In close cooperation with electrical specialists Arplas developed a power supply and current control system that provides the advantages of AC welding combined with the power savings and cosines phi of DC welding. This will still allow the drum manufacturers to buy their steel without tightening their specifications.
The system is based on two major parts:

1. the power unit
2. the microprocessor control

The power unit is composed of a net driver, a six phase rectifier unit to prepare an intermediate DC current, a cosines phi rectifying unit and DC to AC chopper to prepare the AC current.
The welding is done by the standard AC welding transformer, as used in today's machines.
The system includes a secondary constant current system to insure a smooth and easy setting.
The complete system is water-cooled, and digital and analog entries and exits are foreseen for communication with the welder. Adjustment is done by means of a standard weld control.
Advantages of the SYNCRONAC are as follows;

1. Power consumption is distributed over 3 phases.
2. Lower power consumption (up to 60%)
3. Higher production speeds, up to 25 meter per minute.
4. Smaller cables needed.
5. Smaller fusses installed
6. Better cosines phi. (0.98)
7. Better weld quality by use of full sinus during welding. ( No phase shift)
8. Better weld quality by use of exact determined weld start. (no synchronization time is needed)
9. Less wear of welding electrodes by lower current peaks
10. Smaller heat affected zone by using more efficient heating system.
11. Automatic cosines phi correction as a standard.
12. Current adjustment without delay.
13. Less sensible for small material quality differences, as AC welding is still used.
14. Settings with standard weld control, including secondary constant current and different weld zones.
15. Normal AC welding transformer can be used, so no new transformer if existing machine is converted.

The development of this power system allows Arplas Welding to introduce a new generation of drum welders that are able to produce drums of perfect quality at higher speed, less operational costs and with an important contribution to the environment;
In short, the drum welders that produce 'green' drums!