Alesco A80 – manual and user guide

The Alesco A80 is a portable induction heater rated at 3.7 kW that runs from an ordinary 230 V socket. This page covers what you need to get started, keep the machine in good order and interpret the warning lights. The complete user manual is available as a PDF at the bottom of the page.

Specifications

Output3.7 kW
Frequency15–40 kHz
Mains connection208–230 V AC, 50–60 Hz
Weight12–16 kg depending on configuration
Water tank6 litres
Hose package1.7 m or 3.0 m
Operating temperature0 °C to +40 °C with glycol in the cooling water
IP rating21
Equipment classGroup 2, Class A – intended for industrial environments
Accessory connection12 V / 0.5 A
StandardSS-EN 60335-1

Before you start for the first time

Check the machine, hose package, cabling, transformer and inductor for visible transport damage. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your dealer or Alesco before using the machine.

Fill the cooling water

The machine ships with a glycol mixture in the tank, but it is not sufficient for extended operation. Tilt the machine to roughly 45 degrees, open the tank lid and fill with distilled or clean tap water up to the edge using a funnel. Fill at least two litres.

If the machine is used below freezing, antifreeze must be added. Alesco recommends 30 per cent propylene glycol. Never fill the tank with anything other than water and antifreeze.

Connect to mains

The machine may only be connected to a correctly earthed socket protected by a 30 mA residual current device. Once plugged in, the cooling pump starts and the LEDs show steady green. The machine always starts in power level 4.

Operating the machine

Power is adjusted with the power button. The setting resets when the mains cable is unplugged, so the machine is always back at level 4 on the next start.

Wear protective gloves and safety glasses. When you press the control button the LEDs flash white, indicating that the machine is heating.

Do not heat more than necessary. Excessive heating shortens the life of the inductor, and the heating process must not damage or melt the workpiece.

Extending the working time

The A80 runs for approximately twelve minutes continuously at an ambient temperature of 20 °C before it needs to cool down. To work for longer, use the supplied hose connections – one to a water tap and the other to a drain.

Using the pump kit

For extended operation without a tap and drain, the pump kit accessory (article number 800500) lets the machine run against a water container.

  1. Use ½″ hose.
  2. Squeeze clamp (16.5) onto the water pump, and clamp (17.5) onto the cooling adapters.
  3. Press the cooling adapters into the sockets on the back of the machine, then pull the hoses to check that they are firmly attached.
  4. Plug the connector into the 12 V / 0.5 A jack.
  5. Place the pump in a container of water before switching the power on.
  6. Connect the A80 to the power outlet.

The machine must stand higher than the water container.

Changing the inductor and heating tip

The inductor is a wear part and is replaced when worn out.

  1. Disconnect the connection cable.
  2. Open the pressure relief valve.
  3. Unscrew the inductor counterclockwise by hand.
  4. Check that the surfaces are clean and undamaged.
  5. Replace the O-ring (15.3 × 2.4) if necessary.
  6. Fit the new inductor clockwise by hand.

The standard tip is angled at 90 degrees. A straight forward-pointing tip for cramped spaces, a wheel bolt tip and a round 41 mm tip are also available. Changing tips takes under half a minute.

Warning lights and troubleshooting

IndicationCauseAction
Overheating warning light, machine stops heatingThe machine has become too hotLet it cool. Use the additional water cooling to speed this up
Flow error warning lightWater flow obstructed or insufficient cooling waterCheck the water level and that the hose package is not pinched or damaged
General hardware errorInternal faultDisconnect and reconnect to reset. If the error persists, contact your dealer or Alesco

Maintenance

The coolant contains glycol and must be recycled when refilling or draining. Use only accessories and spare parts approved by Alesco. If the extra water hoses are replaced, do not reuse old ones.

All major service and maintenance work must be carried out by Alesco service personnel. Never remove cover plates or work on the machine without disconnecting it from the wall socket. If the connection cable is damaged it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or a comparably qualified person.

Safety

The A80 is intended for professional use and requires trained operators. It must not be used by children and is not intended for use by persons with physical, sensory or mental impairments.

  • Anyone with a pacemaker or other medical device must never operate the machine or stand next to it while it is active.
  • Do not wear metal objects such as watches, jewellery or necklaces – they can be heated unintentionally.
  • Do not touch the inductor while it is active. Strong magnetic field and high heat.
  • Do not touch anything that has been near the heating tip until it has cooled.
  • If the workpiece is painted, remove the paint first or use extraction for the fumes.
  • Clear the work area of flammable material and make sure you know where the fire extinguishing equipment is.
  • Do not place the machine on uneven or unstable surfaces.
  • Loose cables and hoses are a tripping hazard.
  • Do not use the machine above 4,000 metres altitude.

Warranty

Alesco grants a 24-month warranty from the date of delivery, covering defects in material and workmanship. The warranty does not cover the hose package or the inductor, nor damage caused by unsuitable or careless use, overloading, negligent maintenance or normal wear.

The warranty requires that the machine has been installed and inspected according to applicable local regulations, has not been modified without Alesco’s approval, has been repaired using original parts only, and has been used and maintained according to the manual. A warranty claim needs the product type and the machine serial number.

Frequently asked questions

What frequency does the A80 operate at?

15–40 kHz.

How much does the A80 weigh?

Between 12 and 16 kg depending on configuration.

How long can it run continuously?

Approximately twelve minutes at an ambient temperature of 20 °C. With external cooling or the pump kit the time is longer.

Do I need three-phase power?

No. The A80 runs from an ordinary 230 V socket and can be powered by a generator.

What do I do when the flow error light comes on?

Check the water level in the tank and make sure the hose package is not pinched or damaged.

How often does the inductor need replacing?

The inductor is a wear part with no fixed replacement interval. It is replaced when worn, and it is not covered by the warranty.

Download the manual

User manual Alesco A80 version 5.2, English (PDF, 0.6 MB)
Användarhandbok Alesco A80 version 5.2, Swedish (PDF, 0.4 MB)
How to use the pump kit for A80 (PDF)

The PDF is the governing document. If anything on this page differs from the manual, the manual applies.

Spare parts and accessories for the A80

Support

Alesco International AB, Neongatan 10, SE-431 53 Mölndal, Sweden. Phone +46 31 711 47 50, email support@alesco.se.