Lincoln Electric Idealarc CV-400 vs Telwin MAXIMA 160 Synergic
Technical comparison · MIG/MAG welding (wire feed)
Idealarc CV-400 and MAXIMA 160 Synergic are not direct competitors: different use classes (F5 vs F2), very different prices (~15.8×). MAXIMA 160 Synergic costs less (~€300) and is the entry-level choice; Idealarc CV-400 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4750). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Idealarc CV-400
Lincoln Electric
F5 · Professional
|
MAXIMA 160 Synergic
Telwin
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Awards | ||
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F5 — Professional | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~4000–5500 € | ~250–350 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 48.3 × 83.8 × 69.8 cm | 23.5 × 45 × 37 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 173.7 kg | 9.29 kg |
| Power (W) | — | 2600 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Category specs | ||
| Welding type | MIG/MAG | MIG/MAG |
| Max welding current (A) | 400 A | 150 A |
| Max wire diameter (mm) | — | 1.2 mm |
| Duty cycle (rated current) (%) | 100 % | 20 % |
| Synergic control | False | True |
| Gasless capable | True | True |
| Power source technology | Transformer | Inverter |
| Aluminium ready | True | True |
| Pulse capable | False | False |
| Input voltage | 400 V (three-phase) | 230 V (single-phase) |
| Supported spool | — | Ø200 mm (~5 kg) |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The Idealarc CV-400 is a traditional analog welding system and, as such, features no internal software, complex digital displays, or reliance on external applications. Control of welding parameters, such as voltage, is purely electromechanical via switches and potentiometers located on the front panel. This total absence of advanced digital components represents a significant advantage in critical industrial environments, as it eliminates risks related to software bugs or electromagnetic interference that could disable delicate electronic boards. Configuration is handled manually, requiring a skilled operator capable of balancing voltage and wire feed speed based on the specific welding process. | — |
MakerSpecs Awards
Best price Professional
The lowest list price among professional MIG/MAG welding (wire feed) machines: €4750. The second cheapest starts at €5500. (Excluding manufacturer or retailer discounts.)
How we assign awards →Best value Intermediate
At €300 it offers the best performance-to-price ratio among the 22 intermediate MIG/MAG welding (wire feed) machines, with a technical score of 100/100.
How we assign awards →The differences that matter
- Price: Idealarc CV-400 4750 € vs MAXIMA 160 Synergic 300 € — MAXIMA 160 Synergic wins (+1483%)
- Synergic control: MAXIMA 160 Synergic yes, Idealarc CV-400 no
Which one to choose
Choose MAXIMA 160 Synergic if…
you value price and synergic control. It is the best value for money in its class.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.