A multi-process machine buys more than one job in one body, and the combination printed on the label is the first filter. MIG, ARC and TIG in one machine covers most of a general workshop. TIG and MMA together suits fine work with stick as a fallback. MIG and MMA covers production and repair. The combination is chosen before output is compared.
Output current then follows the material. The range runs 120A at the light end through 130A, 160A, 180A, 200A and 250A on the AUTOPLUS ladder, up to 350A with a separate wire feed and 500A on the Sealey POWERMIG bodies. Output current is filterable on 39 of the 68 lines, with wire diameter on 30 and spool size on 28. Sealey run MINIMIG160i and MIG200i bodies at 200A with POWERMIG300i at 400V three phase above them.
Synergic control is the feature worth understanding. On a manual machine, voltage and wire speed are set by the operator and getting them wrong shows in the bead. A synergic machine sets them from the material and wire diameter entered, so the arc is right first time. Pulse adds control over heat input, which is what keeps thin material from distorting. Manual control still has its place where the operator knows the material better than the machine does.
Cart, trolley and separate wire feed packages change how the machine is used rather than what it does. A separate wire feed lets the power source stay put while the torch goes to the work. Welding fume extractors sit on this leaf, from portable units to the FX100, FX200 and FX300. Questions go over WhatsApp on 07754288583 with the material and thickness. CrosArc inverter machines sit alongside in MIG, TIG and MMA combinations sorted by wire size.