The EWM ALPHA Q 551 is an inverter multiprocess power source with adjustment from 5 to 550 A. The maker gives 550 A at a 60% duty cycle and 420 A at a 100% duty cycle, with a supply of 400 V and a 42 A fuse. This version has two feeders and the special processes pipeSolution, coldArc and forceArc.
What this machine is for
One power source handles MIG/MAG in manual and synergic mode, with pulse and double pulse, and besides that TIG and MMA. It can pulse the current or the wire. The range from 5 A goes down to thin sheet, and 420 A in continuous work is enough for thick sections welded in many runs.
pipeSolution is a strong arc for the root run in all positions, with a gap and without one, at any sheet thickness. The molten metal does not run through and does not fall away, and the fusion of the sides and of the root is sure also in forced positions. coldArc is a short arc with less heat given off and with almost no spatter: less distortion and fewer discolourations, good bridging of gaps of changing width, welding and braze welding of thin sheet, coated CuSi and AlSi sheet and galvanised sheet among them, and brazing of CrNi sheet with CuAl8 and AlBz8 wires. forceArc gives a focused arc of steady direction and deep fusion in the higher power range: a smaller groove angle, fewer layers, less distortion, fewer undercuts and almost no spatter, also with a long free wire stick out.
The materials are unalloyed, low alloy and high alloy steels and high strength fine grain steels, and with coldArc also braze welded joints on thin sheet and visible outer CrNi welds. forceArc suits fillet welds under dynamic load, load bearing parts of bridges, the making of wagons and steel structures, in manual and automatic systems.
Features and equipment
- Processes: MMA, TIG, manual MIG/MAG, synergic MIG/MAG, pulse and double pulse, with pulsing of the current or of the wire.
- pipeSolution: a sure root run in all positions, on sheet and on pipes, with a gap and without.
- coldArc: a cold short arc for thin sheet, braze welding and bridging of gaps, steady also with long interconnection cable bundles, with no extra control cables and with no drive in the torch.
- forceArc: a focused arc with deep fusion, a smaller bevel angle and fewer layers on thick joints.
- Two wire feeders: you change over from steel to aluminium or from one diameter to another, for example the root with 1.0 mm wire and the fill with 1.2 mm wire or with 1.6 mm flux cored wire.
- Liquid cooling: work at high current with no overheating of the torch.
Technical data
| Brand | EWM |
|---|---|
| Model | ALPHA Q 551 |
| Type | inverter multiprocess power source |
| Current at a 60% duty cycle | 550 A |
| Current at a 100% duty cycle | 420 A |
| Welding range | from 5 to 550 A |
| Supply | 400 V |
| Mains fuse | 42 A |
| Wire feeders | two |
| Special processes | pipeSolution, coldArc, forceArc |
| Cooling | liquid |
| Earth cable | 4 m |
| Supply cable | about 5 m |
What you get
- EWM ALPHA Q 551 power source in the version with two feeders
- Kemppi MIG torch
- EWM MIG torch
- earth cable 4 m
- supply cable about 5 m
What to watch out for
The supply is 400 V with a 42 A fuse, so the connection has to be prepared for that power. The torches are liquid cooled, so at the station you need a working circuit, and you check the fluid level and flow before the shift. Two feeders are a convenience when you change material, but they are also two sets of rollers and liners to keep, one for steel and one for aluminium.
The data sheet puts the machine at a current above 500 A and at special processes, which agrees with the description from the maker. Before you buy, settle which wire diameters you want to feed in each of the feeders, because the rollers, the liners and the contact tips depend on that.
This unit is sold
This machine has already gone to a customer. Similar units are listed below, and if you want the same model, leave your contact details in the form and we will let you know when the next one arrives.