Need Help!- welding on machine

[ebydrc]

ive got a fast question, i need to repair a part that is not removible from the machine, it requires alittle mig welding, im wondering before i do anything is this going to harm my machine?

dont know if it makes a difference but im useing stepper motors

[RalcoBe]

I only know about welding on cars.
It can go wrong, mostly it doesn't

I describe her the reason why it can go wrong:

Welding invokes HF AC currents.
As many know, a battery acts as a wire for HF.
So the currents go throug the wires, and can invoke a dangerous tension over other components like alternators, ecu,...

So it's always safer to disconnect the battery.
In your case, I don't know your setup:
When you disconnect all wires from your machine, leaving the steppers or servos on it, but disconnected, you're safe.

When you weld without disconnecting and keep the mass clamp close to your welding area, you're nearly safe.

Follow also the path of current.
Welding on the X-axis, while having the clamp connected to the machine base, makes the current go througt slides, bearings, spindles... not good.

[ebydrc]

Originally Posted by RalcoBe I only know about welding on cars. It can go wrong, mostly it doesn't I describe her the reason why it can go wrong: Welding invokes HF AC currents. As many know, a battery acts as a wire for HF. So the currents go throug the wires, and can invoke a dangerous tension over other components like alternators, ecu,... So it's always safer to disconnect the battery. In your case, I don't know your setup: When you disconnect all wires from your machine, leaving the steppers or servos on it, but disconnected, you're safe. When you weld without disconnecting and keep the mass clamp close to your welding area, you're nearly safe. Follow also the path of current. Welding on the X-axis, while having the clamp connected to the machine base, makes the current go througt slides, bearings, spindles... not good.

i had planned out disconnecting all the wiring to and from the machine, i just dont want any problems i would hate to end up replacing stuff from the welding.

[RalcoBe]

In that case, you're safe. Leaving and unconnected motor can't kill him.

[KIMFAB]

Leave your high freq off if your unit is so equipped and it wouldn't hurt to tie all the leads for each motor together and ground them.

[RalcoBe]

Originally Posted by KIMFAB Leave your high freq off if your unit is so equipped and it wouldn't hurt to tie all the leads for each motor together and ground them.

HF current is invokend, even when not welding with an HF source.

[ebydrc]

Originally Posted by RalcoBe In that case, you're safe. Leaving and unconnected motor can't kill him.

alright thats what i wanted to hear

[KIMFAB]

Originally Posted by RalcoBe HF current is invokend, even when not welding with an HF source.

I was talking about extra high power HF, used by older machines. Comes in real handy when welding light or rusty metal. Plays he!! with my fluorescent lights when I weld with it on.
Modern machines use different methods, such as fancy square waves.