Using the Orion's Tack Mode

Tack Mode Basics

Tack Welding Mode is fundamentally different from the other two modes. PulseArc Mode and Micro Mode generate welding heat by forming an electric arc using the stylus. Tack Mode generates welding heat by nature of the resistive properties between the + and – terminals. This type of weld is also commonly called a resistance or fusion weld.

By their very nature, lower powered tack welds can be temporary. Instead of using a complex binding to hold two pieces flush while they're welded, they can be temporarily fused with a tack weld, then permanently joined with an arc weld or a high powered tack weld.

When using Tack Mode keep in mind these major functional differences:

• There is NO shielding gas.
• There is NO tip retraction, and thus the stylus should never be used.
• Sparking is possible, but can be significantly reduced with more pressure between the pieces to be joined. The darkening lens or microscope are not required for eye protection but can still be used if desired.
• There is NO aborting a weld once it has been triggered. For this reason it is recommended that Foot Triggering be used for more precision. Also, in Foot Trigger Mode, the weld is immediate after a foot press. This allows a higher degree of accuracy and efficiency due to the lack of beeps before the weld.
• Resistance welds can generate considerably more heat than arc welds, even at the same power level. Keep this in mind when dealing with heat sensitive workpieces.

Welding Tips

• Using the stylus in Tack Mode will only serve to stick the electrode to the workpiece. Experiment with using the different tack hand attachments.
• Auto Trigger Mode may be useful in certain situations but Foot Trigger Mode is generally recommended for Tack Mode.
• Tack welds are not necessarily permanent. In many cases, pieces that have been tacked can be broken apart with your hands. As such, anytime a low power tack weld is made be sure to follow it up with a more permanent solution.
• Unlike the stylus, when tacking, hold everything firmly...both the hand attachments and the workpieces. This will virtually eliminate any chance for sparking, and create higher quality welds.
• Successive tack welds not only generate heat in the workpiece, but also in the hand attachments and the cabling. As everything heats up it becomes less efficient electrically. To overcome these losses, change out the hand attachments or allow them to cool periodically.