What is PFC?

JASIC ARC PFC MODELS

Jasic have just launched the Jasic Arc 180 PFC and Jasic Arc 200 PFC models. The models replace the already popular Jasic Arc 180 dual voltage and the Arc 200. If you are anything like me though, you are probably asking what is PFC and what’s the benefit?

PFC stands for power factor correction. Power factor correction is a complicated thing to explain and having read up about it, I wont even try. I will however try to summarise…… Power factor is a measurement with a value between 0 and 1. A standard power supply has a power factor of 0.7 – 0.75. A power supply with PFC has a power factor of 0.95 – 0.99. Anything above 0.8 is considered to be efficient. The bottom line being, a unit with PFC like the new Jasic machines are more efficient and more economical to run.

The benefits don’t end with efficiency. The Jasic PFC models produce smoother welds when compared to their predecessors. The Jasic PFC models now have a wide input voltage range from 95V to 265V. The inverter welder senses the power input and adjusts accordingly to compensate. It means that PFC machines can be run on both 110V and domestic 240V supplies much like the previous Jasic Arc 180 dual voltage. However, the wide input voltage range means that the users welds will not suffer adverse effects if the power supply to the welder is weak or strong. You would think that all power supplies are the same, they are not. In the middle of a city for example, a domestic power supply through your homes plug may be 240V or more. In the country, the power supply may be lower, perhaps towards 220V. In fact, In the UK, the declared voltage and tolerance for an electricity supply is 230 volts -6%, +10%. This gives an allowed voltage range of 216.2 volts to 253.0 volts.

So, put simply, Jasic PFC machines are more energy efficient than welding machines without. They also provide smoother welding characteristics and are suited for a range of power supplies. Jasic also now manufacture the MIG 200 PFC which unlike the others in the range, will run off both 230V and 110V supplies.

Find your perfect Jasic inverter on our website or contact us for more information.

Jasic True Colour Welding Headshield

Jasic has recently launched it's latest 'True Colour View' auto darkening welding and grinding helmet. The latest model offers smart microchip technology and a new external switch for selecting grind mode. This new technologically enhanced (Second Edition) welding/grinding helmet provides improved visibility, increased productivity and comes with a comprehensive 3 year ADF filter warranty.

 

You can purchase the Jasic JH-HDX welding helmet on the SCION SUPPLY website just click on this link.

Parweld XTS163 MMA Inverter Unboxed

Have a look at the Parweld XTS163 Inverter: 

This is a lightweight, compact welding inverter with LIFT-TIG Capability, 3 YEAR WARRANTY and NEXT DAY DELIVERY FOC!

Parweld's XTS 163 MMA Inverter also gives the user the ability to TIG weld. It comfortably burns electrodes up to 3.2mm diameter with ease. By fitting the optional TIG torch and coupling to a suitable gas supply, the XTS 163 can be used for TIG welding and is suitable for welding steel and stainless steel.

The lift arc mode limits the arc current when the tungsten touches the work piece preventing electrode damage. The XTS 163 is able to cope with inputs which fluctuate by +/- 15% and can be used with the majority of generators. The machine is housed in a rugged steel case. A carry case is available as an optional extra. MMA Inverter With Lift Tig Function, suitable for Light Industrial Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Maintenance Repair, Agricultural and DIY and Training.

Available on the Scion Supply Website here.

WHAT IS A COB LED?

Pictured: DRAPER 5W COB LED RECHARGEABLE WORK LIGHT WITH WIRELESS SPEAKER (YELLOW) 90004

COB stands for "Chip On Board".

It is possible to say that COB LEDs became available in the lighting market in about 2007. Initially the market was sceptical about the benefits of COB LEDs because the way they are constructed allowed LED manufacturers to put extremely high powered light sources in small package.

Like a lot of new technologies, there were teething problems, mainly associated with heat management and thermal resistance. though now several lifetime tests have shown that COB packages are very reliable, if heat management is done properly.

These issues have now been thoroughly resolved as demonstrated by the modern reality that every contemporary major LED manufacturer and package maker has COB LEDs as part of their product range.

What are the advantages?

COB packages present excellent uniformity of light from light emitting surface. This is important especially if you want to avoid multiple shadow effect, which often occurs with SMD based lighting solutions. COBs also display superior light distribution. The fact that they are a single light source results in longer battery life, so they are far more economical & better for the environment. From a technical perspective, COB LEDs are also much easier to test. You only need a COB LED constant current driver and a heat sink such as a piece of aluminium.

It is clear that COB LEDs have been very important development in the LED lighting business. This great innovation has allowed an increase in the potential power which can be used inside one LED package by an exponential amount.

See the full range of COB lighting solutions available from Scion Supply on our website where you can select a product for free of charge delivery direct to your door,

Above: COB LED Magnetic Work Light Rechargeable Inspection Torch Lamp Flexible Cordless 80966

What size space heater do I need to buy?

KEEPING WARM

Space heaters allow you to add targeted warmth directly where you need it. Simply find your ideal heat level on the thermostats and enjoy immediate warmth. Portable heaters are also ideal for rooms with inadequate heating or spaces where central heat can’t be installed. Here at Scion Supply we offer a broad range of heating solutions to suit every space.

Personal Space: Consider a personal heater like the Airmaster UFH2TN for under a desk or in an office cubicle. They heat small spaces quickly but shouldn't be used in large rooms. Make it even more personal with the Dimplex DDF250 Desktop Heater which even incorporates a USB port for charging your mobile phone or tablet.

Bedrooms/Offices: If you're looking to cool a standard bedroom or office, these heaters will do the trick. Have a look at the compact Airmaster CRMINI oil filled radiator which provides an instant flow of heat and is completely silent meaning it won't disturb your sleep during the night. If you're looking for something with a little more punch, the CR2T provides a maximum of 2000w of heat easily controlled via an adjustable room thermostat and a 24-hour timer with 15-minute segments.

Large Rooms/Basements: These heaters are designed to heat entire rooms and large spaces. Find the one that's best for your area; have a look at the the newly released Draper ESH2000E a 2kw space heater or the Faithfull Power Plus Ceramic Fan Heater

 

Ceramic heaters like the Faithfull Power Plus Ceramic Fan Heater use positive temperature coefficient (PTC) technology which gives a fast heat up time and, once the pre-set temperature is reached, the power goes on stand-by. It only cuts in again once the temperature drops below what was pre-set, thus saving electricity. Their emissivity rate (the degree at which material can emit electromagnetic waves) is high so the heat tends to last a long time in relation to the time required to reach the desired temperature. 

Garages, Workshops, Warehouses: When it comes to the largest areas, you need to look at our industrial space heaters like the Jetforce DSH1750 - a 175,000 BTU (51kw) diesel/kerosene space heater or, if you prefer Propane, the Jetforce PSH125SS Propane Mix Space Heater which provides 125,000 BTU (37kw) of heat.

Space Heater Sizing
It is important to purchase a room heater that’s rated for the approximate square footage or dimensions of your space. 

Why Heater Size is Important
An electric space heater that’s too large will consume more energy and lead to higher utility bills. The opposite is also true: buying a space heater that’s too small will simply fail to adequately heat your space.

Space Heater Square Footage Equation
You can determine the right size by using heater wattage output. As a rule of thumb, you'll need roughly 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor area in the room.

This means that a 1,500-watt heater can be the primary heat source for an area measuring up to 150 square feet. If it’s used as a supplemental heating source, however, it covers a much larger area.

Use this chart to determine the right power output required to heat your space:

WELDING FUME – CHANGES TO HSE CONTROL EXPECTATIONS

The Workplace Heath Expert Committee has endorsed the reclassification of mild steel welding fumes as a human carcinogen. Consequently, the HSE has strengthened its enforcement expectation for all welding fume, including mild steel welding and welding outdoors.

What does this mean for businesses?

General ventilation is no longer sufficient and changes are required with immediate effect. Previously welding fume extraction was not needed for outdoor welding or for short tasks such as tacking or minor repairs, however this is now no longer the case.

All businesses should ensure effective engineering controls are provided and correctly used to control fume arising from welding activities of any duration, including mild steel welding.

All exposure to any welding fume must be adequately controlled. Risk assessments should reflect the change to the expected control measures, and welders need to be suitably instructed and trained in the use of the controls. Where engineering control alone cannot control exposure, respiratory protection must be provided, for example in the form of a powered air respiratory system or a mask.

XR940A PAPR Welding Fume Respiratory Protection

Parweld’s XR940A Powered Air Purifying Respiratory System is ideal for situations where exposure risk still remains after other controls have been put in place, or for short-term or infrequent exposure such as outdoor welding.

It’s portable, compact and slim design offers comfortable, reliable protection, complete with a large view true colour welding helmet. Clever automatic control systems combined with three types of warning alarms ensure a safe, constant airflow for the operator.

Designed with the user in mind, the system features a simple one button control and clear user interface. The long life battery and the filter can be changed quickly and easily by hand. A contoured outer surface help to prevent snagging on other objects. Additional shoulder straps reduce the leverage effect that can cause PAPRs to feel heavy and unwieldy. Importantly, the operator can sit or lie down without obstruction to airflow.
“Regardless of duration, HSE will no longer accept any welding undertaken without any suitable exposure control measures in place, as there is no known level of safe exposure”
Scion Supply Ltd are a Parweld main distributor and have the XR940A in stock right now. Visit our on line shop to order your now!

For more information visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/mild-steel-welding-fume.htm

Welding Cast Iron

Welding Cast Iron has quite a few potential pitfalls, but if done correctly, it’s not difficult.

Why is Welding Cast Iron problematic

The key reason why welding cast iron can be problematic is the high carbon content. During the welding process, this carbon migrates into the weld metal and/or the heat affected zone adjacent to the weld metal, causing elevated hardness/brittleness. This is how Cast Iron gets its reputation for post weld cracking.

Process for Welding Cast Iron

Gas Welding heats the Cast Iron slower than Arc based processes and the flame is lower temperature than an arc. This means Carbon migration is not normally a problem. Use of a proprietary Cast iron Gas Welding rod is important. The only real downsides to Gas Welding Cast Iron is the amount of heat needed if components are large. Gas Welding is also a slow process.

Arc/Stick Welding is, arguably, the best all-round process for Welding Cast Iron, provided the correct welding rods are used. Cast iron Welding Rods have a special Graphite rich flux, this graphite chemically ties up the Carbon in the Cast Iron, limiting migration into the weld metal and heat affected zone. There are two common types of Cast iron Welding Rod, Ferro-Nickel and Pure Nickel. Ferro-Nickel are typically 53% Steel and 47% Nickel. Ferro-Nickel Rods are cheaper than pure Nickel and are ideal for welding Cast Iron to Steel. Pure Nickel will produce a softer, more malleable weld deposit. I would advocate using Ferro-Nickel, unless the job specifically requires Pure Nickel.

Mig Welding is, in my opinion, not a great way to weld Cast Iron. Whilst there are specialist Flux Cored Wires available, unless you have a repeating application that you can create a procedure for, I would not advocate Mig Welding Cast iron.

Tig Welding is not considered a suitable process for Welding Cast Iron. An open arc process such as Tig offers no opportunity to mitigate Carbon migration.

Welding Techniques

Gas Welding – There are no specific techniques that need to be deployed.

Arc/Stick Welding – All of the following are important:

Prep the job with a ‘U’ shaped groove, avoid sharp corners as this can lead to heat build up which will exacerbate carbon migration.

Use the correct type of welding rod.
Ensure the component is AT LEAST at room temperature, adding a small amount of pre-heat will help, but you only need the component to be warm to the touch.
Limit the amount of welding done in one run. As a rule of thumb, do not put down a continuous run that has a length greater than 10x the diameter of the welding rod being used. Having said that, it’s ok to put down multiple runs in different parts of the component (see graphic in next item). Eg, if repairing a 300mm crack with a 3.2mm rod, you can weld a run of 32mm, then do another 32mm run in another part of the crack. Avoid letting the weld area get too hot, this is the purpose of short runs.
If you’re repairing crack, run a bead across each end of the crack to avoid the crack spreading further.

Keep the welding rod vertical, not at an angle, like you would for most stick welding.
Don’t expect to weld cast iron quickly, the key is to take you time and do it properly.

I hope you found this blog article about Welding Cast Iron useful, if things work out well for you, please feel free to post some pictures of your achievements on our Facebook Page or tweet us @ScionSupply

Please let me know what you thought of this article by leaving a comment. Don’t worry, your email address won’t be added to a database or shared and you won’t receive any unsolicited email.

If you need cast iron electrodes, both main types are available on our website