China makers offer units designed for arc, MMA, MIG and TIG welding. Some releases incorporate multiple protection systems and produce a clean flame. Others boast intelligent features and can store preset programs.

Clean flame reaches 2,800 C

Changsha Okay Energy Equipment Co. Ltd
Changsha Okay's model OH300-E-1 oxy-hydrogen welding machine has a maximum gas output of 300L/h and flame temperatures reaching 2,800 C. The carbide-free flame produced does not leave black spots that require cleaning and polishing. The single-phase unit also shuts down automatically when the gas pressure is too high to avoid wastage. Gas output is adjustable. The 1,400W equipment runs on 110 to 220VAC at 50/60Hz, and meets CE and TÜV standards. Price is $1,090 to $1,300.

For indoor, outdoor hobby welding projects

Guangzhou EACO Electric Equipments Manufacture Co. Ltd
The model Fondof Advan Arc 160Mini SMAW welding machine from Guangzhou EACO boasts a stable hot start, overheating protection and 15 percent auto-voltage compensation. It adopts SMT and can weld 3.2mm-diameter electrodes continuously. The maximum electrode diameter is 4mm. Measuring 320x120x220mm and weighing 4.3kg, the equipment suits indoor and outdoor hobby welding projects.

High-frequency arc starting

Saip Electric Group Co. Ltd
The TIG-250AC/DC model from Saip is designed for TIG and MMA welding. It can be used on stainless steel, carbon steel, copper and other nonferrous metal. The equipment, which features high-frequency arc starting, has preflow and decay times of 0 to 2 seconds and 0 to 5 seconds, respectively. The 3-phase unit has an 85 percent efficiency and an input voltage rating of 380VAC±15 percent. A set comes with an earth clamp, cable joint, 3m grounding cable and TIG torch.

Intelligent welding machine

Saip Group Keyue Welding Equipment Co. Ltd
Saip Group Keyue offers the multifunction Pulse MIG-350-1 model that can be used for MIG/MAG, P-MIG/MAG, double P-MIG, carbon dioxide, TIG, MMA and carbon arc welding. The synergic pulse/double-pulse equipment comes with a digital signal processing control system and wire feed for increased precision, and can store up to 100 user-defined settings. It is quoted at $2,000 to $3,500 for an MOQ of 10 units. OEM orders are accepted.

Single-phase, fan-cooled

Shenzhen Greatec Technology Co. Ltd
The MIG150 model from Shenzhen Greatec integrates an IGBT inverter, and suits MIG and MMA welding. The single-phase fan-cooled machine can be used for conventional and stainless steel. It has an IP23 protection rating and runs on 80VAC±10 percent at 50/60Hz. Minimum order is 10 units.

Continuous wire-feeding

Shenzhen Greatec Technology Co. Ltd
Shenzhen Greatec's selection also includes the MIG350Y model that can be used for MIG and MMA welding of various steel types. The IP23-rated unit is capable of continuous wire-feeding and produces less spatter. The input voltage is 380VAC±10 percent at 50/60Hz. MOQ is five units.