As a result of the technological revolution over the years, many industries tend to implement tools with high technology embedded in them. It has proven over time the effectiveness of using them for various professional applications. Their simplicity, cost and time effectiveness, and multi-tasking abilities replace the conventional tools to aside. Let’s discuss more on 5 high-tech tools used by professional technicians and how are their impact on your industrial applications.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZQZlsEtBfn/?utm_medium=copy_link
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
High tech tools are often implemented in many industrial applications like Construction, Automobile, aviation, etc. When compare with Engineering applications, high-tech tools provide a lot of benefits to the operator even though they are costlier than conventional tools.
The pros of using high tech tools are,
- High-quality output – limit the defect percentage and human errors,
- Efficient and productive – increase productivity and reduce Downtime,
- simplicity and remote – easy handling and portability,
Apart from that these tools are efficient in large-scale applications that save time and increase the output. The major drawbacks are high cost, consuming a considerable amount of power, and maintenance cost which is only applicable for some tools.
Various unique high-tech gadgets make easier your Engineering applications. Let’s discuss the top 5 of them briefly.
HIGH TECH TOOLS
The following types of high-tech tools are commonly used in welding, sheet metal, and soldering applications.
WELDER (WELDING MACHINE)
Welding machines (Welder) are the primary tool type that is used in all arc welding processes. It outputs adequate power (either AC or DC) to the welding electrode thus providing the best welding arc characteristics with maximum efficiency. It is necessary to choose the best welder for your welding applications unless the quality welded part cannot be obtained.
The welder types are found in either DC or AC power output. Normally AC power is used for higher temperature ranges, position welding, and mainly aluminum welding. The welding quality of AC types is not optimal as the delivery of heat varies with current variations. These AC machines are widely used as it is cost-effective and do better welding at positions or points. On the other hand, DC machines give you a smooth welding experience as they give a constant current allowing you to have homogeneous chords with high welding stability. Not only that DC machines provide you the adaptability in different welding processes such as TIG or Argon. When buying a welding machine, it is always good to go with DC comparing the above discussion.
The output of welding machines normally ranges from 5-1500 ampere and volts 10-40. Based on power output type, polarity, and function the welding machines are classified into different types such as Welding Transformer (AC type), Welding thyristor, Welding rectifier, Converter, Welding analog power supply, etc. Apart from analog controls nowadays you can find digitally-driven machines that will ease switching into parameters like current, voltage, arc length, type of current, and pulse current output.
When choosing a welder, you should consider these factors. At first, you should decide what processes you are capable of. That means if you are a beginner, you should probably go for the MIG welder type and if you are a professional welder your best choice would be the high-tech TIG welder type. TIG welding machines are quite used in the aviation and automobile industry where thin metal welding is prevalent. As discussed above DC power welders are the ones you should consider for a long-time business and always used the quality products which are recommended by your industry requirements.
Normally in the aviation Industry welding is considered one of three repair procedures where the metal can be joined without fasteners. The welding machines need to be selected to satisfy the requirements for the type of welding being undertaken. Apart from that, the welder who has been trained in welding processes for each metal needs to use the welding equipment manufacturers’ information to decide the equipment good to go for the welding.
Here are the welding machines types which are often available in the online market that can be recommended based on the above for professional welding applications.
1. INVERTER TYPE ARC ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE
Product review – The above inverter type welding machine is capable of performing General arc welding types. It has welding accessories and a digital screen panel to customize the process. For further detail refer to the product description.
2. INVERTER TYPE ARC ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE (MINI)
220V ZX7-200 miniGB 200A Mini Electric Welding Machine IGBT DC Inverter ARC MMA Stick Welder
Product review – The above tool is a DC inverter ARC MMA stick welder mini type that can be recommended for general welding applications. The mini-inverter ranges from 20-200 Ampere DC and includes a strap, wrench, and a holder in the pack. For further detail refer to the product description.
3. SPOT WELDER (MINI)
F90ES 3500A Dent Puller Multifunctional Spot Welder Welding Machine Repair Kit Additive Kit
Product review – The above tool is a multi-functional welder mini type that can be recommended for general welding applications including dent pulling and other welding repairs etc. As per the manufacturer, it has low power consumption and the package includes a pull hammer, carbon rods, and an additive kit with a box. For further detail refer to the product description.
CNC PLASMA CUTTER
A plasma cutter is a high-tech cutting tool that is used to cut metals by using an ionized jet of gas. They are often used in light and heavy industries wherever quick, accurate, and precise cuts of flat, pliable metal are needed. Normal inside of a cutter high voltage electrode rapidly heats a compound gas mixture to a higher temperature when starting. The gas mixture includes shielding gas which is used as a propellant and redirects the jet to the desired point in the metal. Plasma can be safely used with most non-ferrous metals and commonly Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Brass. Plasma cutters can be found attached to portable kits, fixed stations, and robotic arms and programmed (CNC) to the desired pattern of cutting. There are two types handheld and Mechanized plasma. The key difference is that mechanized plasma machines use a specific torch setup attached to a machine that is controlled automatically by CNC. For industrial high-end use most probably, a mechanized machine is preferable.
Pros of this product over-handled plasma tools are versatility, Fast and precise cut, efficiency and safety ensured due to automation. Cons would be the limitation of cutting metal thickness, noisy and generates excess fumes, maintenance costs. It is recommended to use these machines in a ventilated area and must wear PPEs to avoid accidents.
The following product is a hand-cutting plasma machine that can be used in sheet metal cutting especially for welding purposes.
4. PLASMA CUTTING MACHINE
https://digitalzakka.com/product/andeli-cut-120-three-phase-cut-steel-metal-pipe-380v-air-portable-cnc-plasma-cutter-plasma-cutting-machine/
Product review – The plasma cutter above shown is capable of cutting 0 -45 mm thickness metals with high speed. The cutting gun equipped with the machine can be also used with numerical control for better cutting. It includes an air pressure regulator to be regulated at specific thickness ranges and the machine is designed with high quality while providing safety functions like circuit breakers in case of emergency. This high-tech gadget is Ideal for small-scale metal cutting workshops. For further detail refer to the product description.
SOLDERING STATIONS
High-tech soldering stations are widely used in professional soldering applications mainly for temperature control rather than using soldering iron only for soldering tasks. The soldering iron cannot control the temperature as it only heats up to a specific temperature. Through temperature control by a soldering station following advantages can be obtained.
- To keep solder tip temperature as low as possible to avoid oxidizing before using it for the soldering task.
- Controlling temperature prevents damage to the components you are soldering. Some electronic components are very heat sensitive. Holding the tip against the lead for long will transfer heat into the semiconductor and cause it to damage.
- Quick tip heating – With a temperature-controlled tip, you can apply a lot of currents, heating the tip to temperature quickly. Once at temperature, the current is reduced to prevent the tip from overheating which will ruin the tip very quickly.
- Temperature recovery – When you touch a tip to the metal you want to heat, this removes heat from the tip. The controller will sense this and apply more current to bring the tip back up to the desired temperature.
- A temperature-controlled tip allows you to leave the tip hot between uses. With a simple uncontrolled iron, the tip will burn up if you leave it for long.
When considering the above you will probably buy a soldering station for your professional applications unless it causes more disadvantages including higher power consumption due to the inability of temperature control.
A high-tech soldering station provides the above-mentioned advantages with ease and a comfortable manner. Apart from that, you will get a digital screen with safe modes, an additional hot air gun for rework, shrink tube applications, and for cleaning the work area after soldering.
As stated earlier, you are the one to choose the perfect soldering station that will suit your capability. You need to consider the wattage, quality, and safety features after choosing the desired unit. Higher wattage means higher power to work for long times. The build quality is also essential for any periodic checks for the maintenance in the manuals. The soldering stations are usually two types ESD safe & non-ESD safe which represent the measurement of electronic discharge when an object with different potential gets close. It is good to have ESD-safe stations as it avoids the forming of static charge on iron and station when soldering applies.
Properly maintained stations can be last for years without replacement. Check whether the high-tech soldering irons come with accessories sets including soldering tips, sets of tweezers, a de-soldering pump, a cleaning sponge, etc. Normally stations come with the above sets but keep in mind to buy the whole pack otherwise you will need to waste money buying individual items separately.
Following high-tech soldering station can be recommended for industrial soldering applications. It covers all the aspects discussed above including wattage, quality, and design standards.
5. SOLDERING STATION
Product review – The soldering stations include 3 tool channels that can use independently without any interference. Include hot air guns for both rework and de-soldering applications. Equipped with the general tool kits and a maximum power of 900W. For further detail refer to the product description.
FINAL TALK
High-tech tools indeed provide more advantages rather than conventional tools used in engineering applications. It is a wise decision to move to a high-tech tool if you are looking for long-term use and have a passion for performing engineering tasks accurate and precise manner. There are over dozens of high-tech tools for each engineering application and always use to buy a tool that is recommended by tour industrial standards or experienced professionals.
*****************
REFERENCES
- https://www.weldinginfo.org/welding-technology/types-of-welding-machines-and-processes/
- https://www.materialwelding.com/types-of-welding-machines-with-pictures/
- https://toolshaven.com/types-of-welding-machines/
- https://weldingtroop.com/welding-machines/
- https://www.lwsmetalfab.com/news/benefits-of-cnc-plasma-cutting/
- https://www.esabna.com/us/en/education/blog/what-is-a-cnc-plasma-cutter.cfm
- https://www.shopsabre.com/the-benefits-of-a-cnc-plasma-machine/
- https://www.ceaweld.com/en/5-good-reasons-to-buy-high-tech-welding-machines/
- https://weldingproductivity.com/article/ac-vs-dc/#:~:text=DC%20stick%20welding%20offers%20advantages,of%20penetration%20into%20the%20steel.
