While employed in the Welding Industry as a Repair Technician you will come across various terms (Buzz words / slang) that are unique to this field of work. The terminology is typically a mix of Electronic component, and Welder equipment phrases. Here are some common examples:

Bus Voltage: The internal Voltage that is chopped up in an Inverter based Power Supply to produce primary AC for the Main Transformer.

Buzz Box: A transformer based STICK Welder with AC and/or DC output.

Dig: Arc Control. Typically used when STICK Welding to describe an adjustable amperage control for low voltage conditions while welding. Helps avoid Sticking.

GMAW: Gas Metal Arc Welding. MIG mode of operation. A CV (Constant Voltage) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrical arc that is created between a motor fed filler material (metal alloy), and a workpiece.

GTAW: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. TIG mode of operation. A CC (Constant Current) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrical arc that is created between a Tungsten alloy electrode, and a workpiece.

IGBT: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. A three terminal component used to control current delivery to the Main Transformer within an Inverter based Welder. It is also commonly used to create the AC waveform in an AC/DC TIG Welder.

MOSFET: Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. A three terminal component used to control current delivery to the Main Transformer within an Inverter based Welder. It can also be used to create the AC waveform in an AC/DC TIG Welder, although IGBT’s are more commonly used.

OCV: Open Circuit Voltage. The no load Output Voltage applied to the Welder Output Terminals. It is usually between 50 and 100V DC (Welder dependent) when measured in STICK MODE.

PAW: Plasma Arc Welding. A CC (Constant Current) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrically conductive Plasma column that is created between a Tungsten alloy electrode, and a workpiece.

PCA: Printed Circuit Assembly. A PCB with electronic components mounted on it.

PCB: A Printed Circuit Board is a bare board without any electronic components mounted (stuffed) on it. It consists of an insulative substrate material (usually Fiberglass) and a surface material (usually copper). The Welding Industry incorrectly uses this term to describe a PCA (Printed Circuit Assembly).

Rectifier: A component that coverts AC into DC. Normally configured as a Full- Wave Rectifier. Used to create the DC Bus Voltage (Input Rectifier), and to provide DC output from the Main Transformer (Secondary Output Diodes).

Spatter: Metal particles that are blown away from the Welding Arc. Not part of the completed weld.

SMAW: Shielded Metal Arc Welding. STICK mode of operation. A CC (Constant Current) welding process that melts and joins metal by heating them with an electrical arc that is created between a flux coated metal electrode, and a workpiece.

Stinger: A STICK Electrode Holder.

VRD: Voltage Reduction Device. A safety feature that can be enabled in STICK mode to reduce the OCV of the Welder in order to help protect the Weldor from Electrocution.

Welder: A type of Power Supply that provides a controlled output Current, or Voltage as appropriate to the welding mode of operation. When correctly utilized, it enables two or more pieces of metal to be electrically bonded together.

Weldor: An operator of a Welder. A person who welds Metal.

Whip: A STICK Electrode Holder, or a MIG Gun.

Workpiece: The piece of metal that is being electrically bonded to, through the process of Welding.