Pulsed MIG ???

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I am planning to upgrade from my Hobart 170. I am undecided if pulsed MIG is something to get. The Millermatic 350P offers a lot of advanced features, but I want to know, do you guys with that machine actually use the pulse? How often do you use it and under what circumstances? Is pulsed MIG going to become more of the norm as technology lowers it's cost? Or is it something that really doesn't offer much benefit?I will be using it for cold rolled steel up to 3/8" and aluminum to 3/8.Is pulse more beneficial for thin or thick materials?Thanks
Reply:A major advantage of pulsed MIG is the ability to achieve a spray transfer at significantly lower power than conventional MIG.  Conventional spray MIG is too hot and fluid for any positions other than flat and horizontal, and it is too hot for thinner gauge material.  Pulsed MIG can be setup for a low heat input spray transfer that can be used in all positions and on thin material, where you would normally use short arc, but spray can have minimal spatter and improved penetration over short arc.I worked with automated pulsed spray MIG of automotive components where one major benefit was the ability to have spatter free spray welds with a super tight arc length needed for precise welds in tight joints.  Where conventional spray would run 30+ volts with 0.045" steel wire, the pulsed spray could run a very tight spatter free arc at around 24 volts.
Reply:30 V is an awful lot, waht was your WFS
Reply:A/C Guy,Sounds as if you've got quite a bit to learn about pulsed mig.Before you run out and spend the "big bucks" for a MM 350P, I'd suggest you go to millerwelds.com and click on the RESOURCES tab.  There you'll find an offer for their Student Pack.  It's $25 including shipping.  It includes an excellent Tig Handbook, a GMAW Handbook, AND, an excellent GMAW-P Handbook.  Plus a lot of other useful materials (like welding calculators).The GMAW-P Handbook goes into detail about the advantages of GMAW-P and the different equipment available to accomplish it.The MM 350P is a great welder, but there are other options out there that will give you nearly the same capability and have more versatility.  I've gotten by quite nicely with an XMT 304 CC/CV, a wirefeeder, and an Optima pulser.  For aluminum I swap out the 30A spoolgun and WC24 controller for the wirefeeder.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by Fred s30 V is an awful lot, waht was your WFS
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIThe MM 350P is a great welder, but there are other options out there that will give you nearly the same capability and have more versatility.  I've gotten by quite nicely with an XMT 304 CC/CV, a wirefeeder, and an Optima pulser.  For aluminum I swap out the 30A spoolgun and WC24 controller for the wirefeeder.
Reply:XMT 304 is a CV/CC multipurpose machine.Also does SMAW (stick) and GTAW (DC Tig)Can also power a suitcase wirefeeder for use further away from the power supply.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I have a hot rod  shop owner buddy that bought a 350P when they first came out and he called me and said I had to come weld stainless with his machine, I wouldn't believe how good a job it does.......Well he was right...It even has post flow which was one cool feature for stainless mig.....Neat machine for sure...  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:I've been doing quite a bit of work with Lincoln Electric on their S350 and 25M feeders for nuclear applications.  It works very well for what it's intended to do - distortion control on long, heavy sections, and reduction of heat input on stainless materials.  It also makes heavier out of position sections and vertical down GMAW runs much more attainable.  Will it become the "norm" for most industries?  No.  There are many more limitations, precautions, and expenses that come into play.
Reply:The "Push -Pull " gun was kinda touchy and had to be monkeyed with but once it was dialed in turned out some impressive welds....IMO  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock