Posted to News on 5th Jun 2006, 00:00
Micro joining - the only smart way forward
MacGregor Welding Systems produce a range of different micro welding products to suit different applications, which are based on closed loop high frequency DC or linear DC technology. The m3 and DC601/1001 range has the inclusion of a graphical user interface, which allows the operator to monitor the weld profile and store acceptable profiles. This profile can then be windowed so that if a weld falls outside of a certain percentage of the profile a fault condition can be shown.
These units also have a part-conditioning feature, which is used where parts are contaminated. The weld works with a double pulse. The first pulse provides a current, which cleans the part while the second pulse provides the weld. The profile monitor enables a weld "signature" to be identified and recorded against which all welds are checked enabling a very accurate check to be made. An additional check function is the measure of the amount of mechanical movement, which takes place during the weld. This displacement measurement in conjunction with the signature check enables an extremely accurate monitor of the weld to be achieved, allowing mechanical movements as low as one micron can be detected.
Resistance welding can in many situations provide an environmentally friendly solution to lead-based soldering techniques, it can also offer the advantage of a faster, cheaper process which has the added advantage of quality monitoring. MacGregor Welding Systems offers a consultancy and applications service to help customers to determine the optimum process for their particular needs.
In the cases where resistance welding will not provide a solution, other lead-free processes are also available. These include micro-arc and droplet deposition.
