1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, setup, and maintenance of your HITBOX HBT250P AC/DC TIG Welding Machine. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the machine to ensure proper use and to prevent injury or damage.
The HBT250P is a versatile 5-in-1 multiprocess welder, capable of performing AC HF TIG, AC Pulsed TIG, DC HF TIG, DC Pulsed TIG, and MMA (ARC Stick) welding. It features advanced IGBT inverter technology and digital control for precise welding parameter adjustment.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Welding can be dangerous. Always follow safety precautions to prevent serious injury or death.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including welding helmet, gloves, and protective clothing.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling welding fumes.
- Protect bystanders from arc rays and hot metal.
- Connect the machine to a properly grounded power supply.
- Do not operate in damp or wet conditions.
- The machine is equipped with Overvoltage/Overcurrent Protection and Overload/Overheating Protection. Do not bypass these safety features.
- Keep children and unauthorized personnel away from the welding area.
Image: The internal components and cooling system of the HBT250P, highlighting its safety features and dual cooling fans that activate during operation.
3. Package Contents
Upon unpacking, please verify that all items listed below are present and undamaged:
- HITBOX HBT250P AC/DC TIG Welding Machine
- TIG Torch
- Ground Clamp
- Electrode Holder
- Gas Hose
- Consumables (e.g., collets, collet bodies, ceramic nozzles)
- User Manual (this document)
Image: Overview of the welding machine and its standard accessories, including physical dimensions and weight.
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HBT250P-AC/DC |
| Dimensions | 11.7 x 4.5 x 7.8 inches (29.7 x 11.5 x 19.8 cm) |
| Weight | 15.5 LBS (7.03 kg) |
| Certification | CE |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Input Voltage (EU/UK/AU/CA) | Single 220V |
| Input Voltage (USA) | Single 220V / 110V-220V (Dual Voltage) |
| Insulation Class | F |
| Enclosure Class | IP21S |
| Power Factor | 0.73 |
| Fan Cooling | 50/60Hz (Dual Cooling fan works only when soldered) |
Welding Parameters (IEC 60974-1)
| Mode | Current Range | Duty Cycle (60%) | Duty Cycle (100%) | Open Circuit Voltage (U0) | Rated Output Voltage (U2) | Max Input Current (I1max) | Effective Input Current (I1eff) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMA | 20A-180A | 180A | 139A | 65V | 27.2V | 35.8A | 27.7A |
| TIG | 10A-200A | 200A | 155A | 67V | 18V | 26.3A | 20.4A |
Image: Technical specifications and welding parameters for the HBT250P.
5. Setup
5.1. Connecting Accessories
- Power Connection: Connect the welding machine to a suitable power outlet (Single 220V for EU/UK/AU/CA, or 110V-220V for USA models).
- Ground Clamp: Attach the ground clamp cable to the appropriate terminal on the machine and securely clamp it to the workpiece or welding table.
- TIG Torch: Connect the TIG torch to the designated TIG output terminal. Ensure the gas hose from the torch is connected to your shielding gas supply.
- Electrode Holder (for MMA/Stick): If performing MMA welding, connect the electrode holder cable to the appropriate terminal.
- Remote Control (Optional): If using a foot pedal or other remote current regulation device, connect it to the 5-Pin connector on the front panel. Note that the foot pedal is not included with the machine.
Image: Remote current regulation connection point on the HBT250P, indicating the 5-Pin connector for optional foot pedal use.
5.2. Control Panel Introduction
Familiarize yourself with the control panel for efficient operation:
Image: Labeled diagram of the HBT250P control panel.
- Digital Display: Shows Amperage (A), Time Control (S), Frequency Control (Hz), and Balance/Pulse Width (%).
- TIG/MMA Mode: Selects between TIG and MMA welding processes.
- AC/DC Mode: Selects between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) welding.
- Pulse/Non Pulse Welding Mode: Toggles between pulsed and non-pulsed welding.
- 2T/4T Mode: Selects between 2-touch and 4-touch trigger modes for the TIG torch.
- Menu Adjust Button: Used to navigate through welding parameters.
- Parameter Adjust Knob: Used to adjust the selected welding parameter value.
- Welding Parameter Indicators: Lights indicating which parameter is currently being adjusted (e.g., Pre-flow, Post-flow, Up Slope, Down Slope, AC Frequency, AC Balance, Pulse).
- Local/Remote Control Indicators: Indicates whether local panel control or remote control (e.g., foot pedal) is active.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1. Welding Modes
The HBT250P offers five welding modes:
- AC HF TIG: High-Frequency TIG welding with Alternating Current, ideal for aluminum.
- AC Pulsed TIG: Pulsed AC TIG for enhanced control and reduced heat input on aluminum.
- DC HF TIG: High-Frequency TIG welding with Direct Current, suitable for stainless steel, copper, and other metals (excluding aluminum).
- DC Pulsed TIG: Pulsed DC TIG for precise control and reduced distortion on various metals.
- MMA (ARC Stick): Manual Metal Arc welding using coated electrodes.
Image: Illustration of the five welding processes supported by the machine.
6.2. Material Compatibility
This welder is suitable for a wide range of materials:
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Stainless Steel
- Copper
- Low-carbon Steel
- Alloy Steel
Image: Visual guide to the types of metals compatible with the HBT250P welder.
6.3. Precise Welding Parameter Adjustment
The HBT250P allows for precise control over various welding parameters to achieve optimal results:
Image: Detailed TIG welding cycle diagram showing adjustable parameters.
- Pre-flow: Time for shielding gas to flow before arc ignition.
- Post-flow: Time for shielding gas to flow after arc extinction to protect the weld puddle.
- Up Slope: Time taken for the welding current to increase from start current to peak current.
- Down Slope: Time taken for the welding current to decrease from peak current to finish current.
- 2T/4T: Trigger modes for torch control. 2T (2-touch) requires holding the trigger; 4T (4-touch) allows for continuous welding without holding the trigger.
- AC Frequency: Adjusts the number of times the AC current changes direction per second, affecting arc focus and penetration.
- AC Balance: Controls the cleaning action and penetration when welding aluminum.
- Pulse: Adjusts pulse frequency and duty cycle for pulsed welding modes.
Waveforms
The machine supports different waveforms for specific welding needs:
Image: Visual comparison of AC Square Waveform and AC Pulse Waveform.
- AC Square Waveform: Provides a stable arc and good cleaning action for aluminum welding.
- AC Pulse Waveform: Offers improved control over heat input, reducing distortion and allowing for better penetration on thin materials.
7. Maintenance
- Regularly clean the machine's exterior with a dry cloth.
- Ensure cooling vents are free from dust and debris to maintain proper airflow for the dual cooling fans.
- Inspect all cables and connections for wear or damage before each use. Replace any damaged components immediately.
- Check and clean the TIG torch consumables (collets, collet bodies, tungsten electrodes, ceramic nozzles) regularly.
- Store the machine in a dry, clean environment when not in use.
8. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common issues. For problems not listed here, contact customer support.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cable disconnected, circuit breaker tripped, machine switch off. | Check power connections, reset breaker, turn machine switch ON. |
| No arc ignition (TIG) | Tungsten electrode not properly installed, gas flow issue, poor ground connection, incorrect settings. | Check tungsten, gas supply, ground clamp, and welding parameters. |
| Poor weld quality | Incorrect current, improper gas shielding, contaminated material, wrong tungsten type. | Adjust current, check gas flow and purity, clean workpiece, use correct tungsten. |
| Overheat indicator active | Exceeded duty cycle, blocked cooling vents. | Allow machine to cool down, ensure clear airflow to vents. |
9. User Tips
- Foot Pedal Compatibility: The HBT250P supports remote current regulation via a foot pedal, but the pedal itself is not included and must be purchased separately. Ensure any third-party pedal is compatible with the 5-Pin connector.
- Cooling Fan Operation: The dual cooling fans are designed to activate only when the machine is actively welding (soldering) to optimize efficiency and reduce noise during idle periods.
- Material Preparation: Always thoroughly clean the workpiece before welding, especially when working with aluminum, to ensure a strong and clean weld.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact HITBOX customer service through their official channels. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
