Solid State welders are unique units because they allow welding of thinner materials using conventional fuel-based arc welding processes. They can also work on projects that require higher temperatures than other welding techniques could provide and in most cases require the use of a solid flux cored electrode. Typically, solid-state welders have two metal electrodes – one positioned inside the weld puddle and the other positioned outside the weld puddle. The inside electrodes will both come into play during the welding process – although in some cases only one of the metal electrodes may be used at any given time.
The primary benefit of using a solid-state metal arc welding machine is that there is no mechanical interference from the metal or filler metal as it is drawn through the welder. This allows the welder to work with thinner materials, especially in areas where mechanical isolation is an issue. This is especially important in MIG welding processes in which the metal feed material must travel from the filler metal to the workpiece. Often, mechanical isolation is crucial to the success of welding. This mechanical isolation provided by the solid-state units allows the welder to work with much thicker materials.
Solid State welders have also been recently approved for high-frequency induction heating. These welders work well with induction heating because they are not susceptible to mechanical problems associated with the welding processes. In addition to working with induction, these welders have also been approved to work with high-frequency plasma cutting and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) arc welding. These welders are an excellent choice for welding a variety of specialty metals that have high frequency counterparts.
