"-Adjustable MIG Wave Form control manages inductance and fine tunes arc characteristics."
This is a direct quote pasted from the MTS160 page. I have no idea what the term "inductance" means, therefore no idea why it would be necessary to manage it. I would take it from the description that it has something to do with wave form, but what? And more importantly, how does it work?
Enquiring minds want to know:D
Inductance,( not induction) is a term used in the electrical field (no pun intended). All our MIG welders have adustable inducatance control. It is of course a technical term with lots of detailed scientific jargon attached. Here is the most brief and simple explanation I can find: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu...ic/induct.html.
This example probably relates a closely to what it does in our machines as anything. In short circuit welding, when the arc is "shorted" by the filler wire coming into contact with the weld, the current (amps) drops. The wire then begins to heat up by the rise in current until it heats up sufficiently to pinch off and melt into the puddle. While the time by which it takes the current to "rise" is small and happening many times a second, it can be adjusted through adjusting the inductance of the machine. This is called "current rise time". It allows the wire to break off closer or further from the weld, depending upon the setting. Allowing a quicker current rise time (lower inductance), creates a longer stickout (wire breaking near the puddle) which offers deeper penetration with a narrower bead. This is sometimes called a "stiff arc" or even perceived as running too cold (when in excess). Or allowing a longer current rise time (higher inductance), creates a noticeably shorter stickout, with the wire sometimes pinching off just after it leaves the contact tip. This creates a broader, more fluid looking puddle, as the heat seems to increase over a longer period of time. A smoother, lower bead profile will appear as well. Spatter can increase if set to the extreme. The arc will seem to be wider and the puddle will develop a "buttery" feel and look and may appear to be slow to cool. Inductance control is helpful for out of position welding and achieving a desirable bead profile, depending upon the requirements of the joint.
So, would that mean that the "synergic" function of the MTS 200 is actually using or "sensing" the real-time inductance of the weld, and adjusting the voltage output accordingly?
Synergic is completely different from the function of the inductance. It only adjusts the voltage in accordance to the wire feed settings based on the input of wire type and diameter.