Arc Machines 217 WDR - Manual (Page 50)

M O D E L 2 1 7 W D R
O P E R A T O R ’ S M A N U A L
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This fault should only occur during an actual weld sequence. If it occurs when the
machine is not welding then a serious internal problem exists. In this case turn the
Power Supply OFF and call an Arc Machines Service representative.
If it occurs during welding, check for blockage of the air intakes and exhaust on the
sides of the machine.
2. GAS - This fault will only occur at the beginning of or during a weld sequence. If the arc
gas flow through the system should stop, or fall below 7 CFH a fault will occur.
Check that the gas source (user supplied) is turned on and that adequate gas is
available. Check all gas hoses and connections for free flow, this is usually the
problem.
If there is no problem with the source or with hoses and connection then an internal
failure of the flow switch, solenoid or internal hosing is possible. Contact an Arc
Machines Service representative.
3. ARC VOLTS (low) or STUB OUT - This fault will only occur when an arc is present
and the electrode gets too close to the work. If the arc voltage gets too low (below 4
volts) or the electrode should touch the weld puddle an ARC VOLT fault will
occur.
It creates an ALL STOP and does not actuate the “return to home”
function after POSTPURGE.
4. ARC VOLTS (high) - If the arc voltage is too high (above 25 volts) during a weld
sequence this fault will occur. It usually occurs if a hole should be made in the weld,
causing the arc to wander over to the far side of the hole. The most common causes
of this is either poor fit up or excessive I.D. gas pressure, causing the weld to blow out
from the I.D. and creating a hole.
5. BAD START - If for any reason the Model 217 WDR cannot establish a stable arc (at
the end of PREPURGE) the system will display a BAD START fault. There can be
several reasons for this to occur. The most common are poor ground or electrode
connections, contaminated gas or contaminated electrode. Another common cause of
a BAD START is too short of a PREPURGE time. This is especially true when a
system or weld head is being used for the first time in a shift. While it sits (unused)
atmosphere can propagate into the cables. Before performing the first weld of a shift,
use the manual “PURGE” for a minute or two to initially purge (clear) the gas lines.
Note
Arc Machines recommends 2% Ceriated welding electrodes. They have proven to be
much more effective than Thoriated electrodes for RF transmission and are reported to
have longer life than 2% Thoriated Electrodes.