Pro Spot Welding

Destructive Testing 101 The Importance of Destructive Testing   &  Performing Tests in the Shop.  With the advanced materials being used during vehicle production such as HSS and UHSS, destructive testing is a must in the collision repair industry to ensure proper and safe repairs. Whether we are using Resistance Spot Welding or MIG/Mag welding, we must perform a destructive test before welding on the actual application. This helps ensure that the weld settings are correct and the welder is functioning properly.  How to Perform a Destructive Test: Click here to watch video  In the shop, we have two destructive tests:  Twist Test and Peel Test . Which test is best to perform depends on the type of weld being done and the material used.  The  Peel Test  is best performed on a resistance spot weld (see image below). This test done by clamping the test material in the vice and peeling t...

SP MIG 'Hot Start': The Why & How! The Benefits & Programming of the SP Pulse MIG Welder's Hot Start Function. Quick Overview It's no secret that welding aluminum is different than steel. One of the biggest differences is how heat is dissipated on aluminum. Steel: Heat stays confined to the area where the heat is applied. Aluminum: Heat rapidly transfers throughout the material.  This causes what is known as a " Cold Start ";  the beginning of the weld bead is weak due to not enough heat at the start causing poor penetration. To counter this we have two options:  Tail-In Method -   You start the weld outside and move in toward the weld join so that the material is pre-heated allowing proper penetration.  Hot Start function  - The cleanest way to program it and avoid the cold start. (See VIDEO below) Solution :  The SP series MIG welder's " Hot Start Function ",...

Two Piece Aluminum Liner Giving You Trouble? Don't Blame the Welder! This Tech Tip Will Help You Keep It Together... Aluminum Liner Facts: With concern of corrosion and Aluminum being a softer wire than steel -  a smooth feed through the torch is a  MUST  if you want consistent weld quality. The Aluminum Liner is made up of two materials (graphite and upper steel section) that screw together to guide the wire through the torch neck.  What Can Happen: If the two halves separate, it causes poor feeding, inconsistent welds, damaged wire, and excess time spent diagnosing the problem or blaming the welder - all of which is wasting productivity. PRO TIP:  During new set up, or replacing an aluminum liner-   add a dab of Loctite to the steel end-threaded to the graphite .  This ensures the liner will not come apart. Spare yourself (and your welders) the frustrations of trou...

What is your Max Squeeze Pressure:   Squeeze Chart Showing Pressure based on PSI and Force on the Pro Spot Weld Guns:  PS-500 (Blue) & PS-600W (Black) Quick Reference: Understand the Difference Between What Is Best & And What Is Required To Meet OEM Requirements. Following vehicle manufacturer repair instructions is a MUST in today's collision repair industry. In many cases, this goes as far as - the available air pressure, the power and tip force requirements that are needed in order to properly repair vehicles. By following these instructions, you're making sure the equipment being used is capable of doing such repairs properly and safely. Example of an OEM requirement:  Honda specifies that a resistance welder must meet or exceed 9,000 amps and 772 lbs. of tip force or pressure.  Below is a quick reference chart showing the difference in squeeze compression at different inlet air pressures. 60-135 PSI.  NOTE: Supply of air pres...