Q: What is duty cycle?<\/h3>\n
A: Duty cycle is the number of minutes out of a 10-minute period a welder can operate, it is expressed as a percentage. So if the welder can run for 6 minutes out of 10 the duty cycle is 60%.<\/p>\n
Q: What causes it?<\/h3>\n
A: The welder heats up due to inefficiencies in the circuits and coils. This heat is generated faster than it is dissipated. If left the welder would overheat so you would need to stop welding and allow the welder to recover.<\/p>\n
Q: Can\u2019t the designers of welding equipment do something about that?<\/h3>\n
A: Due to the high currents involved even a small inefficiency has a big effect. It is possible to introduce larger cables and clever electronics to reduce the heat generated, it is also possible to introduce cooling such as fans or improve the heat dissipation.
\nFor example, the old Oxford Welders had oil cooled transformers to improve heat dissipation.<\/p>\n
A: Such changes increase costs and often increase weight. Adding extra electronics can also introduce reliability issues compared to simpler designs.<\/p>\n A: There are many factors but the main one is the characteristics of the job you are doing. If you are say, welding batches small components with a long setup time, then you should find that a low duty cycle is adequate. A: If you are purchasing a professional or industrial welder the supplier may provide a chart that indicates the expected duty cycle for the selected current output, alternatively you may have values quoted for 100% and 60% duty. A: If you read the small print, you will see that the values given are for a particular \u201cambient temperature\u201d so if in a warmer climate then your duty cycle will be reduced. A: Unfortunately not! All of the welding equipment you are using needs to be rated with the same or better duty cycle as your welder such as cables, torch, wire feed motor and water cooling.<\/p>\n Great summary on this never-ending subject! Got any questions about us? View our FAQ page<\/a> on the website…..<\/p>\n A huge thank you to Andy, you can see more from him and his Workshopshed Blog here –\u00a0http:\/\/www.workshopshed.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Have you ever wondered what are the factors of duty cycle? What causes duty cycle and what are the limitations? We are pleased to announce Andy from Workshopshed has prepared this quick Q&A to answer some main points, Q: What … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/qpcu2PGqvLgwxBsY2nfTHOEJfqr-vmpYkmeZpR7mcnkXNI4jaqPz713sWZKv3jlOyzZnNJOj8QqtBRaPa65cjQhnu3PuZu8u0Jg9AkiBSGSLJVjdl44\")
Q: So why aren’t welders made to run at 100% duty cycle?<\/h3>\n
Q: So how do I select the right duty cycle for my application?<\/h3>\n
\nHowever, if you are welding a long seam then you may need a higher duty cycle.
\nAlso, if your time is very valuable, say for example you are underwater welding, then it is essential to have the highest duty cycle you can afford so you don\u2019t waste time.<\/p>\nQ: If I am welding thinner materials with a lower current, how does that affect duty cycle?<\/h3>\n
\nThe chart below shows that this machine can run at 100% on DC if you stick below 65A but that falls to 20% if you are welding at 160A.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/I8BNv6ZTkLdeR8HF2T_-yT9OETAG9BiIluohnVZ3B38I7weGG1owyVM6J3fkzUIV_YuNRhJbQ8vCzwhYyq_fan_z_gL9jOmkNdXMkXNV847dFs2Y8w4\")
Q: What other factors affect what I would achieve.<\/h3>\n
\nYou will also see a reduction if you are in an enclosed space as the heat will not be able to dissipate from the welder.
\nThe line input voltage can also affect the duty cycle with lower voltages reducing the duty cycle.
\nSo, if you are working on an unreliable supply or say from an under-rated generator you may experience issues.
\nUnfortunately for beginners your technique can also affect results.
\nIf you are using a wide arc or a long distance between the torch and material then that will take more power from the welder and hence reduce duty cycle, it will also heat up your work and may cause distortion.
\nVery long welding cables may introduce a voltage drop and which in turn would require you to use more power for the same current requirement.<\/p>\nQ: So, once I\u2019ve selected my welder, that\u2019s all I need to worry about?<\/h3>\n
\nSo if you have any questions or would like to contact us<\/a> on any of your requirements, don’t forget to comment!<\/p>\n