Maintenance and repair work should be performed by an experienced person, and electrical
work only by a trained electrician. Use only recommended replacement parts.
This service manual is intended for use by technicians with electrical/electronic training for
help in connection with fault--tracing and repair .
Use the connection diagram as a form of index for the d escription of operation. The circuit
board is divided into numbered blocks, which are described individually in more detail in
the description of operation. All component names in the connection diagram are listed in
the component description.
This manual contains details of all design changes that have been made up to and including
May 2002.
The MEK 2 is designed and tested in accordance with international and European
standard IEC/EN 60974--1 and EN 50199.
On completion of service or repair work, it is the responsibility of the person(s) etc.
performing the work to ensure that the product does not depart from the requirements
of the above standard.
Rights reserved to alter specifications without notice.
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WARNING !
STATIC ELECTRICITY can damage circuit
boards and electronic components.
SSSSObserve precautions for handling electrostatic
sensitive devices.
ESD
SSSSUse proper static--proof bags and boxes.
WARNING
ARC WELDING AND CUTTING CAN BE INJURIOUS TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS. TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN WELDING. ASK FOR YOUR EMPLOYER’S SAFETY PRACTICES WHICH SHOULD BE
BASED ON MANUFACTURERS’ HAZARD DATA.
ELECTRIC SHOCK -- Can kill
SInstall and earth the welding unit in accordance with applicable standards.
SDo not touch live electrical parts or electrodes with bare skin, wet gloves or wet clothing.
SInsulate yourself from earth and the workpiece.
SEnsure your working stance is safe.
FUMES AND GASES -- Can be dangerous to health
SKeep your head out of the fumes.
SUse ventilation, extraction at the arc, or both, to keep fumes and gases from your breathing zone and
the general area.
ARC RAYS -- Can injure eyes and burn skin.
SProtect your eyes and body. Use the correct welding screen and filter lens and wear protective
clothing.
SProtect bystanders with suitable screens or curtains.
FIRE HAZARD
SSparks (spatter) can cause fire. Make sure therefore that there are no inflammable materials nearby.
NOISE -- Excessive noise can damage hearing
SProtect your ears. Use ear defenders or other hearing protection.
SWarn bystanders of the risk.
MALFUNCTION -- Call for expert assistance in the event of malfunction.
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERATING.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS!
WARNING!
Rotating parts can cause injury, take great care
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COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
This component description refers to the connection diagram. In the description of operation
on page 7 there is a more detailed description of the components and their function.
AP01Main circuit board with control electronics.
C01Capacitor 0.1 ←F 125 VAC, decoupling.
G01Tachogenerator, incorporated in motor M01.
M01Motor, rated voltage 24 V.
R3Potentiometer, for setting the burn--back time.
RP01Potentiometer, 10 kτ, for setting the wire feed speed.
SW1Switch, 2/4--stroke changeover.
SW2Switch, creep start ON/OFF
XP0123--pole connector, for connection to the welding power unit.
XP02Terminal for welding current connection from the power unit.
XS01 -- XS09Sleeve connectors.
YV01Solenoid valve
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CONNECTION DIAGRAM MEK 2
The numerals 1 -- 11 refer to the description of operation.
R3
0V
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DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
Component positions, circuit board AP01
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Sections1to11belowrefertothediagramonpage5.
The circuit board is screened by a metal casing, connected to 0 V in the wire feed unit.
1Power supply
The feeder obtains a 42 V supply from the control power supply tr ansformer in the
power unit via contact XP01. Its power demand at maximum load is 3.5 A.
42 V AC is used for the welding torch trigger switch and as the power supply to the
gas solenoid valve and the main contactor. In addition, 42 V is also available on
contacts H01 and H02.
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Rectifier BR1 rectifies the 42 V supply to 60 V. Capacitor C28 smooths the voltage,
which then supplies the wire feeder motor.
Transistor Q8 is a pre--regulator which reduces the voltage from 60 V to 20 V. Q8 is
current--limited to about 200 mA. If the 20 V supply drops below 13 V, the wire
feed unit stops.
VR1 and VR2 are 5 V and 15 V voltage regulators respectively.
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22--stroke / 4--stroke
2--STROKE
When SW1 is open, the unit operates in 2--stroke mode. Operating the trigger on the
welding torch starts the motor, opens the gas valve and energises the power unit
contactor.
Releasing the trigger stops the motor, de--energises the contactor and closes the gas
valve. If burn--back is in operation, welding ceases when the burn--back time has
elapsed.
4--STROKE
When SW1 is closed, the unit operates in 4--stroke mode. Operating the trigger on
the welding torch opens the gas valve: releasing the trigger then starts the motor and
energises the power unit contactor.
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Operating the trigger switch for a second time stops the motor and de--energises the
contactor in the power unit: releasing the switch then closes the gas solenoid valve.
If burn--back is in operation, welding ceases when the burn--back time has elapsed..
3Start / Stop
The welding torch switch is supplied with 42 V AC. Closing the switch activates
optocoupler IC1, causing the voltage across C35 to go low.
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4Current relay, Creep start / Normal start
The current relay is activated when the welding current exceeds 20 A.
Creep start means that the motor runs at 1.9 m/minute until the current relay
operates, after which the speed increases to the set speed. If the current relay does
not operate within one second after starting, the m otor speed increases to the set
speed in any case.
Selector switch SW2 on the circuit board selects Creep Start On/Off. Closing the
switch on to the 0 V rail disengages creep start.
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5Motor driving / braking
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DRIVING
The motor is powered from the smoothed +60 V supply. Motor speed is controlled
by pulse width modulation of transistor Q1. The pulse frequency is 12 kHz, and the
maximum on--time is 97% of the pulse cycle time. During the pulse spaces, the
motor current freewheels through diode D8.
At 24 V motor supply voltage, the wire feed rollers’ speed is 160 r/min. A wire feed
speed of 20 m/min. requires a roller speed of 212 r/min.
Resistor R19 produces a voltage drop proportional to the motor current. If the
current exceeds 7 A, IC5:2 turns off the gate pulses to Q1. When the current falls,
Q1 conducts again at the next gate pulse.
BRAKING
When the motor starts, capacitor C43 charges up via diode D28: the voltage is
limited to 15 V by zener diode D21. When the motor is to brake, the L ED in
optocoupler IC8 lights, causing the transistor in IC8 to conduct and discharge
capacitor C43 (15 V) to the gate of transistor Q3. The transistor conducts and
short--circuits the motor voltage through resistors R51 and R64, which limit the
current to about 20 A.
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6Tachometer input
Tachometer G01 is fitted in the motor casing. Tachometer output frequency is
796 Hz for a wire feed speed of 20 meters per minute.
Comparator IC4:2 converts the sine wave signal from the tachometer to a square
wave at the same frequency.
7Burn --back time
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The burn --back time is the time from when motor braking starts until the main
contactor in the power unit opens. It can be adjusted between 0 and 0.5 seconds by
potentiometer R3, which is mounted on the circuit board.
8Wire feed speed
The wire feed speed range is from 1.9 to 20 meters per minute.
A 5 V reference voltage signal at connection A02 represents a speed of 20 m/minute.
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9Gas valve
The gas valve is connected to board contacts G04 and G05. The valve is energised
via triac TC1.
10Activation, contacto r
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The start signal to the power unit is connected to board contact G03. The contactor
is energised via triac TC2.
11Processor
The processor incorporates EPROM memory in which the machine’s program is
stored.
The processor monitors the wire feed speed. If the speed deviates from the set speed
by more than 1.5 m/minute for more than five seconds, wire feed will be stopped..
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TECHNICAL DATA
Power supply42 V 50 -- 60 Hz
Power requirement150 VA
Feed speed1.9 -- 20 m/min
Pistol connectionEURO
Max. diameter of wire bobbin300 mm
Weight15 kg
Dimensions (l x w x h)645 x 240 x 480 mm
WARNING
There is a risk of tipping if the MEK 4 is fitted with a counterbalance arm. Secure the
equipment, especially if used on an uneven or sloping surface.
Limit the angle of rotation of the wire feed cabinet using the straps supplied.
When moving the equipment, do NOT pull on the torch.
MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance is important in ensuring safe and reliable operation.
SThe feed unit
Clean and replace the wearing parts in the feed mechanism at regular intervals.
Do not set too high a pressure on the pressure rollers, as this can cause abnormal wear of
the pressure rollers,. the feed rollers and wire guide. Instructions for setting the wire feed
pressure are on page 14.
SThe pistol
Blow the wire guide clean with compressed air at regular intervals and clean the gas
nozzle.
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SETTING THE WIRE FEED PRESSURE
Start by checking that the wire can run freely through the wire liner, and then adjust the
pressure of the wire feed rollers. It is important that the pressure is not too high.
Figure 1Figure 2
To check for correct feed pressure, feed the wire out against a piece of insulating material,
such as a piece of wood.
With the pistol held about 5 mm from the wood (Figure 1), the drive rollers should slip.
With the pistol held further away from the wood (about 50 mm, as shown in Figure 2), the
wire should continue to feed out, bending as it does so.
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CONTROL PANEL AND CONNECTIONS
1.Cooling water connections
(only --883 model).
2.Gas connection.
3.Connector for control cable from the
power unit.
4.Connector for welding current cable from
the power unit.
5.Potentiometer, wire feed speed 1.9 -- 20
meter per minute.
6.Cooling water connections to/from the
welding gun (only --883 model).
7.Strap securing points. The strap must be
used to secure the wire feed unit to the
power unit during transport.
8.Hole for fitting wire liner from the ESAB
Marathon Pac.
9.Welding gun connector.
10. Selector switch, 2/4--stroke mode.
11. Selector switch, creep start On/Off.
12. Potentiometer, burn--back time, 0 -- 0.5 seconds.
13. Brake hub.
The hub is adjusted when delivered, if readjustment is required, follow the instructions
below.
Adjust the braking power by means of the two screws (springs) inside the hub.
Turn the adjustment screws clockwise to reduce the braking power.
Adjust the brake hub so that wire is slightly slack when wire feed stops.
S = Adjustment screws
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ACCESSORIES
Item
no.
Ordering no.Denomination
1469 789-- 880Lifting eye
2469 836-- 880
2469 836-- 885Connection set, 1.7 meter. When connected to LAX 380W
469 836-- 881Connection set, 8 meter. When connected to LAX 320/380
469 836-- 886Connection set, 8 meter. When connected to LAX 380W
4469 786-- 880T rolley
5156 654-- 883Guide pin (included in LAX)
6469 792-- 881Counter balance device and mast
7469 967-- 880W ater connection set
8455 410-- 001Adapter for 5 kg bobbin
Connection set, 1.7 meter. When connected to LAX
320/380
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MEK
2E
dit
ion
Spare parts list
020531
Valid for serial no. 510 --xxx--xxxx to serial no. 826--xxx--xxxx
Ordering numbers for MEK 2
0455 590 881MEK 2Without water connection
0455 590 883MEK 2With water connection
Spare parts are to be ordered through the nearest ESAB agency as per the list on the back of the
cover. Kindly indicate type of unit, serial number, denominations and ordering numbers according to
the spare parts list.
Maintenance and repair work should be performed by an experienced person, and electrical work only
by a trained electrician. Use only recommended spare parts.
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MEK
2E
dit
ion
Item
Qty Ordering no.DenominationNotes
101a10455 693 001 Cover
101b10456 352 001 PlateWith text
10210467 176 001 Handle
10340192 230 105 Cover
10410192 230 112 Cover
10510469 959 001 Side cover
10640467 695 001 Rubber foot
10720469 823 001 Hook
10820369 561 002 Clamp
10920369 561 001 Lock
11010469 960 001 Side cover
11110192 562 104 Cage nutM5
020531
112a--ChassisReplaced by item 112b
112b10469 779 880 ChassisNew design, fits all versions of MEK 4