welding, so
you would not need to set start amps at 5. The thicker the tungsten used the higher the
start amperage has to be. We recommend to achieve faster arc starting:-
1.0mm Tungsten - 5 Amps minimum
1.6mm Tungsten - 15-20 Amps minimum
2.4mm Tungsten - 40 Amps minimum
3.2mm Tungsten - 60 Amps minimum
Note: Start amps is used when using foot pedal as well, so ensure this is set to
above guide.
5. Up-Slope
Adjustable from 0 - 25 seconds, This allows you to gradually increase the amperage from
start amps to main amps when using torch trigger operation.
When using foot pedal ensure up-slope is set to 0 or you may experience sluggish arc
starting.
6. Main current control
This adjusts the main welding current and is shown in L.E.D (Fig 4.24) when welding is in
process.
Welding range AC is 10A to 170A
Welding range DC is 5A to 170A
7. Pulse width adjustment (pulse on time)
When pulse welding you have the main (peak) amperage and base (background)
amperage set. By adjusting the width you determine which will be more prominent, the
pulse or the base. This is adjustable from 5-95%. At a low % the base current will be on
long so you will reduce heat input. At a high % the pulse current will be more prominent so
you will get increased heat input..
8. Pulse amps %
This sets the base amperage as a % of main amps set.
I.E if mains amperage is 120A and you set to 50%, base amps will be 60A
You can use the remote foot pedal and as you depress the pedal and raise the main
amperage the base amperage will adjust to pulse amps %.
14
9. Pulse frequency adjustment
This can be adjusted as follows:
DC Mode 0.1 to 500Hz
AC Advanced Squarewave 0.1 - 250Hz
AC Soft Square, Triangular and Sinewave 0.1 - 10Hz
Advanced AC Pulse 0.1 - 10Hz
10. AC Frequency
Transformer based welders are normally fixed at 60Hz, due to the advanced inverter
technology you can adjust from 20 - 250Hz.
The higher the AC frequency the narrower the arc becomes allowing you to have a more
precise weld bead and penetration. This can also quicken up travel speed and ideal for
production welding.
You will hear the pitch of the weld noise get higher, this is normal.
Welding at lower frequency will give reduced control of arc and a wider weld pool.
11. AC Balance
This sets the % of electrode positive used during AC welding to provide a cleaning action
as alloys have a oxide layer that has a higher melting temperature than the base metal and
this needs to be lifted off.
So you can control the amount of cleaning or penetration.
Too much cleaning will cause the tungsten to wobble and split, Too little cleaning can result
in a dirty dull weld.
So as you increase the % the more cleaning will happen however less penetration will be
achieved.
For most situations a setting of 30 - 40% will give you a good clean weld finish, If you go
above 50% you will find the tungsten will overheat and the end can fall of into weld pool.
If you find you are getting tungsten wobble using 30-40% balance then you may need to go
up a tungsten size.
12. Down-Slope
Adjustable from 0 - 25 seconds, This allows you to gradually decrease the amperage from
main amps to end/final amps when using torch trigger operation.
When using foot pedal ensure down-slope is set to 0
13. End Amperage
This allows you to set the end current from 5A DC and 10A AC. In 4T mode when trigger is
pressed and held the second time you will remain at end amps, when you let go machine
will then stop welding.
Note: When using foot pedal ensure this is set to minimum unless you want to have a
15
HOT burst at end of weld.
14. Post Flow Gas
Adjustable from 0 - 50 seconds. When you stop welding the gas will continue to flow for this
set amount of time, this allows the tungsten to cool without getting contaminated and also
protect the weld bead until it has cooled slightly.
For up to 100 amps use about 8 seconds, for 100 - 150 use 12 seconds and 150-170 use
15 seconds.
15. Process selector
Options are:-
HF Tig - For automatic arc starting (normal setting for AC & DC Tig Welding)
Lift Tig - If welding near sensitive electronic devices (car ECU etc) DC Only
Stick - NON VRD - Normal 70v OCV is present before welding happens
Stick - VRD (Voltage reduction device).
The OCV is reduced to below 20V (+/- 3v) for added safety. Once the electrode touches
workpiece the arc is established and weld carries on as normal. However when using VRD
sometimes it can be harder to strike the arc and you may need to scratch the electrode on
work a bit more, even more so with rusty / dirty metals.
When welding with VRD you may notice a slight delay in the initial striking, this is normal.
16. Parameter selector
Press this button to scroll left to right through the machine parameters
17. Parameter adjuster
Turn this knob to adjust parameter values, if you hold the knob in and turn it increase
adjustment speed.
18. MMA Arc Force control
This controls the arc response to when electrode is held close/away from workpiece. Arc
force automatically adjusts by changing the volts / amps to maintain a stable arc.
This is represented as a % of available arc force amperage
19. MMA Hot Start time
Adjusts the time from 0 - 2 seconds that the hot start will happen at beginning of weld. This
helps to reduce electrode sticking to work.
20. MMA Hot Amps %
For controlling the amount of extra amps when the arc is first started and prevents the
electrode sticking to work. Adjustable from 0 - 100% of hot start amps available.
16
21. Tig Pulse mode selector
This machine has two pulse modes.
Standard pulse works in both AC and DC modes
Advanced AC pulse works only in AC mode
Pulse is used to help control the amount of heat going into workpiece and commonly used
on stainless steels and alloys.
It standard mode AC, both the pulse peak and base amperage are AC
In standard mode DC, both the pulse and base amperage are DC
In advanced AC pulse mode, the machine pulses between AC and DC- and is ideal to
control the heat input on thin alloys.
22. 2T/4T, remote foot pedal and torch amp control selector
2/4 Step trigger mode switch –Tig welding can either be done in 2 or 4 step mode.
When the trigger mode is in the 2 step position the following sequence will occur
Press and hold the Tig torch switch to start sequence.
The machine will open gas valve to start flow of shield gas, after the set pre-flow time to
purge air from torch hose the welding output of machine will be turned on and the arc will
be started. After the arc is started the output current will increase from the start (min)
current to base (main) current in time selected by slope-up.
Release the Tig torch switch to end sequence.
The machine will now decrease output to finish (min) current in time set by slope-down,
once at finish (min) current the machine will stop output and the gas valve will continue to
operate for the selected time (post flow)
Possible variations of this standard sequence are shown in diagram below. It is possible to
press and hold Tig torch switch a second time during down slope time to restart. After the
switch is pressed the output current will raise to base (main) current
17
When the trigger mode is in the 4 step position the following sequence will occur
Press and hold the Tig torch switch to start sequence.
The machine will open gas valve to start flow of shield gas, after preset gas pre-flow time to
flow time to purge air from torch hose the welding output of machine will be turned on and
the arc will be started at start (min) current
This condition can be maintained as long as required.
Release the Tig torch switch to go to step 2, the machine will now increase output to peak
(main) current in time set by slope-up.
Press and hold the Tig torch switch when main weld is complete
The machine will now decrease the welding output current to finish (min) in down-slope
time set. Once at finish (min) output you can release the Tig torch switch to end weld the
gas post-flow will continue to run for set time.
Foot pedal operation
When using a foot pedal you can adjust the amperage while you are welding by pressing
the pedal, the more you press the more amps you will achieve.
The foot pedal at maximum depression will go to the amperage set in LED before welding.
I.E set the welding amps to 120A and when pedal is fully depressed you will achieve
120Amps.
Foot pedal can't be used with 4T operation, ensure 2T operation is set.
Remote amperage torch
When using a remote amperage torch you can adjust the amperage while you are welding
18
by using your thumb to adjust knob on torch handle.
This does take some getting used to but is handy when you are welding in a position where
a foot pedal is not use-able.
You can use a remote amperage torch in 2T or 4T mode, most common is 4T as you press
trigger to start weld and then release you can then use thumb/finger for torch switch to
adjust amperage knob, once weld has finished press the torch switch again to finish weld.
23. AC Waveform / DC selector
The POWER-TIG170EXT features AC and DC operation, it also has 4 x AC waveforms
allowing specialised welding to be carried out.
Advanced Squarewave is the default mode and offers excellent arc control.
Soft Square and Sinewave are similar to older transformer style welders.
Soft Square gives a smooth buttery feel and maintains good control of the arc
Sinewave gives a softer arc with less control.
Triangular wave is designed for rapid wet in and high travel speed and a rapid freeze of
weld puddle.
24. LED Data indicator
This dual LED display shows the data always accompanied by a corresponding LED light
which indicates what value is being represented.
LED1
Amps
Seconds
Percent %
Hertz
Warning - This also includes a self diagnosing function which shows an error code if case
of machine problem..
LED2
Voltage - Shows acutal welding voltage after ARC has been started.
19
Operating machine
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
Do not touch electrically live parts or electrode with skin or wet clothing.
Insulate yourself from work and ground
Always wear dry insulating gloves
WARNING!
FUMES AND GASES can be dangerous
Keep your head out of fumes & gases produced from welding.
Use ventilation or exhaust to remove fumes & gases from breathing zone and general area.
WARNING!
WELDING SPARKS can cause fire or explosion
Keep flammable material away from work area.
Do not weld on containers that have held combustibles
WARNING!
ARC RAYS can burn
Wear eye, ear and body protection –Make sure work area is protected by proper shielding to
avoid injury to passers by.
20
Welding in TIG mode –No Pulse –No remote foot pedal
1. Connect the Tig Torch to machine, connect earth lead to machine & work piece.
2. Set to Tig mode pulse off (Fig 4.21)
3. Select 2 or 4 way torch operation (Fig 4.22)
4. Connect Argon gas and set flow to approx 8-12 LPM
5. Set Gas post flow to 3 x diameter of tungsten width (Fig 4.14)
6. Adjust welding amps to desired welding current
7. Press the Tig torch switch to start welding and release to finish
Welding in TIG mode –with Pulse –No remote foot pedal
1. Connect the Tig Torch to machine, connect earth lead to machine & work piece.
2. Set to Tig mode pulse on (Fig 4.21)
3. Select 2 or 4 way torch operation (Fig 4.22)
4. Connect Argon gas and set flow to approx 8-12 LPM
5. Set Gas post flow to 3 x diameter of tungsten width
6. Adjust Pulse freq. to desired setting (how often pulse happens) (Fig 4.9)
7. Adjust base amperage % (Fig 4.8)
8. Adjust pulse width to desired setting (how long pulse happens) (Fig 4.7)
9. Adjust main current for maximum welding current (Fig 4.6)
10. Press the Tig torch switch to start welding
The benefits of pulse welding is the ability to control the weld pool and amount of heat absorbed by
work resulting in a smaller heat affected zone which results in fewer deformations and reduced
chance of cracking. There are no set rules for pulse welding as this is down to personal choice by
the welder.
Welding in TIG mode –with Remote foot pedal
1. Connect the Tig Torch to machine, connect earth lead to machine & work piece.
2. Connect remote foot pedal to machine
3. Set to Tig mode pulse off or Tig mode pulse on (Fig4.21)
In welding with pulse in foot pedal, the foot pedal controls peak main welding amperage
4. Select 2 way torch operation –(Fig 4.22) Foot pedal will not work in 4-WAY mode
5. Connect Argon gas and set flow to approx 8-12 LPM
6. Set Gas post flow to 3 x diameter of tungsten width
7. Adjust peak current knob on machine to desired maximum welding current that foot pedal
will go to.
8. Press the foot pedal to start welding. (on maximum depression it will go to maximum amps
set on machine)
Note: When welding with remote foot pedal
When pressing of foot pedal welding arc will start, if you find it hard to start arc push pedal down a
bit further to aid starting.
The benefits of a remote foot pedal is greater control of amount of heat going into work. Press
pedal fully to start weld, upon weld pool formation you can release the pedal to decrease amperage
to sustain perfect weld pool and increase again as required to sustain weld characteristics.
The foot pedal adjusts from Start (min) current to maximum current as set on main current knob on
front of machine.
Table of contents
Other Rtech Welder manuals
