Surface Tension Transfer

STT

Controlled Short Circuit Transfer

Surface Tension Transfer a recent innovation

Different from conventional CV processes STT is neither constant current (CC) nor constant voltage (CV) Real time (closed loop) adjustment and control of welding output waveform

STT output response is arc event driven, not time event driven as in a conventional pulse machine)

Capable of changing electrode current in microseconds

Surface Tension Transfer STT

How does it work?

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Comparison

STT vs Short Arc

October, 98

175 IPM , 0.045 ER70S-3, CO2, 1 second exposure

Waveform 4

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Equipment

Surface Tension Transfer STT

How does it work?

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Background

current (T0 T1)

This is the current level of the arc prior to shorting to the weld pool it is a steady current level between 50 100 amps

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Ball

time (T1 T2)

When the electrode initially shorts. The background current is further reduced to 10A for approximately 0.75 m/s

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Pinch

mode (T2 T3)

Following the ball time, a high current is applied to the shorted electrode in the form of an increasing , dual-slope ramp. This accelerates the transfer of the molten metal from the electrode to the weld pool by applying electric pinch forces

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

dv/dt

value (T2 T3)

When this value indicates fused separation is about to occur, the current is reduced to 50A in microseconds

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Separation

(T4)

Indicates the separation has occurred But at a low current

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Plasma

boost (T5 T6)

A period of high current where the electrode is quickly melted back immediately after separation of the electrode from the weld pool

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Plasma

(T6 T7)

The arc current is reduced from plasma boost to background current.

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Waveform Control Technology

Background Current (T0 T1):

Controls bead shape and provides minimum heat to maintain a liquid ball

Peak Current (T5 T6):

Controls arc length and promotes good fusion

Tailout (T6 T7):

Reduces puddle agitation, eliminates premature shorts, and aides wash-in of the weld bead

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Root Pass Applications
Semi-automatic Shielding

or automatic applications

gases:

100% CO2 for mild steel

Ar/O2, Ar/CO2, Ar/He for stainless steel

Surface Tension Transfer STT

Advantages
Weld

size

Application Advantages

50% thicker ligament thickness No trapped slag No fusion defects

High quality / low defect rate Low hydrogen deposit High productivity rate Easily automated Less skill requirement
5.0 mm

2.5 mm

STICK

STT

STT Replacing Short-arc

Advantages

No Cold Fusion Consistent X-ray Quality Welds Good Puddle Control Shorter Training Time Low Fume Generation Low Spatter Not Sensitive to Composition of Shielding Gas

Reliable
October, 98

Waveform 18

STT Replacing TIG

Advantages

4 Times Faster Vertical Down Welding Possible Shorter Training Time Not Sensitive to Composition of Shielding Gas 100% CO2 Welds Stainless, Nickel Alloys and Mild Steel Well

High Speed

October, 98

Waveform 19

Surface Tension Transfer (S.T.T.)

Advantages
Controlled Heat Input Minimal Spatter Use Wire Size Larger than Normal Minimal Smoke All Positions Low Cost Gas Good Fusion Handles Poor Fit Up

Limitations
More Expensive Equipment Limited to a Modified Short Circuit Mode

20 MM-41

Copyright 2000 Lincoln Global Inc.

Questions?