The Lincoln Electric STT-10 Bench Model (K1560-2) is a specialized semiautomatic wire feeder and process controller designed specifically to work with Lincoln's STT II (Surface Tension Transfer) power sources. Unlike conventional wire feeders, the STT-10 includes an integrated microprocessor-based process controller that actively communicates with the STT power source to manage background current, peak current, and arc energy on a per-droplet basis — delivering the near-zero-spatter, low-heat-input arc behavior that makes STT the preferred process for open-root pipe welds, thin-gauge materials, and heat-sensitive alloys. The four-step trigger and split wire guide support extended long-weld and hard automation configurations.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | STT-10 Bench Model / K1560-2 |
| Configuration | Bench model — permanent installation |
| Process Control | STT II — microprocessor-based background and peak current control |
| Peak Current Control | Presettable — optimizes starting performance |
| Background Current Control | Presettable — controls heat input during sustaining arc phase |
| Drive Rolls | Split wire guide + 4-roll drive for positive feeding |
| Trigger Operation | 4-step trigger — cruise control for long welds and hard automation |
| Range Control | Yes — keeps procedures in the "sweet spot" for STT arc stability |
| Dual Procedure Control | Yes — increase or decrease arc energy without changing wire feed speed |
| Mounting Options | Modular design for multiple mounting configurations |
| Compatible Power Sources | Lincoln STT II power source; POWER WAVE 455M with STT waveform enabled |
| Warranty | 3-year on parts and labor |
The STT-10 K1560-2 targets welding applications where heat input control and spatter elimination are the primary performance criteria:
- Open-root pipe and vessel welding — STT process deposits root passes without backing rings or backing gas purge in applications where spatter inside the vessel or pipe is unacceptable.
- Thin-gauge steel and galvanized sheet — Background current control limits heat input on material thicknesses where conventional short-circuit MIG burns through or causes burn-back.
- Chrome-moly (Cr-Mo) and stainless steel piping — STT's low heat input and precise arc energy control are critical for maintaining mechanical properties in heat-affected zones of high-value alloy piping.
- Hard automation cells — Four-step trigger cruise-control mode enables integration into automated single-pass or multi-pass welding systems where continuous trigger engagement is impractical.
- Precision fabrication and aerospace — Consistent, programmatically-controlled arc energy per weld pass supports quality assurance requirements in regulated fabrication.
The STT-10 does what a conventional feeder cannot: it participates actively in arc energy control, not just wire delivery:
- Presettable Background and Peak Current — The operator or process engineer sets background current (the sustaining arc phase between short-circuit events) and peak current (the energy pulse that melts the wire tip and propels the droplet). Setting these independently provides precise heat input control unavailable on conventional CV feeders.
- Microprocessor Process Control — The STT-10 microprocessor communicates in real time with the STT power source, adjusting output on a cycle-by-cycle basis to maintain the target droplet detachment behavior. This is not achievable via analog voltage control.
- Dual Procedure Control — The STT-10 can increase or decrease arc energy within a programmed range without changing wire feed speed. This allows the operator to respond to fit-up variation on root passes without stopping and re-programming the power source.
- Range Control — Establishes a bounded range of operator-accessible energy adjustment around the set procedure, keeping the weld in the qualified "sweet spot" and preventing operators from inadvertently departing from qualified WPS parameters.
- 4-Step Trigger — First pull starts the arc; second pull locks the feeder in "cruise control" for continuous welding without holding the trigger; third pull releases cruise; fourth pull stops the arc. This is essential for long welds on pipe and vessel sections.
- Split Wire Guide and 4-Drive Rolls — Split wire guide simplifies wire threading; four drive rolls provide positive, low-deformation feeding of the MIG wire through the gun conduit.
- Modular Mounting Design — Bench model provides a stable installation base; modular mounting provisions allow alternative configurations for hard automation or semi-automatic boom setups.
- 3-Year Parts and Labor Warranty — Lincoln's extended warranty applies to the STT-10, reflecting confidence in the platform's reliability in production environments.
The STT-10 K1560-2 operates exclusively with Lincoln's STT-capable power sources:
- Lincoln POWER WAVE 455M/STT ROBOTIC (K2263-1) — Robotic STT cell power source; STT-10 can be used in semi-automatic bench configurations alongside this unit.
- Lincoln POWER WAVE 455M (K2202-1) — The standard 455M with STT waveform enabled is compatible with the STT-10 feeder for semi-automatic production welding.
- Lincoln DH-10 Bench Model (K1499-3) — Related ArcLink bench feeder for non-STT digital welding applications; compare when STT process control is not required.
View the full selection of Lincoln Electric welding equipment and accessories at WeldingMart.
What is the STT process and why is a dedicated feeder required?
STT (Surface Tension Transfer) is a Lincoln waveform that monitors and controls each droplet detachment cycle in short-circuit MIG welding. Because the power source must respond in microseconds to droplet formation and pinch-off, the feeder controller must communicate directly with the power source on a cycle-by-cycle basis. A conventional analog feeder cannot participate in this control loop — the STT-10 microprocessor is what enables full STT process functionality.
What does "presettable background and peak current" mean in practice?
Background current is the amperage maintained between short-circuit events (when no metal is transferring). Peak current is the amperage pulse delivered as the droplet detaches. Setting background current low minimizes heat input to the base metal; setting peak current to the right level ensures clean droplet detachment. Together, these settings let process engineers dial in the exact heat input required for a given material, thickness, and fit-up condition.
Can the STT-10 be used without a Lincoln STT power source?
No. The STT-10 is designed specifically to work with Lincoln's STT II power sources and the POWER WAVE series with STT waveform capability. Using the STT-10 with a non-STT-capable power source will not produce STT arc behavior — the feeder controller will function as a basic feeder but without the microsecond current modulation that defines the STT process.
What is the 4-step trigger and when is it used?
The 4-step trigger provides a "cruise control" mode for long welds: pull once to start, pull again to lock the feeder running without holding the trigger, pull a third time to release cruise, and pull a fourth time to stop. This is commonly used on long root passes in pipe welding where maintaining constant trigger pressure over multiple minutes would cause operator fatigue and micro-variations in wire feed rate.
What warranty does the STT-10 carry?
The Lincoln STT-10 Bench Model K1560-2 carries a three-year warranty on parts and labor, one of Lincoln's extended coverage terms and a reflection of the platform's production-proven reliability in pipe and pressure vessel fabrication environments.