Castolin CastoTig 1702 AC/DC is a single phase TIG AC/DC inverter with an MMA mode. You set the TIG current from 3 to 170 A, the MMA current from 10 to 140 A, the supply is 1 x 230 V. It weighs 15 kg and the housing is rated IP23.
What this machine is for
This is a portable power source for welding aluminium, stainless steel and carbon steel. With alternating current you work on aluminium, with direct current on stainless and structural steels. The MMA mode adds the covered electrode for assembly and repair work, so one machine serves the workshop and a trip into the field.
The TIG duty cycle at 40°C is 30% at 170 A and 100% at 90 A. For continuous work you count on 90 A, and you hold the full 170 A for three minutes out of ten. A weight of 15 kg and a supply from one phase 230 V at 50/60 Hz let you take it to a building site and plug it into an ordinary socket.
On aluminium the control of the alternating current matters most. The balance sets the share of the cleaning phase, which breaks up the aluminium oxide layer, and of the penetrating phase, which puts energy into the material. You set the alternating current frequency from 40 to 250 Hz: a high one narrows and stiffens the arc, which helps on thin sheet and in corners, a low one gives a wider, softer pool for thicker material.
The pulse runs from 0.2 to 999 Hz. At low frequencies you see the rhythm of the pool, so it is easier to run a weld in a forced position and to get a regular, rippled face. At high ones the arc narrows and its stiffness grows, which helps on thin stainless sheet, where a small amount of heat and the corrosion resistance count.
Features and equipment
- TIG AC with digital balance control, choice of the share of the cleaning and the penetrating phase.
- Alternating current frequency control from 40 to 250 Hz.
- TIG pulse with frequency control from 0.2 Hz to 999 Hz, from a rhythmic pool to a stiff, concentrated arc.
- HF ignition without contact or Lift Arc by contact for work close to sensitive electronics.
- 2T and 4T modes, that is work with the trigger held and with the latch on long welds.
- Adjustable gas flow time before and after welding, protection of the weld and of the electrode against oxidation.
- MMA with Hot Start and Arc Force functions, current up to 140 A.
- Housing rated IP23 with the S mark, cleared for work in places with a raised risk of electric shock.
Technical data
| Brand | Castolin |
|---|---|
| Welding processes | TIG AC/DC and MMA with a covered electrode |
| Supply voltage | 1 x 230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| TIG current range | from 3 to 170 A |
| MMA current range | from 10 to 140 A |
| TIG duty cycle at 40°C | 30% at 170 A, 100% at 90 A |
| Pulse frequency | from 0.2 Hz to 999 Hz |
| Alternating current frequency | from 40 to 250 Hz |
| Arc ignition | HF without contact or Lift Arc by contact |
| Cooling | gas |
| Protection class | IP23 |
| Weight | 15 kg |
What you get
- Castolin CastoTig 1702 AC/DC power source
- TIG welding torch
- Earth cable with a clamp
- Electrode cable for MMA welding
- Hose for the gas connection
- Operating manual in Polish
What to watch out for
The supply is 1 x 230 V at 50/60 Hz, so the machine plugs into an ordinary workshop socket. Cooling is by gas, without a liquid circuit, so during longer work at the top settings it is the torch that limits the pace. A 30% duty cycle at 170 A means three minutes of work out of ten, and for continuous welds you plan on 90 A.
The manufacturer description gives a current of 170 A, and the shop filter classifies the machine in the range up to 200 A, so go by the value of 170 A. The description also lists a TIG torch 4 m, an earth cable 4 m and a foot control for the current, which are not on the equipment list, so confirm the content of the set before you buy. On top of that come a cylinder with argon, a regulator with a flow meter and tungsten electrodes.
How we sell used machines
This unit was checked in our service workshop in Krotoszyn with measurements to PN-EN 60974-4 and a load test. The price includes the first year of the basic service package: an inspection with cleaning of the machine and a validation measurement. Further years can be added. We ship across the European Union, collection in person by appointment.
