Section 16 Terminolo
97
the work piece.
Squeeze time The time allowed for the welding electrodes to build up full pressure on the
components to be welded.
Start signal The signal that starts the weld sequence.
Stepper A program of parameters required for stepping.
Stepping A technique of progressively increasing the weld current over the course of a large
number of welds in order to compensate for the effects of electrode wear.
Thermostat A switch device that operates at a certain temperature.
Tip dress acknowledge An input to acknowledge that the electrodes have been dressed.
Tip dress request An output to indicate that the electrodes require dressing.
Tip dressing Filing or machining worn electrodes to restore their original shape and dimensions.
Toroid A device used for sensing current in a cable. The current carrying cable must pass
through the toroid.
Upslope A linear increase in current from an initial value to the Main heat value.
Upslope time Time taken for current to increase from an initial value to the Main heat value.
VA Volt amp
WAV See Weld air valve.
Weld air valve Electrically controlled valve for admitting air to the air cylinder responsible for forcing
the weld electrodes together.
Weld current High current passed from one electrode to the other, through the components being
welded. The current must be large enough to generate sufficient heat to melt the
metal and produce a weld.
Weld transformer Electrical component for converting mains voltage input to low voltage, high current
output.