Rtech TIG160PD User manual

www.r-techwelding.co.uk
email: [e-mail]
TIG160PD DIGITAL DC TIG WELDER 240V
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Version 2021-11

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Thank you for selecting the R-Tech TIG160PD Digital Inverter DC TIG Welder.
The TIG160PD Digital has many benefits over traditional TIG welders, including pulse
welding, slope up/down, remote foot option and an industrial 35% duty cycle.
We want you to take pride in operating our TIG160PD Digital as much pride as we have taken
in making this product for you. Please read all information in this manual before operation
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
CAUTION
This statement appears where the information must be following to avoid a minor personal injury or
damage to this equipment.
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 TIG160PD-V2 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 3 years parts and labour warranty, R-Tech will cover costs of collection,
repair and return of welder to you for mainland UK (Other areas are RTB 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.

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Introduction
The R-Tech TIG160PD 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 DC TIG welding mode
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 memory store function.
7. Industrial 35% Duty cycle at 160 Amps @ 40C
Recommended Processes
The R-Tech TIG160PD Digital is recommended for the TIG welding processes within its output
capacity of 160 Amps
Welding Capability – Duty Cycle
The R-Tech TIG160PD Digital is rated at 160 Amps at 35% 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.
R-Tech TIG160PD Digital
Input
240V AC 50/60Hz 13A
MMA
No-load Voltage
60V – 80V
Current Range
10A – 130A
Rated Output Current
130A @ 35%
Arc Force
1 - 100%
Hot Start Time
0.1 - 1.5
Hot Start Amps
1 - 100
DC TIG
No-load Voltage
60V – 80V
Current Range
5A – 160A
Rated Output Current
160A
Duty Cycle TIG
35% @160A
Up-Slope Time
0-25 Seconds
Down-Slope Time
0-25 Seconds
Pulse Frequency Range
0.5Hz – 500Hz
Pulse Width Range
5% - 95%
Pulse Amperage Range
5% - 95% of base amps
Gas Post Flow Time
0 - 25 Seconds
Gas Pre-Flow Time
0 - 10 Seconds
Arc Starting Mode
High Frequency / Lift
Gross Weight
16KG
425 x 195 x 310mm
Insulation
IP23S

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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 -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 IP23S 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.

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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 for 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
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 electricalcontact
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.

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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 TIG160PD DIGITAL Inverter TIG Welder requires a 240V 50/60Hz supply.
It comes with a 3 metre mains cable attached.
Connect wires according to national coding.
Brown wire – Live
Blue wire – Neutral
Green/Yellow Wire – Earth (Ground)
Connecting to a mains electrical supply
THIS MACHINE MUST BE FITTED TO A MINIMUM of 13AMP 240V MAINS
INPUT FOR FULL OUTPUT RANGE TO BE ACHIEVED.
Connecting to an Engine Driven Generator
If connecting this machine to an engine driven generator please ensure the
following
Minimum Generator KVA Output – 5 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.

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Connections for TIG160PD Digital
Rear machine connections
Fig 1
1. On/Off Switch
2. Earth for chassis
If experiencing localized interference when using machine, connect workbench to this point
using correct graded earth wire (not normally used)
3. Gas input connector
Connect input gas hose ensuring connection is Tight
4. Mains input cable
Fit required plug as per your electrical installation

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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.

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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. Positive power connector +
Connect the electrode holder by inserting and twisting until Tight

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Controls and Settings
Fig 4
1. Up slope
Adjustment 0-5 seconds. The main welding current raises from minimum amperage to main
current selected in time selected when weld started
2. Down slope
Down-Slope adjustment 0-5 seconds. The main welding current decreases from main
amperage to minimum amperage in time selected when weld finished
3. Main current control
This adjusts the main welding current and is shown in L.E.D (Fig 4.13) when welding is in
process.
4. Pulse frequency adjustment
This sets how often pulse will occur and is adjustable from 0.5Hz to 500Hz.
5. Pulse width
Pulse width adjustment – This sets length of pulse 5 - 95%

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6. TIG mode switch with pulse
Sets machine to TIG (GTAW) with pulse on.
7. TIG mode switch without pulse - (Standard TIG mode)
Sets machine to TIG (GTAW) with pulse off.
8. 2/4 Way selector switch
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 as per 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
When the trigger mode is in the 4 step position the following sequence will occur

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Press and hold the TIG torch switch to start sequence.
The machine will open gas valve to start flow of shield gas as per 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 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.
9. Gas post flow adjustment
Adjustable from 1 – 25 seconds. The gas keeps flowing after weld has finished, this cools &
stops tungsten from getting contaminated.
10. Base current control (Pulse min current adjustment)
This sets pulse minimum base amperage as % of main amperage I.E if peak current is set
to 100amps and base current % is set to 40%, the machine will switch between 100amps
and 40amps at the frequency/width as set by fig 4.4 and 4.5 - When using foot pedal the
base and pulse will adjust from pedal - Note LED will show average amperage in when
using foot pedal with pulse when actually welding.
11. Warning LED
When you turn machine on the LED will light green and then go out once machine has run
start-up self-diagnostics.
If LED turns orange during operation, you have exceeded the duty cycle, allow machine to
cool down, light will go off and you will be able to weld again.
If LED turns green during operation, the machine has sensed overload / under voltage.
Turn machine off and call R-Tech technical dept.
12. Power LED
Lights up when machine is switched on.

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13. LED Display
The LED meter is used to display the main amperage when welding, it will also show
current parameter value when using selector buttons to scroll through additional settings I.E
Pre-flow gas, start amps, up-slope, peak amps, slope down, end amps, post flow gas etc.
14. TIG starting control
HF - Mode: The arc will automatically start when trigger pressed without touching tungsten
electrode to workpiece
Lift - Mode: The arc will start by touching the tungsten electrode to work piece, when the
tungsten is then lifted of the work piece the arc will start. Used for when welding on vehicles
with sensitive electronics.
15. Pre-flow gas
This sets the amount of time gas flow will happen before arc is started, for most jobs 0.1 -
0.5 seconds if fine, when welding stainless steel etc. where a longer gas purge time may
be required adjust accordingly. Range is 0 to 10 seconds.
16. Start Amps
When in TIG mode with 2T/4T operation set, this will adjust the start amperage
This allows you to set the initial start current from 5A DC. In 4T mode when trigger is
pressed and held you will remain at start amps, when you let go, the 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 should be. We recommend setting below to achieve fast arc starting: -
1.0mm Tungsten - 5 Amps minimum
1.6mm Tungsten - 15 Amps minimum
2.4mm Tungsten - 30 Amps minimum
3.2mm Tungsten - 50 Amps minimum
17. End Amps
When in TIG mode with 4T operation set, this will adjust the end (final) amperage
18. Memory store
You can program up to 9 jobs into memory - very helpful when doing process welding.
Press button to select required memory and options will be set as pre-programmed into job.
To program, select job number required, enter parameters I.E amps / upslope / downslope /
gas post flow etc., then press and hold program button for 3 seconds, this will save current
settings.
19. Select function
Press to scroll through available parameters, once required parameter LED is lit, you can adjust by
turning selector knob (21) and then press knob in to store.

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20. MMA settings
Arc force %: Set this to how much arc force % you require 1-100%
Hot start time: Set this to how much hot start time you require 0.1 - 1.5 Seconds
Hot start amps: Set this to how many hot start amps you require 1 - 100 Amps
21. Selector knob
When turned this will adjust main amperage as shown in display, it will also change
parameters when LED has been selected by using select function buttons. Once you have
adjusted parameter press knob in to save.
Pre-Programmed Memory Stores
The 9 memory channels have been pre-programmed with settings below.
Memory
No.
Mode
Pre flow
gas
(seconds)
Start
amps
Slope up
(seconds)
Amps
(peak)
Base
amps
%
Pulse
width
%
Pulse
Freq
Hz
Down
slope
(seconds)
End
amps
Post
flow
gas
1
TIG 2T -
No pulse
0.2
15
0
50
0
5
6
2
TIG 4T -
No pulse
0.2
15
0
60
0
5
6
3
TIG 2T -
No pulse
0.2
15
0.5
70
1
5
6
4
TIG 4T -
No pulse
0.2
15
1
80
2
5
6
5
TIG 2T -
Slow pulse
0.2
15
0
90
35
50
1
0
5
6
6
TIG 2T -
Fast pulse
0.2
15
0
100
35
50
75
0
5
6
7
TIG 4T -
Slow pulse
0.2
15
0
110
35
50
1
0
5
6
8
TIG 4T -
Fast pulse
0.2
15
0
120
35
50
75
0
5
6
Arc Force
%
Hot
start
time
Hot start
amps %
9
MMA Stick
40
0.5
40

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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 other people.

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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 4.7)
3. Set Pulse Switch to Off position
4. Select 2 or 4 way torch operation (Fig 4.8)
5. Connect Argon gas and set flow to approx. 8-12 LPM
6. Set Gas post flow to 3 x diameter of tungsten width (Fig 4.9)
7. Adjust peak current to desired welding current
8. Press the TIG torch switch to start welding
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 4.6)
3. Select 2 or 4 way torch operation (Fig 4.8)
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 4.4)
7. Adjust pulse width to desired setting (how long pulse happens) (Fig 4.5)
8. Adjust base amps for minimum pulse current (Fig 4.10)
9. Adjust main current for maximum pulse current (Fig 4.3)
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.
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 (Fig 4.7) or TIG mode pulse on (Fig4.6)
In welding with pulse in foot pedal, the foot pedal controls peak amperage
Adjust pulse freq. to desired setting (how often pulse happens) (Fig 4.4)
Adjust pulse width to desired setting (how long pulse happens) (Fig 4.5)
4. Select 2-way torch operation – (Fig 4.8) 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.
8. Press the foot pedal to start welding. (on maximum depression it will go to maximum amps
set on machine)
Upon pressing of foot pedal welding arc will start.
The benefits of welding with 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.

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TIG tungsten size / amperage guide
All values below are based on using pure argon shielding gas. Other current values may be
employed depending on the shielding gas and application
ELECTRODE
RATINGS
Electrode Diameter (mm)
2% Thoriated on DC
(amps)
Red Tip – Grind to point
Pure Tungsten on DC
(amps)
1.0mm / 0.040” 5 - 80 30
1.6mm / 1/16” 40- 150 80
2.4 mm/ 3/32” 140 - 250 130
3.2mm / 1/8” 240 - 400 180
4.0mm / 5/32” 380- 500 240
4.8mm / 3/16” 500- 750 300
6.4mm / 1/4” 750 - 1000 400
Welding in STICK MMA (SMAW) Mode
1. Fit MMA electrode holder to + terminal on machine (Fig 3.2)
2. Fit earth lead to - terminal on machine and to work piece (Fig 3.1)
3. Select stick on front panel (Fig 4.22)
4. Place electrode in holder
5. Select desired welding current (Fig 4.13) with selector knob (Fig4.21)
6. Select desired MMA options, Arc Force, Hot start time and Amps (Fig 4.20)
7. Strike arc and weld
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
When machine is switched to MMA mode, output terminals are always live, take care and do not
touch electrode and earth by person at same time, otherwise electric shock will occur.
The foot pedal has no effect on welding current in MMA mode and the gas flow and high frequency
starting circuit is disabled.

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Maintenance
Routine and periodic maintenance
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
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
1. Periodically remove the side/top panels of machine and clean out machine with a low
pressure dry air line paying particular attention to PC Boards, Fan blades, HFpoints
2. Inspect input and output cables & hoses for fraying, cuts & bare spots
3. Keep TIG torch and cables in good condition
4. Clean air vents to ensure proper air flow and cooling
5. The fan motor has sealed bearings which requires no maintenance
Troubleshooting
Service & repair should only be performed by R-Tech welding trained personnel. Unauthorised
repairs performed on this welding equipment may result in danger or injury to the technician and
machine operator and will invalidate your warranty.
For your safety and to avoid electric shock, please observe all safety notes and precautions
detailed throughout this manual
The troubleshooting guide is provided to help you locate possible machine malfunctions
If the fault / problem is not listed below check our support page on our website
www.r-techwelding.co.uk/support or contact R-Tech by phone
.
Contact details can be found on front of this manual and our website

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TIG welding problems
• No output - Power light is not lit
Check machine on/off switch is in the ‘on’ position
Check Input power to machine
Check plug wiring
Check mains trip / fuses
• No output - Fan runs - Power light is lit
Check torch connections are secure and torch switch operation, try replacing TIG torch.
If you have a multi-meter check continuity between pins 1 and 2 on torch switch plug when
pressing torch switch
• No output - Power light is lit - Warning light is lit
Welding application may have exceeded recommended duty cycle, allow machine to cool
down until the warning light goes out.
• No output – Power light is lit – Gas at torch end when trigger pressed
Check torch condition – possible break in torch power cable – replace torch
• Machine keeps overheating - Warning light is lit on machine
Check if fan is running – if not contact R-Tech for repair
Check the cooling vents for obstruction, blow out machine with clean dry low pressure air
supply. Check for adequate ventilation around machine
• Porosity in weld – No / low gas at torch tip
Check gas supply from gas bottle
Check flow rate on regulator
Check gas hose for restrictions
Check for draughts in local area, open doors etc.
Replace TIG torch – may have gas restriction
• Poor weld penetration
Check condition of earth lead and clamp and ensure clamp is connection via a clean area
on work piece
Check condition of TIG torch, try other TIG torch