Arc/Stick Welder R-TECH MMA 160S [Welding Equipment > Arc MMA Welder > Arc Welder R-Tech MMA160S]
	Arc/Stick Welder R-TECH MMA 160S The R-Tech MMA160S is a heavy duty MMA Stick Arc welder that features Inverter technology and is suitable for ship builders and fabricators where constant use is required. Comes with all welding cables.  160 Amp welding output 240V 26Amp 6.2KVA Input Required Generator Friendly - Generator must be minimum of 9KVA and fitted with AVR (auto voltage regulation) High Duty Cycle 60% @ 160Amps Electrode Capacity 1.6 - 4.0mm Cooling fan with thermostatic protection Package Includes - R-Tech MMA160S Arc MMA Welder, 3m Earth & MMA Leads, Mains Cable and Owners Manual Net Weight 14KG, Dimensions 425x195x310 2 year parts & labour warranty Optional scratch start tig welding torch kit available See or range of Arc/Stick Welding Electrodes See or range of Spare cables and electrode holders Download printable Arc/MMA Data Sheet View the Arc Welder Owners Manual MMA160S
		£265.00 +V.A.T. ( £311.38 inc V.A.T) ( EUR 296.43)   Product code: MMA160S
[Welding Equipment > Arc MMA Welder > Arc Welder R-Tech MMA160S]

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Arc or MMA (Manual Metal Arc) Welding is the oldest example of currently used electric welding procedures, and perhaps the most straight forward to use and understand.

The principle of arc welding is simple; a relatively large current is passed through a welding rod (or filler rod) of the appropriate metal (Mild steel for welding steel etc.) and a circuit is completed through it when it comes into contact with the earthed metal being welded. The join between the welding rod and the work being welded creates an area of high resistance, which produces enough heat to melt the rod at that point. The rod is drawn along the work, creating a line of molten metal that solidifies to create a strong bond between the two metals being welded together. Higher currents are used for welding thicker metals – and require thicker rods.

If the current used is too low for the thickness of metal being welded the weld will not penetrate sufficiently into the metals, and hence will be weak. If the current is set too high, it is likely that the electrode (welding rod) will splatter (creating a messy weld) or at worst burn through the work.

As the temperature of the arc can reach as high as 6000oC, an amount of oxides are produced – these can cause problems as they form on the metals being welded, creating a barrier between the work and the filler rod. A layer of oxide both insulates the metals (meaning the arc cannot be struck) and may affect the strength and general quality of the weld. To overcome these problems, the filler rod is coated in flux which, when burned, produces a shielding gas that protects the metal from the oxygen in the air. The remains of the flux solidify on the metal in the form of "slag" – which also protects the weld against oxidation until it has cooled.

This layer can simply be chipped off with a welding hammer once the weld has cooled, and sometimes comes off by itself as the metal contracts.

As with all forms of welding and soldering, it is important that the areas of the work are cleaned thoroughly of impurities and oxide before welding takes place; this can be carried out with a wire brush, or abrasive paper.