Do you prefer a compact, functional, and professional-grade welding machine to perform various types of tasks? If so, you may have come across Amico ARC 160D.
It is an excellent welding machine as it has a copper-clad aluminum transformer and advanced control features, such as hot start and arc force control.
Achieving consistent and high-quality welds, even working with difficult materials, is what you will appreciate about this welding device.
If you have recently started your welding journey, Amico ARC 160D can be a great choice for novice welders.
Amico Stick Welder Review
Specifications
- Model number: ARC-160
- Product dimensions: 14.1 x 6.2 x 11.3 inches
- Power source: AC 100 – 250V
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Frequency: 50 / 60Hz
- Current range: 230V / 5-160A, 115V / 5-130A
- Force current: 0-50 amp and 0-10 amp
What Is Included In The Welding Device?
- 7-feet of a power cord
- 10 feet of 300-Amp electrode holder assembly
- 10 feet of 300-Amp grounding clamp assembly
- A 230V to 115V power adapter
Features
01. Compatibility With Various Electrodes
This welding machine is highly versatile to use with various types of welding electrodes.
Whether the electrode is made from metal or alloy and has a flux with or without flux, you can use the welding device for various projects.
The versatile welding tool is appropriate for use with E6010, E6011, E6013, E7014, E7018, etc. welding electrodes.
02. Advanced IGBT Inverter Technology
Amico ARC 160D is equipped with advanced IGBT inverter technology.
It makes the machine less prone to power fluctuations and damage or failure.
Compared to traditional MOSFET systems, you will get more advantages, especially for high voltage, high current systems.
You can achieve up to 95% or more efficiency in the welding inverter.
03. A built-in hot start function
The welding tool has a built-in hot start function to supply a peak of current when striking the arc.
It comes in handy, especially to ignite bad electrodes when welding rusted metal.
You can easily ignite the welding arc by ensuring increased heat at the weld start.
It will result in improved arc stability and decent fusion between base metals.
04. Anti-stick Function
Due to the anti-stick function, detaching the stick welding electrode is effortless.
It is pretty helpful when the welding system starts to stick to the job.
The welding current will get automatically stopped and discontinue the welding device work further once it is figured out the electrode is sticking.
05. Thrust Adjustment Function
When achieving various deposition rates and penetration into the main metal, a proper amperage setup is crucial.
Amico ARC 160D features a Thrust adjustment function. It helps you precisely control the size and penetration of a weld bead.
Plus, you can use a constant current system and change the current flow based on the requirements.
Pros And Cons
What We Liked About The Welding Machine
01. Easy to maintain the arc consistently with no erratic arc movement
02. Simple to operate dual voltages without purchasing another welder
03. Protects the welding device from over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current and under-current
04. An automatic changing system to switch between two voltages
05. Ideal for using TIG and Stick Arc welding
06. Comes with 160 amperage rating to metals from 0.6mm up to 10mm
What We Don’t Like About The Welding Machine
01. The quality of the stinger bead could be better to ensure minimal distortion.
02. One side of the clamping force has a v ridge that prevents the rod from coming out the end easily.
03. It is ideal for only new welders doing regular jobs; it is not good for heavy welding.
Differences Between Amico ARC-160D & Amico 200 Amp
| Specifications | Amico ARC-160D | Amico 200 Amp |
| Power Output | 160 amps | 200 amps |
| Input Voltage | a 110/220V dual voltage input | a single voltage input of 220V |
| Weight And Size | Smaller and lighter | Relatively heavier and larger |
| Ideal Usage | Lightweight welding tasks | Heavy-duty welding tasks |
| Price | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
The primary difference between Amico ARC-160D and Amico 200 Amp is power output.
The first one offers up to 160 amps, whereas the second one delivers up to 200 amps.
You can use Amico ARC-160D for regular maintenance and repair works, DIY projects, and light automotive repairs.
On the other hand, Amico 200 Amp is ideal for such industrial & manufacturing applications, construction, shipbuilding, etc.,
Guide
Amperage Selection
The ideal amperage will vary depending on the electrode diameters and metal thicknesses:
| Electrode Diameters | Metal Thicknesses | Ideal Amperage |
| 1/16 inch (1.6mm) | Up to 1/8 inch (3.2mm) | 40-70 amps |
| 3/32 inch (2.4mm) | Up to 1/4 inch (6.4mm) | 70-100 amps |
| 1/8 inch (3.2mm) | Up to 1/2 inch (12.7mm) | 100-130 amps |
Electrode selection
Amico ARC-160D is mostly compatible to use with E6010, E6011, E6013, E7018, and E7024 electrode.
Before choosing a particular electrode for welding with Amico ARC-160D, you want to consider the electrode type & classification, material type, welding position, and joint type.
| Electrode Type | Ideal Usage |
| E6010 and E6011 electrodes | Welding Mild Steel |
| E7018 electrodes | Welding High-Strength, Low-Alloy Steel |
| E7024 electrodes | Welding Heavy Steel Plate |
Duty cycle
The duty cycle of Amico ARC-160D is 80% duty cycle at 160 amps.
However, when doing Lift-TIG welding, start at 10% and gradually increase it based on the welding requirements.
You should begin at 30% to 40% when using the stick welding technique. It will help you achieve deeper penetration.
You should go beyond the 80% duty cycle, as it can cause the components to overheat.
Best Features Of Amico ARC-160D
The best feature of Amico ARC-160D is its ease to use, especially for beginners.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
You can use it in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas effortlessly.
Another notable feature is its dual voltage capability. This makes it highly versatile to use on various projects. This will save cost as you can use a single machine for multiple power sources
FAQ
Who makes Amico welders?
Amico Power is a privately held corporation based in the United States that produces high-quality welders with premium materials.
Can it weld aluminum?
It can weld all kinds of metals and easily weld copper, stainless steel, and mild steel.
What’s the generator need for this welder?
At least 6000 watts.
Verdict
Without the right tools, welding work becomes the most complex and risky. Therefore, you should buy reliable products from a unique brand to get extraordinary value with excellent quality. For example, you can buy an Amico welder to get all the features you need for the welder’s work.
In today’s Amico 160 Welder review, we have described all the features, specifications, advantages, disadvantages of this unit.
Anyway, after reading our Amico stick welder review, you probably found out that this Amico unit is the best for practice and hobby projects.
If you are looking for a user-friendly stick arc welding machine with versatile welding, this Amico is the best unit.
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