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  • Author Author: tariq.ahmad
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How to Automate Industrial Welding Positioners with Arduino -- Episode 566

In this episode we are looking at a couple of welding positioners that I worked on. Retrofitting one from an old lost PLC to arduino, and another built from scratch. Both of these devices are designed for use with a TIG welder. The rotary positioner puts the work where you need it, and the linear positioner holds the torch and moves it in a precise line to get perfect dimes!

Bill of Material:

Product Name Manufacturer Quantity Buy Kit
Arduino UNO Arduino 2 Buy Now
Toggle Switch EATON 2 Buy Now
Rotary Encoder Bourns 1 Buy Now
Power Supply XP Power 2 Buy Now
 

Additional Parts:

3v Relay Module
8ch Optoisolator
NEMA 34 Stepper Motor
NEMA 32 Stepper Motor Driver
20x4 I2C LCD Display Module
Arduino UNO Screw Terminal Breakout Board

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  • How about trying some old school tech to deal with the interference?  We call it an interposing relay or isolation relay circuit.  It's an optoisolator on steroids.  We use it in generator remote start circuits in lightning prone areas.  The EMF induced in the wires between the transfer switch and the generator is electrically isolated from the electronics.  The EMF is induced equally into the source and the return and, if not, the relay coil takes the brunt of the spike.  In this application, the coil may even serve as a RF choke.  Just an idea.

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  • How about trying some old school tech to deal with the interference?  We call it an interposing relay or isolation relay circuit.  It's an optoisolator on steroids.  We use it in generator remote start circuits in lightning prone areas.  The EMF induced in the wires between the transfer switch and the generator is electrically isolated from the electronics.  The EMF is induced equally into the source and the return and, if not, the relay coil takes the brunt of the spike.  In this application, the coil may even serve as a RF choke.  Just an idea.

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  • in reply to kmikemoo

    That is interesting, I did not know about that. I have some other projects that are going to be near TIG welders coming up, I will have to give this a shot. The interference was able to put enough voltage on the line to activate the optoisolator, so I wonder if it would trigger the relay as well?

  • in reply to KalebTheMaker

      If you opt for a 12 or 24 volt relay systems, you should be sufficiently isolated from any induced EMF.  You've already proven that the 5V threshold still picks it up.  For my (few) industrial Arduino applications, I've standardized on 12VDC and have a dedicated buck converter for the Arduino.  The relay modules are all 12V.  Fly by wire, right?  Otherwise, Andy's suggestion for CAN should also be a solid solution.  You're already using the ESP32.