Castolin Eutectic CastoTIG 3012 AC/DC is a three phase inverter power source for TIG AC, TIG DC and MMA welding. You set the TIG current from 3 to 300 A, at a 35% duty cycle the machine gives 300 A, and in continuous work 190 A at a temperature of 40 degrees C. The set includes a TIG torch 4 m with control in the handle, a foot pedal and an earth cable 4 m.
What this machine is for
With direct current you weld stainless, acid resistant and non alloy steels, and the lower limit of 3 A gives control over very thin sheet and titanium. With alternating current you work on aluminium, aluminium alloys and magnesium, where the change of polarity breaks up the oxide coating with its high melting point. The MMA mode covers the range from 10 to 300 A and allows DC plus, DC minus and AC polarity, so with a covered electrode you finish work in the field, where the gas shield cannot cope in wind.
Aluminium is served here very carefully. You choose the AC frequency from 40 to 250 Hz, with a starting value of 60 Hz: low settings give a wide and warmer pool, high ones concentrate the arc, which helps on fillets of aluminium parts. You set the balance on a scale from minus 5 to plus 5, a shift towards the negative values gives deeper fusion and saves the electrode, towards the positive ones it strips the oxides harder at the cost of penetration and of the life of the tungsten. On top of that comes digital shaping of both halves of the wave, the positive and the negative one separately, with sine, triangular, square and square with a soft edge profiles.
The pulse works in a very wide band, from 0.20 to 990 Hz, with a pulse ratio from 10 to 90 percent and a base current from 0 to 100 percent. At high frequencies the arc column narrows and the amount of energy put into a thin walled structure drops. The manufacturer aimed this machine at structural work on aluminium and magnesium alloys, at precise welding of stainless steels with a minimal starting current, at tasks that need repeatable strikes and at field and assembly work by the MMA method.
Features and equipment
- TIG current range from 3 to 300 A and MMA from 10 to 300 A: one machine handles delicate parts and structural elements.
- HF ignition with a striking voltage of 10 kV: the circuit ionises the shielding gas and lights the arc without touching the material, so the tip of the electrode stays clean.
- Lift-Arc ignition: a gentle start through a current controlled contact, for places sensitive to electromagnetic disturbance, near medical apparatus or numerical machines.
- AC frequency control from 40 to 250 Hz, 60 Hz by default: you control the width of the pool and the focus of the arc.
- AC balance control on a scale from minus 5 to plus 5: you choose between deep fusion and harder stripping of the oxides.
- Digital shaping of the positive and the negative half of the wave: sine, triangle, square and square with a soft edge, matched to the welding position and the cleanliness of the alloy.
- Pulsing from 0.20 to 990 Hz with a ratio from 10 to 90 percent and a base current from 0 to 100 percent: a steady arc and less heat in thin structures.
- 2T and 4T modes: two step for fast spot work, four step for long fusion runs, with a smooth slope down of the current and closing of the crater.
- SFS special mode in three variants: you jump for a moment onto a lowered base current from 0 to 100 percent without ending the weld, which helps when you reach the edge of a part.
- Spot welding with a time from 0.1 to 9.9 s: repeatable tacks on housings and stainless mesh.
- Gas management: a pre flow from 0.0 to 9.9 s protects the start against oxidation, the post flow in the G-L and G-H variants reaches 25 seconds, and a test function switches on a steady purge to calibrate the regulator.
- HOLD memory: after you release the button the indicators keep the last values of current and voltage, so you see what was really welded on.
- Hot Start in MMA: a boost of the current from 0 to 200 percent for at most 2.0 seconds makes it easier to start rutile and cellulose electrodes.
- MMA arc dynamics control in the range from 0 to 100 percent: higher values stiffen the arc for basic electrodes, lower ones give calmer work on sheet.
- Anti-Stick: when the electrode sticks the current drops to a safe level, which protects the output circuits and lets you break the electrode free calmly.
- Panel with current and voltage displays and a central encoder: you set the values with one knob once you have chosen the parameter.
- Connectors for an external liquid cooling system and for remote controls: you extend the station without changing the power source, also with a pedal or a remote.
Technical data
| Manufacturer | Castolin Eutectic |
|---|---|
| Model | CastoTIG 3012 AC/DC |
| Supply | 3 x 400 V, 50 to 60 Hz |
| Mains fuse | 16 A |
| TIG current range | from 3 to 300 A |
| MMA current range | from 10 to 300 A |
| Duty cycle 35% at 40 degrees C | 300 A |
| Duty cycle 100% at 40 degrees C | 190 A |
| Open circuit voltage | 89 V |
| HF striking voltage | 10 kV |
| AC frequency | from 40 to 250 Hz |
| Pulse frequency | from 0.20 to 990 Hz |
| Protection rating | IP23 |
| Dimensions | 590 x 245 x 450 mm |
| Weight | 26.85 kg |
What you get
- Castolin Eutectic CastoTIG 3012 AC/DC power source
- TIG torch 4 m long with control in the handle
- foot pedal for setting the parameters
- earth cable 4 m long
What to watch out for
The supply is 3 x 400 V at 50 to 60 Hz, with a 16 A mains fuse, so the machine fits a typical workshop installation without rebuilding the switchboard. The duty cycle is 300 A at 35% and 190 A at 100% at a temperature of 40 degrees C, so plan long welds around 190 A. The open circuit voltage is 89 V, the housing has protection rating IP23.
The product sheet gives liquid cooling, while the manufacturer description gives air cooling with readiness to connect an external liquid system, so confirm the configuration before you buy, because the choice of torch depends on it. The power source weighs 26.85 kg with dimensions of 590 x 245 x 450 mm, one person will carry it. The menu has many parameters, at the first start it is worth going through the gas, pulse and wave settings with the manual in hand. The pedal in the set makes it easier to control the heat on aluminium, though it is not needed for work.
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.
