The Castolin Castotig 2002 is a single phase inverter TIG AC/DC power source with a current from 3 to 200 A, built on the same design as the Fronius MagicWave 2000. It takes its supply from a 230 V socket, at 200 A it works at a 35% duty cycle and at 140 A at a 100% duty cycle. You have control of the balance and the frequency of the alternating current, pulse and two ways of striking: contact free HF and contact Lift-Arc.
What this machine is for
The first task of this power source is welding aluminium and its alloys with alternating current. The aluminium oxide layer on the surface melts much higher than the metal itself, so the arc has to break it first. The positive phase of the AC cleans the surface, the negative phase fuses the material, and the balance control sets the proportion between them. You lead fresh, clean sheet one way and an old casting with deposit and traces of oil another way, and that is what this setting is for. The control of the AC frequency changes the width of the arc column: a higher frequency focuses it in a narrow point and makes welding in corners and in gaps easier, a lower one spreads the heat wider on flat joints.
With direct current you weld the materials the documentation names: stainless steels, mild steels, titanium and magnesium alloys. The lower limit of 3 A goes down to thin sheet, small tubes and small parts, where the dosing of the heat counts and not a reserve of power. The pulse splits the energy into impulses, so you hold the pool more easily on thin material and in forced positions, and the distortion after welding is smaller. The top of 200 A is enough for thicker aluminium sections and for typical repairs of steel parts. Lift-Arc striking stays for cases where electronics sensitive to high frequency work next to the station, because a contact start makes no interference.
The machine goes to workshops that rebuild machine parts, build exhaust systems and weld aluminium structures. The single phase 230 V supply opens up work at a client, in a small workshop and on a building site, without a power connection. The documentation gives work on a 16 A fuse, so you plug the power source into a normal workshop circuit. This is equipment for tasks where the cleanliness of the weld and the control over the heat count, and not the pace of batch production.
Features and equipment
- Welding current range from 3 to 200 A: the lower limit handles thin sheet and metal foil, the upper one thicker sections of aluminium and steel.
- HF striking: you light the arc without touching the material with the electrode, so the tungsten stays clean and leaves no inclusions in the weld.
- Lift-Arc striking: you touch the material with the electrode and lift it, which helps where a high frequency would disturb the electronics next to the station.
- Alternating current balance control: you set the ratio of the cleaning phase to the fusing phase for the state of the aluminium surface.
- AC frequency control: you narrow or widen the arc and steer where the heat goes.
- Active Wave: digital signal control shortens the passage of the current through zero, so the AC arc is quieter and steady also at low currents.
- Welding current pulse: the documentation names pulsing options for control of the penetration on thin parts.
- Housing resistant to metal dust with tunnel cooling: the ducts lead the air beside the electronics and not through it.
- Panel with knobs: you change the settings without going into a deep digital menu, also in gloves.
- Current draw matched to a 16 A fuse: the machine fits into a typical workshop circuit.
- Inverter build: at the same current the power source weighs less than a transformer machine and is easier to move between sites.
- Welding under argon shielding with a non consumable electrode: you add the filler by hand, so you decide yourself how much material goes into the joint and how fast the run grows.
Technical data
| Brand | Castolin |
|---|---|
| Type | inverter TIG power source |
| Current type | AC/DC |
| Supply | 230 V (tolerance 15%) |
| Welding current range | from 3 to 200 A |
| Duty cycle at 40 degrees C | 35% at 200 A, 100% at 140 A |
| Mains fuse | 16 A |
| Arc striking | HF contact free, Lift-Arc |
| AC frequency | adjustable |
| Torch cooling | air |
What to watch out for
The supply is one phase 230 V with a tolerance of 15%, and the documentation gives work on a 16 A fuse. Check whether the circuit in your workshop is not loaded with other equipment, because at full current the machine will take its share. The torch is cooled by the shielding gas and not by liquid, so on long welds at a high current plan breaks or take a torch with a higher rating. The duty cycle at 40 degrees C is 35% at 200 A, that is out of every ten minutes three and a half minutes go to welding. At 140 A you weld without breaks.
The description does not name a TIG torch, an earth cable or a regulator, ask about the contents of the set before you buy. You get the operating manual in Polish as a PDF after the purchase. A single phase power source of this class you move in a car, and that counts in work at a client.
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.
