Tweco 180 Portable MIG - Manual (Page 21)

INTRODUCTION FABRICATOR 140, 180
July 20, 2007 2-5 Manual 0-4991
2.07 Duty Cycle
Duty Cycle is the amount of arc-on time (actual welding time) during any 10 minute period that a machine can operate
at it’s rated output without damaging internal components. For example, the Fabricator 180 is designed for 25% duty
cycle at 130 amps. This means that it has been designed and built to provide the rated amperage, 130 amps, for 2.5
minutes out of every 10 minute period. During the other 7.5 minutes of the 10 minute period, the Fabricator 180 must
idle and be allowed to cool. The thermal cutout will operate if the duty cycle is exceeded.
The Fabricator 140 is designed for 20% duty cycle at 90 Amps.
The Fabricator 180 is designed for 25% duty cycle at 130 Amps
If the unit overheats and the thermostat opens, wait 15 minutes for unit to cool.
Art # A-07889
Fabricator 180 at Rated Duty Cycle
Fabricator 140 at Rated Duty Cycle
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minutes
9 1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minutes
9 10
0
Figure 2-3: Duty Cycle of Fabricator 140 and Fabricator 180