In Brief: What Is A Multi-Process Welder?
Multi-process welders are welding machines that perform MIG, TIG, and Stick welding to a high standard. They are versatile, surprisingly lightweight, dual-voltage, and can save you money if you would otherwise buy multiple machines. However, they are expensive, bulky, complex, and most cannot TIG weld aluminum.
Multi-process welders are welding machines that can perform MIG, TIG, and Stick welding operations.
Most welding machines specialize in one type of welding process, with the possibility of using it for one or two other welding processes at a reduced level of performance.
Multi-process welders perform all three major welding processes to a high standard and should be applicable for other related processes such as arc gouging and flux-cored.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Multi-Process Welder
There are advantages and disadvantages to multi-process welders that you should know about. You can find them summarized in the table below, with a short discussion afterward.
Table 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Multi-Process Welders.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Versatile | Expensive |
| Dual-voltage for use at home or on-site. | Bulky |
| Lightweight and portable. | More complexity. |
| Cheaper than buying several machines. | Most cannot TIG weld aluminum. |
Multi-process welders boast great versatility compared to standard welding machines because they apply to more processes. However, most cannot be used to TIG weld aluminum.
The added processes do make multi-process welders more difficult to use.
However, if you have experience with one type of welding process then a multi-process welder will help you to set up welds that you are less familiar with.
Lincoln Flextec™ 650 Multi-Process Welder in Action
They usually have dual-voltage, meaning that they can function on a 240 V shop or site power supply as well as working on a home 120 V power supply if needed.
They are also surprisingly lightweight and portable, though they do tend to be bulkier than standard welding machines.
Finally, the price must be a consideration.
While a multi-process welder costs more than a standard welding machine, you will save money if you would otherwise have to buy two or three separate welding systems.
Summary
We hope this guide has helped you to understand multi-process welders.
Multi-process welders are perfect for people who need versatility but will fall short for people who only perform one type of welding process.
If you have any questions or comments about this guide or multi-process welders in general, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.