1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the HITBOX HBT250P AC/DC Aluminium TIG/MMA/ARC Welding Machine. This versatile inverter welder is designed for both professional and hobbyist use, offering advanced features for precise and efficient welding across various materials. This manual provides essential information for safe operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your welding machine.
Figure 1: HITBOX HBT250P AC/DC Welding Machine and included accessories.
2. Safety Information
Welding can be dangerous. Always follow safety precautions to prevent injury or damage. Read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before operating the machine.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a welding helmet with proper shade, flame-resistant clothing, welding gloves, and safety shoes.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling welding fumes.
- Protect bystanders from arc rays and sparks.
- Never weld near flammable materials.
- Ensure the machine is properly grounded.
- Do not touch live electrical parts.
- Disconnect power before performing any maintenance or changing accessories.
- Keep children and unauthorized personnel away from the welding area.
3. Product Overview
3.1. Control Panel Introduction
Figure 2: Front Control Panel Layout.
- Digital Display: Shows welding parameters such as amperage, time control, frequency, and duty cycle.
- Welding Method Selection: Buttons for selecting MMA, TIG, AC/DC, and Pulse/Normal welding functions.
- Adjustment Knob: Used to adjust various welding parameters displayed on the digital screen.
- Parameter Knob: Used for fine-tuning specific welding parameters.
3.2. Rear Panel Features
Figure 3: Rear Panel with Power Input and Gas Connection.
- Power Switch: Turns the machine ON/OFF.
- AC 220V Input: Power connection for the machine.
- Gas Connection: Inlet for inert gas supply (e.g., Argon) for TIG welding.
- Cooling Fans: Dual cooling system for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring quiet and safe operation.
3.3. Included Accessories
Figure 4: Standard Package Contents.
- 1 x TIG Welding Machine (HBT250P AC/DC)
- 1 x 17V TIG Torch
- 1 x Electrode Holder
- 1 x Earth Clamp
- 1 x Pack of Tips and Nozzles
- 2 x Tungsten Electrodes
- 1 x User Manual
Note: Optional accessories like a foot pedal, welding gloves, and welding helmets are sold separately.
4. Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | HITBOX |
| Model Number | HBT250P AC/DC |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Plug Type | EU Plug (ensure compatibility with local power outlets) |
| Is Smart Device | No |
| Certification | CE |
| Function 1 | TIG AC/DC welding machine |
| Function 2 | ARC MMA Stick welding machine |
| Function 3 | TIG pulse welding |
| Rated Input Voltage (V) | AC 220V±10%, 50/60Hz |
| Rated Input Power (KVA) | 5.8 |
| Rated Input Current (A) | 26.3 |
| TIG Output Current (A) | 10-200A |
| MMA/ARC Output Current (A) | 20-120A |
| TIG No-load voltage | 65V |
| Rated Duty Cycle (%) | 60 |
| Efficiency (%) | 85 |
| Protection Class | IP21S |
| Welding process | AC DC TIG/ARC |
| Packing dimensions (L x W x H) | 51cm x 30cm x 42cm |
| Weight | 12.0 kg |
5. Setup
Before starting any welding operation, ensure the machine is placed on a stable, level surface and is connected to a suitable power supply (AC 220V±10%, 50/60Hz).
5.1. MMA (Stick) Welding Setup
- Connect the electrode holder cable to the positive (+) terminal on the front panel.
- Connect the earth clamp cable to the negative (-) terminal on the front panel.
- Securely attach the earth clamp to the workpiece or welding table.
- Insert the desired welding electrode into the electrode holder.
- Turn on the machine using the power switch on the rear panel.
- Select the "MMA" welding mode on the control panel.
- Adjust the welding current using the adjustment knob according to the electrode type and material thickness.
Video 1: Product overview and demonstration of MMA and TIG welding setup and operation.
5.2. TIG Welding Setup
- Connect the TIG torch cable to the negative (-) terminal on the front panel.
- Connect the earth clamp cable to the positive (+) terminal on the front panel.
- Securely attach the earth clamp to the workpiece or welding table.
- Connect the gas hose from your inert gas cylinder (e.g., Argon) to the gas inlet on the rear panel of the machine (Figure 3). Ensure the gas cylinder is equipped with a pressure regulator and flow meter.
- Install the tungsten electrode and ceramic nozzle onto the TIG torch.
- Turn on the machine using the power switch on the rear panel.
- Select the "TIG" welding mode on the control panel.
- Adjust gas flow rate, welding current, and other TIG parameters (AC/DC, Pulse, 2T/4T) as required for your material and application.
6. Operating Modes and Functions
The HBT250P offers multiple welding modes and adjustable parameters for various welding tasks.
6.1. Welding Mode Selection
Figure 5: Detailed Control Panel Functions for Mode Selection.
- MMA (ARC) Welding Mode: For stick electrode welding. Suitable for carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast iron. Welding wire diameter: 2.5/3.2/4.0 mm. Welding thickness: 2-12 mm.
- TIG Welding Mode: For Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Offers precise control and high-quality welds.
- AC TIG: Ideal for welding aluminum and its alloys.
- DC TIG: Suitable for stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, titanium, and other non-ferrous metals.
- Pulse TIG: Provides better control over heat input, reducing distortion and improving weld quality, especially on thin materials.
Figure 6: Visual examples of different welding processes and weldable aluminum.
Figure 7: Weldable materials including Copper Plating, Aluminum Alloy, Stainless Steel, Iron Plating.
6.2. 2T/4T Function
- 2T (Manual Mode): Press and hold the torch trigger to weld; release to stop. Ideal for short welds.
- 4T (Semi-automatic Mode): Press and release the trigger to start welding; press and release again to stop. Convenient for longer welds, reducing hand fatigue.
6.3. Parameter Adjustment
The adjustment knob and parameter knob allow fine-tuning of various settings:
- Amperage: Controls the welding current (10-200A for TIG, 20-120A for MMA).
- Time Control: For pre-flow, post-flow gas, up-slope, and down-slope times in TIG welding.
- Frequency: Adjusts the AC frequency for aluminum welding.
- Duty Cycle: Controls the balance between peak and base current in pulse welding.
- AC Balance: Adjusts the cleaning action and penetration when welding aluminum in AC TIG mode.
The machine offers continuous adjustment for these parameters, allowing for precise control over the welding process.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safe operation of your welding machine.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the machine's exterior with a dry, soft cloth. Use compressed air to blow out dust from the cooling vents. Do not use solvents.
- Cable Inspection: Periodically check all welding cables, connections, and the power cord for damage, fraying, or loose connections. Replace damaged parts immediately.
- Torch and Clamp Maintenance: Inspect the TIG torch and electrode holder for wear and tear. Clean or replace consumables (tungsten electrodes, nozzles, collets) as needed. Ensure the earth clamp makes good contact with the workpiece.
- Storage: Store the welding machine in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and corrosive substances.
- Internal Inspection: For internal cleaning or inspection, it is recommended to consult a qualified technician.
8. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter. For problems not listed here, contact customer support.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not power on | No power supply; Power switch off; Faulty power cord/plug | Check power outlet and circuit breaker; Ensure power switch is ON; Inspect power cord for damage. |
| No arc or weak arc | Poor earth connection; Incorrect current setting; Worn electrode/torch consumables; Gas flow issue (TIG) | Ensure good earth clamp contact; Adjust current; Replace consumables; Check gas cylinder and flow rate. |
| Overheating indicator active | Exceeded duty cycle; Blocked cooling vents; High ambient temperature | Allow machine to cool down; Clear any obstructions from vents; Operate in a cooler environment. |
| Poor weld quality (TIG) | Incorrect gas flow; Contaminated tungsten; Improper AC balance/frequency; Incorrect travel speed | Adjust gas flow; Re-grind or replace tungsten; Adjust AC balance/frequency; Practice consistent travel speed. |
| "Cold welding" function | This machine does not feature a dedicated "cold welding" function. | Refer to the manual for available welding processes (MMA, TIG AC/DC, Pulse TIG). |
9. User Tips
- Foot Pedal Control: For enhanced control over welding current, consider using an optional foot pedal. This allows for hands-free current adjustment during TIG welding.
- Tungsten Electrodes: Always use the correct type and size of tungsten electrode for your material and welding process. Ensure the tungsten is properly ground for optimal arc stability.
- Pulse Settings: Experiment with pulse frequency and duty cycle settings to find the ideal parameters for thin materials or when minimizing heat input is crucial.
- Aluminum Welding: When welding aluminum with AC TIG, pay attention to the AC balance setting. A higher cleaning action (more positive half-cycle) helps break up aluminum oxide, while more penetration (more negative half-cycle) increases weld depth.
- Spare Parts: Keep a small stock of common consumables like tungsten electrodes, ceramic nozzles, and collets to avoid interruptions during welding projects.
Figure 8: Optional Foot Pedal for current control.
10. Warranty and Support
The HITBOX HBT250P AC/DC Aluminium TIG/MMA/ARC Welding Machine comes with a One Year Warranty from the date of purchase, as indicated on the product packaging. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use.
For warranty claims, technical support, or inquiries regarding spare parts, please contact HITBOX customer service through your retailer or the official HITBOX website. Please have your purchase receipt and product model number ready when contacting support.
Note: Any unauthorized repairs or modifications to the machine will void the warranty.
