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Time-Based Pulse Controls in TIG Welding | Knowledge Center

Time-Based Pulse Controls in TIG Welding

Time-based pulse controls in TIG welding provide precise management of heat input, penetration, and weld quality. By alternating between peak and base current levels with exact timing control, welders can achieve optimal results for various materials and applications. This guide explains the key parameters and their applications in advanced TIG welding.

Key Benefits of Time-Based Pulse Controls

  • Precise heat input management for sensitive materials
  • Enhanced control over weld puddle dynamics
  • Improved penetration profile with reduced distortion
  • Greater consistency in automated welding applications
  • Better control of solidification timing for improved mechanical properties
  • Reduced tungsten electrode wear and longer consumable life

Time-Based Pulse Cycle Visualization

Time (seconds) Current (amperes) Peak Current Base Current Peak Time Base Time One Pulse Cycle

BASE (S): Base Current Time in Seconds

Precise Timing Control for Cooling Phase

Function

  • Controls exact duration of base current phase
  • Manages cooling time between peak pulses
  • Independent of frequency settings

Range & Control

  • Typical range: 0.01 to 10 seconds
  • Precise adjustment in small increments
  • Direct impact on heat input and cooling rate

Applications

  • Manual welding with controlled heat input
  • Specific heat cycle requirements
  • Thin material welding with minimal distortion

PEAK (S): Peak Current Time in Seconds

Precise Timing Control for Penetration Phase

Function

  • Controls exact duration of peak current phase
  • Critical for penetration depth management
  • Determines fusion zone formation time

Range & Control

  • Typical range: 0.01 to 10 seconds
  • Coordinated with base time for optimal results
  • Direct impact on weld bead formation

Applications

  • Automated welding systems
  • Production consistency requirements
  • Precision penetration control

BASE (A): Base Current Amplitude in Amperes

Current Level Control During Cooling Phase

Function

  • Sets exact amperage during base phase
  • Maintains arc stability at precise levels
  • Independent adjustment from peak current

Range & Control

  • Typical range: 5-100 amperes
  • Usually set as percentage of peak current
  • Lower limit determined by arc stability

Applications

  • Heat-sensitive materials
  • Thin sheet welding
  • Applications requiring minimal heat input

PEAK CURRENT: Peak Current Adjustment

Maximum Power Control During Active Phase

Function

  • Sets highest current level in pulse cycle
  • Primary penetration control parameter
  • Determines maximum heat input

Range & Control

  • Adjustable range: typically 10-400 amperes
  • Material-specific settings required
  • Critical parameter for weld quality

Applications

  • Deep penetration requirements
  • Thicker material welding
  • Root pass applications

Relationship Between Time and Frequency Controls

Time-based pulse controls offer direct manipulation of pulse duration, while frequency-based controls adjust the number of pulses per second. The relationship between these parameters is:

  • Pulse Frequency (Hz) = 1 / (Peak Time + Base Time)
  • Total Cycle Time (s) = Peak Time (s) + Base Time (s)
  • Duty Cycle (%) = Peak Time / Total Cycle Time × 100

Application Examples

Thin Material Welding

  • Peak Current: 30-70A
  • Base Current: 5-20A
  • Peak Time: 0.1-0.3s
  • Base Time: 0.2-0.5s
  • Benefits: Reduced heat input, minimal distortion

Precision Components

  • Peak Current: 70-150A
  • Base Current: 20-50A
  • Peak Time: 0.2-0.5s
  • Base Time: 0.2-0.4s
  • Benefits: Controlled puddle, consistent penetration

Automated Production

  • Peak Current: 100-250A
  • Base Current: 30-80A
  • Peak Time: 0.3-0.8s
  • Base Time: 0.2-0.5s
  • Benefits: Repeatable results, optimized cycle times

Key Points Summary

  • Time-based pulse controls offer precise management of each phase of the welding cycle
  • Base time (seconds) controls cooling phase duration for heat management
  • Peak time (seconds) determines penetration phase duration for fusion control
  • Base current (amperes) maintains arc stability while minimizing heat input
  • Peak current (amperes) provides maximum power for penetration and fusion
  • Independent control of all four parameters allows for custom welding solutions
  • Time-based controls are particularly valuable for manual welding and specialized applications
  • Proper coordination between time and current parameters is essential for optimal results
  • Applications range from delicate thin materials to precision automated production