A welding power supply that utilizes solid-state components to change the incoming 60 Hz power to a higher frequency, nominally 18 to 100 kHz. Changing
the frequency results in greatly reduced size and weight of the transformer. Inverters can be used with all of the arc welding processes.
ION
An atom, or group of atoms, of matter which has gained or lost one or more outer shell electrons, and which therefore carries an electrical charge. Positive ions, or cations, are deficient in outer shell electrons. Negative ions, or anions, have an excess of outer shell electrons. The ion or charged atom provides an electrical conductor for the arc welding current to follow from the electrode to the workpiece.