www.r-techwelding.co.uk

I-MIG200 MIG/MMA WELDER

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

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Thank you for selecting the R-Tech I-MIG 200 Compact Inverter Mig Welder.

The I-Mig200 has many benefits over traditional transformer mig welders, including infinite power control, adjustable arc force and features a heavy duty 4-roll geared wire feed mechanism to provide very smooth wire feed and weld characteristics

Provides very smooth welds on all steels and aluminium due to its inverter technology, for alloy welding just simply fit alloy rollers and a Teflon liner to torch

Ideal for automotive work with its minimum current of 30 Amps.

We want you to take pride in operating our I-MIG200 as much pride as we have taken in making this product for you. Please read all information in this manual before operation

PLEASE EXAMINE THE 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 the data plate at rear of machine.

Product: I-MIG200

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 a 2 year parts and labour warranty; we will cover the cost of collecting and returning the item to you. External items, ( torch, earth lead etc…) are covered by a 3 month warranty. Any faults/damage found caused by a customer will be charged accordingly.

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.

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Introduction

The R-Tech I-MIG 200 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. Heavy duty 4-Roll geared wire feed unit for long working life and consistent wire feeding.

3. Infinite welding voltage to allow fine tuning of weld characteristics

4. Adjustable arc force – controls splatter – ideal for thin materials

6. Spot welding & stitch welding facilities

7. Digital amp & volts meters

8. Euro type torch fittings for easy torch fitment/replacement

9. 35% Duty cycle at 200 Amps @ 40 º C

Recommended Processes

The R-Tech I-MIG 200 is recommended for the MIG welding processes within its output capacity of

200 Amps DC

Equipment Limitations

The R-Tech I-MIG 200 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 I-MIG 200 is rated at 200 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.

Input

MIG Operation

R-Tech I-MIG 200

Rated Input Current I-Eff

Rated Output Current

Duty Cycle @ 200 AMPS

240V 1~ AC 50/60Hz

19 AMPS

200 AMPS

35% @ 40 º C

Duty Cycle @ 155 AMPS

60% @ 40 º C

Output current Range

No Load Voltage

30-200 AMPS

55-75V MAX

Voltage Adjustment Range 14V – 26V +/- 3V

Suitable Wire Diameter - Steel 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm

Suitable Wire Diameter - Alloy 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm

Insulation

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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 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.

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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 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

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.

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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 I-MIG 200 Mig Welder requires a 240V 50/60Hz 1-Phase supply. It requires an 19A 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 IS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SPECIFICATION AND MUST BE FITTED

TO A 20AMP 240V MAINS INPUT

Failure to connect to correct supply will in-validate your warranty

DO NOT CONNECT TO A 13AMP DOMESTIC PLUG

Connecting to an Engine Driven Generator

If connecting this machine to an engine driven generator please ensure the following

Minimum Generator KVA Output – 7 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 invalidate your warranty.

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Connections for I-Mig 200

Rear machine connections

Fig 1

1. Fuse Holder

Fuse for wire feed motor protection

2. Auxiliary AC output

For water cooler – Maximum load 3A – Do not connect to power tools etc

3. Gas inlet connection

Connect gas hose to rear of machine and then to regulator on gas bottle. Ensure all connections are tight to ensure no loss of gas.

Make sure gas bottle is secured to machine securely using supplied chain to avoid injury.

4. Mains input cable

Fit required plug as per your electrical installation

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Front machine connections

Fig 2

1. Euro torch connector

Connect Euro type Mig torch to euro torch connector, align torch connector to machine connector and then turn retaining ring clockwise to secure.

Ensure torch is secured tightly to avoid weld power problems

To avoid electric shock keep the Mig torch in good condition and replace if any of the insulation is damaged.

2. Earth / Workpiece connector

Connect the earth lead (negative - ) to this connector.

Insert male connector into socket and twist clockwise until tight.

Secure other end of earth lead to Workpiece via the earth clamp.

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Controls and Settings

Fig3

This adjusts the amount of time the weld will last. When you press the torch switch the machine will do a single spot weld according to the time you have set and then stop, then release torch switch. Press torch switch again to do another spot weld.

Gives further adjustment on weld characteristics, on traditional transformer machines this was known as choke. Low setting is ideal for automotive work.

Lower setting = softer weld with less splatter and less penetration – for thinner materials

Higher setting = harsher weld with more splatter and penetration – for thicker materials

This adjusts the welding voltage (weld power) from 0 to 10. Adjust knob for power output required by job, preset welding voltage is shown in LED (Fig 3.7)

This is used in combination with the spot welding control. This sets the interval time between spot welds.

When you press the torch switch the machine will do a spot weld as set by the spot welding control knob (Fig 3.1) and then a delay time set on stitch welding knob and then another spot weld is carried out. To stop stitch welding release the torch trigger.

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This turns the I-Mig200 Mig Welder on and off.

This adjusts the wire feed speed from 0-100%

Adjust the wire speed to suit welding voltage (Fig 3.1) and job requirements

When adjusting the wire feed speed a value is shown in the amperage LED (Fig 3.8)

This feature allows you to record this value along with the preset welding voltage for easy setup to specific job when several different welding jobs are being done

This shows the preset welding voltage when no welding is being carried out

When welding this shows the actual welding voltage

This allows the machine to be calibrated to BS if required by your company

This shows the preset wire feed speed when no welding is being carried out

When welding this shows the actual welding amperage

This allows the machine to be calibrated to BS if required by your company

This warning light will come on under these situations

Duty cycle of machine has been exceeded, the machine will stop working and the fan will continue to run until machine has cooled down. The light will go off and welding may be carried out again.

If duty cycle has not been exceeded the warning light comes on to warn of either low input voltage has been sensed or there is an internal fault with machine

10. Power LED

This lights when machine is switched on

Cont….

Side Panel

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Wire Spool Adjustment

Fig 4

1. Wire reel retainer

This screws onto wire reel holder to secure wire reel roll

2. Wire reel tensioner nut

This adjusts the tension on wire feed reel which stops the reel from over running and causing wire to come of reel (birds nest) when torch switch is released. Some times known as reel brake.

This is set in factory, if adjustment is required do not over tighten as this can cause stress to wire feed motor.

Fig 5

1. Wire Feed Drive Assy

Make sure rollers are correct size for wire diameter selected, to change rollers release retaining knurled head screw fit rollers onto shafts making sure the right size groove is in line with wire and refit retaining screws.

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This sets amount of time welding power stays on after torch button released and wire feed has stopped. If too little Burnback is set, wire may stick to work after trigger released, if too much Burnback is set wire will Burnback into welding tip.

Do not over tighten wire feed pressure rollers as this can cause premature motor and roller failure.

Correct way to adjust tensioners is to slacken off pressure so that wire does not feed, slowly adjust pressure until wire feeds smoothly, you should be able to stop wire feeding by holding wire and it should slip on rollers.

If you have too little pressure wire will slip when welding causing unwanted Burnback into tips

If you have too much pressure wire can snag in rollers when wire hits work and cause wire tangle by rollers.

Cont….

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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 passers by.

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Operating Machine

1. Ensure machine has been setup as previously stated

2. Fit reel of wire to machine, ensuring correct size rollers are fitted. For steel only use wire of 0.6mm, 0.8mm and 1.0mm, for aluminium only use wire of 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm.

DO NOT USE 1.2MM STEEL WIRE AS THIS WILL OVERLOAD MACHINE AND VOID

WARRANTY

3. Feed wire into wire feed assy and into guide tube, clamp down top pressure feed rollers and set tensioner pressure.

4. Press torch switch and wire will feed to torch head (adjust wire feed speed to approx 3) –

When wire has come through torch to welding tip release trigger.

5. Turn on gas and set flow rate to approx 14 LPM

6. Set welding voltage and wire feed speed according to thickness of job

7. Ensure you are wearing the correct safety clothes & equipment for welding (i.e welding mask, gloves, apron etc)

8. Select welding voltage (power) required on front panel

9. Select wire feed speed required on ‘wire speed’ knob

10. Set ARC force switch to middle position for medium weld inductance (know as choke on traditional welding power sources)

Low setting = Soft ARC (less splatter & penetration)

High setting = Strong ARC (more penetration)

11. Press torch trigger to start welding process.

Note: You can finely adjust the welding current knob to fine tune weld arc length to either

DIP or SPRAY welding

When welding actual voltage and amperage will be shown in corresponding LED display meters on machine

Tips on welding aluminium

When welding aluminium as the wire is much softer than steel wire you have to fit a teflon liner in place of the steel liner in mig torch, this is so the wire feeds much smoother and stops it snarling at rollers.

To fit a teflon liner, remove steel liner from torch and fit teflon liner so you have about 10 inches left coming out end of mig torch at the machine end. In the brass euro body where torch fits onto you will see a brass guide tube, remove this tube and fit torch to machine and cut off excess teflon liner as required. You want the teflon liner to get as close to the wire feed rollers as possible. Best way to cut liner is with a sharp stanley knife blade.

Next you will need to fit U-Groove rollers made specifically for alloy wire to the feed unit.

These are available from R-Tech. Remove the steel rollers (V-Groove) from the machine and fit U-Groove rollers ensuring correct size groove is in line with the welding wire guides. For Aluminium you can use up to 1.2mm wire.

Adjust the wire tensioner to minimum pressure and tighten down until wire is gripped, too much pressure will deform wire and end up with snarls by rollers.

Fit oversize welding tip. These are available and have and ‘A’ after tip size. I.E 1.0A where as for steel wire it would just say 1.0

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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 and remove mains plug from socket before working on this equipment.

Have a qualified electrician install & service this equipment.

Allow machine to sit for 5 minutes minimum after disconnection from mains power to allow the power capacitors to discharge before working inside this equipment.

Do not touch electrically live parts

1. Periodically (3-6 months depending on use / environment), 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 and switchgear

Failure to maintain plant can void manufacturers warranty.

2. Inspect input and output cables & hoses for fraying and cuts, replace if damaged present

3. Keep mig torch and earth 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 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 fault / problem is not listed below check our Mig Welder Support page on our website www.r-techwelding.co.uk/support.php

or contact R-Tech by phone. Contact details can be found on our website

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Output 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 mig torch.

• No output - Power light is lit - Warning light shows RED colour

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 – Warning light shows GREEN colour

Output overload problem – Output diodes or IGBT faulty – Contact R-Tech

• No output – Power light is lit – Gas at torch tip – No wire feed

Check wire feed unit protecting fuse on rear of machine, if blown replace with new fuse of same rating, If fuse flows again contact R-Tech

• Machine keeps overheating - Warning light is lit RED 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 mig torch – may have gas restriction

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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 mig torch, try other mig torch

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Wiring Diagram

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