Upslope and Downslope time

[elektro]

Hi does anyone know what the setting of upslope and downslope time is for? I was just sent an old elektra beckum AC/DC TIG and ARC welding machine. Maybe miller also has this setting. Does anyone know what this is for? thanks.

[duaneb55]

If I had to guess that would be the AC 'balance' that basically allows adjusting for more cleaning action of the work piece at the lowest setting (balanced wave with equal upslope and downslope) or more weld penetration at higher settings (less upslope or EP and more downslope or EN) for GTAW.

It is also used at higher settings in AC/DC SMAW to aid arc starting and vertical and overhead welds by reducing electrode sticking.

[awill4x4]

Upslope and downslope are simply the time taken to ramp up to your welding current (upslope) and the time taken to ramp down to either a crater fill or finish welding (downslope).
They are usually adjustable and it depends on your preference for how long you want to ramp up and down. This is usually for machines which are using on/off or momentary switches on the torch rather than amperage controls either foot pedal or torch fitted amptrol units.
Regards Andrew from Oz.

[davedarragh]

awill4x4: Like entering and exiting a freeway. The "accelerate and decelerate" lanes (or ramps) on the Interstates. How fast do you want to "get up" to speed, and how fast to you want to "stop."

Dave

[elektro]

So what how does upslope and downslope affect the weld? I dont quite get it? Thanks

[duaneb55]

Upslope and downslope are simply the time taken to ramp up to your welding current (upslope) and the time taken to ramp down to either a crater fill or finish welding (downslope).
They are usually adjustable and it depends on your preference for how long you want to ramp up and down. This is usually for machines which are using on/off or momentary switches on the torch rather than amperage controls either foot pedal or torch fitted amptrol units.
Regards Andrew from Oz.

awill4x4: Like entering and exiting a freeway. The "accelerate and decelerate" lanes (or ramps) on the Interstates. How fast do you want to "get up" to speed, and how fast to you want to "stop."

Dave

OK - I get it. Thanks for setting me and the record straight. I figured it was a terminology thing and just another way of referring to the AC wave control (upslope = wave above and downslope = wave below baseline) hence the preface "If I had to guess...".

[awill4x4]

So what how does upslope and downslope affect the weld? I dont quite get it? Thanks

Elektro, a slow ramp rate either up or down can be helpful if you don't have a foot pedal or torch mounted amptrol unit. If the weld starts to get too hot then ramping down till it cools slightly then ramping up when you are ready for more amps. It's good for changing position of the torch eg: going around a corner it allows the weld to cool but not stop as you change torch direction.
Regards Andrew from Oz.

[elektro]

Elektro, a slow ramp rate either up or down can be helpful if you don't have a foot pedal or torch mounted amptrol unit. If the weld starts to get too hot then ramping down till it cools slightly then ramping up when you are ready for more amps. It's good for changing position of the torch eg: going around a corner it allows the weld to cool but not stop as you change torch direction.
Regards Andrew from Oz.

I see. Thanks a lot!