Purchase this item if you want to receive everything that is needed to build a kWeld unit. Complete the kit using basic tools, add a suitable power source, and start welding.
If you want to source some parts from e.g. your local hardware store, then this article may not give you the necessary flexibility and options; in this case, you can order the individual components from the shop instead, and use the description below for an overview of what is needed to build a complete kit.
The kit includes:
Electronics | This is the brain of the kWeld battery spot welder. You purchase a professionally reflow soldered, tested and programmed electronic module. See Keenlab – kWeld – Cable and Electrode Holder Set – Assembled – Hike Tech for more details. |
Cables, electrode holders, and electrodes | All bits and pieces that are required to fully assemble the kWeld cabling, including a pair of electrode holders and a pair of electrodes. (See https://www.hiketech.com.au/shop/spot-welders-batteries/kweld-cable-and-electrode-holder-set-loose-parts/ and https://www.hiketech.com.au/shop/spot-welders-batteries/kweld-electrode-set / for details.) The power input connection consists of loose cable ends, you need to add a connector that matches your power source. Suitable XT150 power connectors are available in the shop. |
Fuse | A 300A high current fuse (type ANL) that needs to be mounted on the kWeld electronic module and protects the system from the consequences of unlikely catastrophic failures. |
Foot switch | The pulse trigger switch of the kWeld system. It has a rugged construction, and uses a real micro switch that is also easy to service. The cable length is 2.0m. |
CNC machined bus bars | These need to be bolted to the electronics module and provide a low impedance path between the switch transistors and the cable system. |
Mechanical parts | All bits and pieces that are required to fully assemble the kWeld electronics module with the LCD, the cabling, the fuse, and the bus bars. See https://www.hiketech.com.au/shop/spot-welders-batteries/kweld-mechanical-parts/ for more details. |
Please note that a power supply is not part of the kit. The following high current power supplies have been tested with the kWeld system and can be recommended:
- Turnigy nano-tech 3S/5000mAh/130C Lithium Polymer battery (link). I have stress tested one of them for several complete discharge cycles, and it shows no visible swell thereafter. The measured current is 1300-1500 amperes.
- Turnigy graphene 3S/6000mAh/65C Lithium Polymer battery (link). These do not show any swell after a few full power discharge cycles, but I have no data on their life span yet. The current level is comparable with the nano-tech model.
- Ultracell UXL65-12 (link). According to feedback from a user, the current reported by kWeld is approx 1000A when tested with 0.15mm nickel strips.
- Bosch SMT 31-100 (link). According to feedback from a user, the welding current reported by kWeld is approx 1400A.
- Varta model 577 400 078 (link). According to feedback from a user, the welding current reported by kWeld is 1400 to 1600A.
- The power supply must be able to deliver at least 800A (recommended: at least 1000A) to ensure proper functionality of the device.
IMPORTANT: Lithium Polymer batteries are potentially dangerous. If they fail internally, they can spontaneously self-ignite. It is therefore strongly advised to permanently supervise them during use and also while charging them, and to store them in a fire safe container when not using them.
WARNING:
You are dealing with very high energy levels when using this system, which may result in personal injury or fire when handled improperly. Take appropriate safety measures and use this system with caution. Never leave it unattended while being powered.
This product contains small parts, keep out of reach of children!
This system produces significant magnet fields, do not use it when you have a cardiac pacemaker!
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