Welding machine and welding torch duty cycle

Welding Machine Duty Cycle
The continuous load current refers to the ability of a welding power source to operate continuously under a certain load. National standards stipulate a duty cycle of 60% for manual welding and 60% and 100% for automatic or semi-automatic welding.
For example, a 500KR2 welding machine has a rated current of 500A at a rated duty cycle of 60%, and its maximum welding current is ≤387A at an actual duty cycle of 100% (automatic welding).
Welding Torch Duty Cycle
The welding torch's duty cycle refers to its ability to operate continuously under a certain load.
<1> For example, a 350KR welding torch has a rated duty cycle of 70% and a rated load current of 350A for CO2 welding; its maximum welding current is ≤290A at an actual duty cycle of 100% (automatic welding). However, for MAG welding, the rated duty cycle is 35%, and its maximum welding current is ≤207A at an actual duty cycle of 100%.
<2> For example, the 500KR welding torch has a rated duty cycle of 70% and a rated load current of 500A when welding with CO2; when the actual duty cycle is 100% (automatic welding), its maximum welding current is ≤418A. However, when welding with MAG, the rated duty cycle is 35%, and when the actual duty cycle is 100%, its maximum welding current is ≤296A.