The best spot welding machines

In the course of spot welding, the electrodes pass a high-frequency current and hold the materials together by briefly heating small points. The tool market is replete with a variety of models for household and professional use. The expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ project team got acquainted with the manufacturers' proposals, the subtleties and nuances of choice, the opinions of experts, after which they made a top rating, which included the best spot welding machines.

Rating of machines for spot welding

The adhesion of the materials is ensured by a seam consisting of many small weld spots. To create them, the part is placed between two electrodes, they squeeze it from below and from above, while simultaneously passing current. There are two types of welding machines - portable and stationary. We conducted research on several dozen devices, evaluating each for a number of indicators:

• Category - household, industrial, professional;
• Type - pliers, portable apparatus, stationary machine;
• Welding method - one-sided, two-sided, combined version;
• Current - maximum indicator, equipment capabilities from 3000 to 10,000 A;
• Work speed - how many points for a hitch leave per minute;
• Acceptable material thickness - which sheets can be overlapped;
• Voltage - single-phase 220 V, three-phase 380 V;
• Management - ease of use, manual, synergistic (microprocessor) setting;
• Noise level - sound pressure in dB during active mode;
• Power - the parameter is measured in kW, the higher it is, the thicker the surface;
• Additional options - cooling system, equipment.

The demand for such devices has been growing over the years. Manufacturers improve their products by replenishing the market with new products. We have selected products that have received the highest ratings from experts, the most approving reviews from buyers and ordinary owners. As a result, 7 nominees were selected - 4 ticks, 3 spotters.

Spot welding pliers

The mite is a spot welder that is distinguished by its mobility. The weight of such a structure usually does not exceed 10 kg, and a special suspension is used for ease of use. It easily handles work in hard-to-reach places, not inferior to the performance characteristics of stationary models. We have selected 4 clear leaders in terms of the number of approving reviews, reliability, value for money.

Caliber SVA-1.5 AK

A Russian-made welding machine, the main task of which is household resistance welding. It is powered by a 220 V single-phase network, while the maximum power consumption does not exceed 8 kW. The IP20 standard indicates dust protection. The control method is completely manual, the master himself sets the required current strength, clamping, and for convenience, a handle, spare tips are attached. To fix the compression force with pliers, the design is equipped with a stop bolt, it is located under the movable handle. Recommended metal sheet thickness - 1.5 + 1.5 mm. Sold in a package with dimensions 520x140x245 mm, weight 13.8 kg. The maximum welding current is 220 V, leaves 3 points in one minute.

Advantages:

• Reliable return spring for pliers breeding;
• Neat points;
• Ergonomic handle for shifting;
• Ease of Management;
• Small size;
• Inexpensive.

Disadvantages:

• Not for working with products of different thickness;
• The wiring must be 4 mm².

Reviews confirm that the pliers do an excellent job with several sheets of metal (even up to 5 pieces), if they have the same thickness. It can be steel, copper, aluminum, sheet metal. For operation, you need to connect to an outlet; they do not require any electrodes, argon, or wire.

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Telwin Digital Modular 230

Portable single-phase apparatus with microprocessor control of the new Fuzzy Logic system. Its main purpose is to improve the quality of welding while simplifying operation. In advance, you can automatically set the operating time, the current strength, taking into account the thickness of the metal sheets, it can be 2 + 2 mm. There are two modes of performing tasks - constant, pulse. The pliers exert pressure on products weighing between 40 and 120 kg, this criterion can also be adjusted. A system of protection against overheating is provided due to the construction of heat-insulating material, as well as IP20 - from dust, moisture, and foreign objects. The maximum power level is 13 kW, the current strength is 6000 A. With the dimensions 440x100x185, the structure weighs 10.5 kg.

Advantages:

• Synchronous electronic timer;
• Flexible system of settings;
• Two operating modes;
• Suitable for high strength steel sheet;
• Construction reliability;
• Performance.

Disadvantages:

• Demanding to the supply network;
• The case heats up in continuous operation.

It is possible to use such equipment in continuous mode on pre-brushed metal, this guarantees sufficient productivity. The pulse allows rough surfaces to grip. Modern alloys can achieve accurate results when the medium DC frequency is used.

Tecna 7900

Lightweight compact Italian-made double-sided welding pliers. Unlike the predecessors of the rating, this model is equipped with a special timer (2-65 cycles). An air cooling system is integrated to protect against overheating. For complex work with thin metal, stainless steel, small diameter rods, current adjustment, manual compression drive are provided. The maximum power indicator is 2 kW and the power consumption is up to 9.5 kW at a current of 13,000 A and a speed of leaving points of 60 pieces per hour. The dimensions of the structure are 90x370x230 mm with a weight of 10.5 kg, it is covered with an insulating material of class F. The size of the metal sheet is 2 + 2 mm, if it is low-carbon steel, 6 + 6 mm for rods.

Advantages:

• Built-in timer;
• Air cooling;
• Thermal insulation;
• Manual compression drive;
• Professional class;
• Compactness.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• Low speed of points issuance (1 per minute).

They can be used both at home and on construction sites, in car repair shops. Allowed interaction with oxidized steel, surfaces with paint residues, with black sheet. In production, they are most often used to create structures from fittings, to manufacture ventilation equipment.

Blueweld Plus 230

Portable device for resistance spot welding, equipped with microprocessor control according to the modern "Fuzzy Logic" system. It is allowed to work with sheet metal only type St3 with a thickness of 2 + 2 mm. Power reaches 13 kW at a current of 6300 A. The owner can adjust the time, current level, taking into account the characteristics of the materials used. It can be both continuous and pulsed for products with a high coefficient of elasticity. Lever pressure - from 40 to 120 kg. To avoid overheating, the handle is protected by a special insulating coating. The reliable design has dimensions of 440x100x185 mm, its weight is 10.3 kg. To protect the system from power surges, a special overload protection with light indication is provided.

Advantages:

• Ergonomic handle;
• Modern microcontroller;
• Overheat protection;
• High power factor;
• Operation by right-handed, left-handed;
• Flexible settings.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• For ease of use, you need to buy a console.

The well thought-out design makes it easy to complete tasks for both right-handed and left-handed people. The length of the electrodes is only 120 mm, which makes it possible to cook in hard-to-reach places. Electronic synchronizer ensures accuracy. The points are smooth, without melted, ragged edges.

Spotters for spot welding

Spotter is a type of manual spot welding machine, relevant in the repair of transport equipment, at a construction site. It demonstrates great efficiency when interacting with bulky products when access to the inside is impossible. Sold as a standard kit - the device itself, grounding cable, current supply wire, welding gun. We analyzed the opinions of the masters, customer reviews, tested the most purchased models, highlighting 3 clear leaders.

Fubag TS 2600

Spotter for single-sided tacks on metal products up to 1.5 mm thick. With compact dimensions of 200x320x180 mm, the device consumes 5.4 kW, giving out a current of 2800 A. The kit is supplemented with a gun, a carbon electrode and three "stars", a bar with a reverse hammer. Several operating modes are provided (5 in total) - heating with a carbon electrode, welding of corrugated wire and rings, tacking with "stars". Thanks to the reverse hammer, the 1.1 kg weight can quickly pull out dents. The weight of the structure is 14 kg. The manufacturer is providing all the necessary tools. Additional functions - thermal protection, ignition control.

Advantages:

• Reliable connection;
• Light indication;
• Complete set of tools;
• 5 modes;
• Easy to set up;
• Compactness.

Disadvantages:

• It is difficult to rearrange due to the heavy weight;
• There is no option to adjust the amperage.

Consuming high voltage, the device is recommended to be used in the country, in the garage. The model was originally developed for car body repair, straightening, removing dents on steel surfaces by pulling, pulling, straightening.

FoxWeld SW-2500

The semi-automatic transformer enables capacitor welding with a discharge time of 1 to 3 ms. The entire workflow is fully automated, so even a beginner can use FoxWeld SW-2500. The penetration depth is the lowest possible - about 0.1 mm, this allows operations on thin-walled metals of 0.6 mm. At the same time, parts and products are not subject to perforation, deformation, and do not change color. The set consists of a gun, a power source, a clamp-mass, collets and keys for changing them. The case measures 355x355x155 mm and weighs 14.5 kg. Power 2.5 kW, the diameter of the stud should not be more than 10 mm. For ease of operation, a digital display is installed on the front wall. The speed of formation of coupling points is 10-20 pieces per minute.

Advantages:

• High performance;
• Digital display;
• Wide range of applications;
• Nice kit;
• Neat result;
• Ease of operation.

Disadvantages:

• Cables cannot stand low temperatures;
• Price.

According to the characteristics, the declared capabilities, the device is classified as a professional category. Can work with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass. Used in building construction, instrument making, in the electronics industry, etc.

ТСС SW-1600

Ultrasonic spot welder for bonding studs using the capacitor method. This is an instantaneous discharge of energy at a rate of 1-3 ms, or 10-20 pieces per minute. The minimum sheet thickness should be 0.6 mm without leaving any traces. Power consumption 1.6 kW. A digital display is provided for control. The complete set consists of a network cable, a power source, a gun on wires, a clamp-mass, collets and keys for their replacement. The manufacturer also includes a warranty. The degree of protection against moisture and dust is higher than that of the previous nominees - IP21. With dimensions of 355 × 355 × 155 mm, the structure weighs 18 kg.

Advantages:

• High precision of ultrasound;
• Digital display;
• High-speed performance;
• Speed;
• Nice kit;
• Professional series.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• Not always available at stores.

You can use this device if you have to work with brass, steel, aluminum. Its main difference is saving energy consumption, owner's time. This is a novelty from a Russian manufacturer, created by modern technologies. Withstands both household and industrial loads.

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How to choose a spot welder

It is not only the price and financial capabilities that decide which resistance welding machine to buy. Much depends on the purpose, scope of application, and technical performance. We got acquainted with the recommendations of experienced craftsmen, after which we outlined the primary criteria - exposure mode, maximum possible welding current, metal thickness, control method, and power consumption.

Mode of action

Modern models work in two modes of impact on workpieces, parts:

• One-way mode. It is more inherent in spotters that are equipped with a gun with a barbell, a reverse hammer with an electrode at the end. For welding, you need to grab this part to the surface, perform reverse impacts to pull out the metal. This method is advisable if the impact is made in hard-to-reach places, as well as when interacting with large products.
• Two-way mode. This method is appropriate if you need to overlap the metal. This task will be handled by ticks that clasp the site on both sides. The remoteness of the points will depend on the reach of the consoles, usually 12-50 cm. The upper console is movable, it is lowered by pressing with simultaneous heating.

Maximum welding current

The capabilities of the equipment directly depend on the limit of the welding current. For example, if the device produces 3000 A, the total section will be able to connect parts with a thickness of 3 mm. If the parameter is increased to 6000 A, in this case steel 4-5 mm is “sewn together”. Such capabilities are demonstrated by household models; for industrial purposes, reinforced equipment of 10,000-16,000 A has been created, which corresponds to a total thickness of 9 mm.

Thickness of welded metals

This criterion also cannot be ignored when choosing welding equipment. If the instructions indicate that the pliers or spotter will grip sheets with a thickness of 3 mm, then work with wider surfaces will be of poor quality. The parameter is indicated in two ways - total (for example, 6 mm) or separate (3 + 3 mm). Industrial versions are capable of simultaneously stapling 3 sheets, then the parameter will be 3 + 3 + 3 mm.

Control method

Household tasks can be easily solved by a simplified model with manual control. Low-cost products do not provide for setting the current strength, always acting at the maximum. With the pliers, the operator will need to squeeze the consoles on their own, controlling the contact of the electrodes.

Modern, industrial designs are equipped with a synergistic microprocessor control method. For this, a digital panel is provided, where the master indicates the type of connection, the thickness of the product. The smart system independently selects the optimal mode, supplies and turns off the current at the right time. It remains only to bring the electrodes to the foot site.

Power

The power indicator is selected taking into account the surfaces that will be processed. Refractory metals require a device on which the current can be controlled over a wide range. For ordinary metal, the standard spot welding option is suitable. The parameter within 5 kW will withstand a single-phase voltage, everything that above requires additional measures or a 380 V network.

Which spot welder is better

The welding machine must be reliable, productive, as accurate as possible in performing its functions. All the nominees presented correspond to these parameters, the reviews confirm this. expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ recommendations will tell you what to choose and buy, based on a comparative analysis of the pros and cons of each position:

• Caliber SVA-1.5 AK - a budget compact model of Russian-made ticks;
• Telwin Digital Modular 230 - timer device for high-strength sheet steel;
• Blueweld Plus 230 - high power, left / right handed model, microcontroller;
• Fubag TS 2600 - compact spotter with 5 operating modes, light indication;
• ТСС SW-1600 - the highest indicator of accuracy, speed, economy.

The choice of such a welding device should be approached with complete seriousness. To justify the costs, all factors are taken into account in advance. Conventionally, the nominees can be divided into household, professional designs. Much depends on the frequency of use, the level of stress, personal needs, with which products the repair will be carried out.