MK Products MiniMicro Orbital Weldhead - Manual (Page 17)

Mini Micro ® Owner’s Manual - Page 11 ® ®
Section E Troubleshooting
Arc Start Troubleshooting
If you experience intermittent arc start problems or strikes to the Collet or
Side Plate Clamp instead of the part to be welded, check for the following:
1. The proper arc gap is an important part of the proper use of your MK
Orbital equipment. Improper arc gap can cause arc strikes to occur to
your Side Plate Clamp or Collets.
2. Be sure that the tungsten is ground properly, (18° included angle
and a .015” - .017” fl at at the end of the tip). Sharpening should be
accomplished with the grind marks parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
tungsten, not around the tungsten (reference Figure 3).
3. Parts must be clean with no oxidation, oils or other insulating surface
contaminant.
4. If the tungsten is contaminated at any time, it should be replaced. Dirty
tungsten can cause poor arc starts and tungsten inclusions.
5. Make sure that the part to be welded is tight in the Collets, or a loose
ground will result. If the part to be welded can be turned in a latched
Collet, tighten the Collet plungers.
6. Avoid any tooling that might have sharp edges or points or this will cause
an arc strike to the Collets or the Side Plate Clamp.
7. To insure reliable arc starting and extended tungsten life, the pre-purge
settings should be determined by the size of the tube and weldhead size:
the smaller the tube in a given size weldhead; the longer the pre-purge
time.
8. If an arc strike occurs to the Collet or Side Plate Clamp, the resulting arc
spot may induce future arc strikes. Be sure to smooth out any arc spots
with a fi ne abrasive pad or cover it with appropriate insulating tape.
9. Be sure that there is a tube in the weldhead before trying to make a weld.
Operational Troubleshooting
If the weldhead does not return to the ‘Home’ position, but continues to rotate
when the ‘Home’ switch is pressed; the Reed Switch is most likely defective.
The MiniMicro ® weldhead must be returned to the factory for any ® ®
and all repairs.