Solution: C-Factor ( I Available )

f97: C-FACTOR LIMIT: HI=nnn LO=nnn
Must be used when welding in Current Regulation Mode

From this equation:

Simple Math:

This simple expression would yield the truth table for a welder which can put out a maximum of 20,000 amperes. For example, if you want 10,000 amperes of output, you would need 50% of the maximum available current.

The following expression would follow:

This equation is very useful for determining sudden current shunting conditions. The welding control does not know what is the welder's maximum available current however it can compute after each weld cycle pulse, the output current and the percentage that it fired. In this example, the control measures 10,000 amperes at 50% current, therefore the C-Factor will measure 200. This is the same as the maximum current (20,000 amperes) divided by 100.

C-Factor represents one percent of current increments.

In the problem situation shown on the left, the control would detect 10,000 amperes but it divided itself through the weld and the new shunting path. The shunting path presents an easier path for some of the current to flow. Therefore the welding control in this case would detect that it did output 10,000 amperes but at much less effort. If it only took 40% current, the C-Factor would now measure 250. If you multiply this value by 100, this means that the new maximum available current is now 25,000 amperes. Of course you would not ever expect for the capacity of a welder to become better than when originally commissioned therefore you would have the welding control flag a fault called High C-Factor fault. We maintain that if you are currently using the Creg method for welding, you must have a C-Factor monitor setup in the weld control.