| 1 | Welding Process Compatibility | The machine should support flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), with self-shielded and/or gas-shielded operation clearly specified. | Confirm supported wire types, polarity requirements, shielding-gas options, inductance control, and synergic or manual parameter adjustment. | 15% |
| 2 | Rated Output and Duty Cycle | A general-purpose workshop unit commonly falls within approximately 160–250 A; industrial models may provide 300 A or more. Duty cycle should be compared at the same test temperature and current. | Request the rating plate, test conditions, duty-cycle curve, maximum output, and thermal-protection reset method. IEC 60974-1 uses a 10-minute duty-cycle test basis. | 15% |
| 3 | Input Voltage Configuration | Common configurations include 220–240 V single-phase for portable equipment and 380–415 V three-phase for higher-power industrial equipment. | Check input-voltage tolerance, frequency compatibility at 50/60 Hz, input current, plug type, phase requirement, and generator compatibility. | 12% |
| 4 | Wire Diameter Range | FCAW equipment for light and medium fabrication commonly accommodates approximately 0.8–1.2 mm wire; heavy-duty models may support larger wire sizes. | Verify the wire-feed system, drive-roll profile, liner size, spool capacity, torch connection, and compatibility with the wire diameters used in the target market. | 10% |
| 5 | Arc Stability and Wire Feeding | Stable feeding requires a controlled motor, suitable drive rolls, adjustable feed speed, reliable torch connections, and consistent voltage regulation. | Conduct a sample weld using the intended wire and plate thickness. Check spatter, burn-back, arc starts, feeding noise, and performance with long torch leads. | 12% |
| 6 | Product Safety and Compliance | Welding power sources should be assessed against IEC 60974-1; electromagnetic compatibility is addressed by IEC 60974-10. CE and RoHS may be required for European sales. | Request valid declarations, test reports, rating-label photographs, insulation and dielectric test records, EMC documentation, and product-specific—not generic—certificates. | 12% |
| 7 | Cooling and Enclosure Protection | Forced-air cooling and thermal overload protection are common on inverter welders. Many portable models use IP21S or a similar basic enclosure rating. | Confirm fan operation, thermal sensors, ventilation clearance, operating-temperature range, ingress protection, and suitability for dusty or outdoor environments. | 8% |
| 8 | Factory Quality Management | An ISO 9001-certified quality system can provide documented control of purchasing, production, inspection, calibration, and corrective actions, but certification alone does not guarantee product performance. | Check certificate scope and validity, incoming inspection records, final-load testing, serial-number traceability, calibration procedures, and nonconformity handling. | 8% |
| 9 | Customization and Documentation | Suitable export suppliers should be able to provide English manuals, wiring diagrams, labels, spare-parts lists, packaging specifications, and user-specific input configurations. | Confirm OEM/ODM capability, minimum order quantity, sample approval process, firmware or panel customization, packaging tests, and document revision control. | 4% |
| 10 | Warranty and After-Sales Support | A commercially useful support program should define warranty duration, excluded parts, response time, remote troubleshooting, replacement-part availability, and service procedures. | Obtain the written warranty terms, failure-report process, spare-parts pricing, technical-support channels, repair authorization rules, and typical response times. | 4% |