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The penetration of your weld spot depends on many different factors . However, as a rule of
thumb you can expect the penetration of the weld spot to be approximately ¼ of the diameter of
the weld spot . Factors like electrode shape and condition also effect the weld penetration and will
be discussed in more detail later .
PULSE ARC VS . LASER
Laser welding and pulse arc welding technologies are designed to create high quality welds in
precious and non precious metals . Laser welding uses collimated or focused light to add energy
to the metal and melt it at a single location . Pulse Arc welding uses electricity (specifically
electrons) to add energy to the work piece and melt the metal in a spot . Although laser welding
devices are good welding tools, the Orion can perform many of the same functions of a laser
and in some cases can even perform actions that lasers cannot . For example, welding silver is
difficult for laser light because of silver’s highly reflective properties . However, the Orion does
not have this limitation because electrons are electrically attracted to the surface of silver . The
Orion also has the advantage of only welding on metal . Lasers can strike precious stones or other
nonmetals and can even crack or evaporate the target . Because the Orion is electrically driven it
requires a conductor, such as a metal, to allow the welding process to take place .
The Orion welder uses the same high temperature plasma that can be
found on the surface of the sun . The sun creates this plasma via internal
fusion reactions and the plasma temperature measures about 5,500
deg C at the sun’s surface . The Orion creates it’s plasma via electrical
discharge and can generate temperatures of 5,500 – 8,000 deg C in very
controlled, small bursts .
START WELDING
To become an expert and to really learn how to maximize the capabilities of the Orion, we
recommend that you dedicate time for real hands on experience . We recommend that you read
and complete the following sections while you are in front of the Orion . The Orion is very easy-to-
use and many users will be making quality welds within minutes . The purpose of this section is to
help the user to better understand some of the fundamental welding principles, to utilize all of the