PRODUCT REVIEWS
Portable TIG welding machine
EWM is expanding its Picotig series and launching a new version as an addition to the performance range for welding currents up to 180 A.
“ The lightweight and portable TIG welding machine is a compact inverter power source with the same high-quality features as the Picotig 220 puls DC and, thanks to its automatic mains voltage adjustment, can also be used worldwide( e. g. for workshops and construction sites),” commented EWM.
“ Like the Picotig 220 puls DC, the Picotig 180 puls DC offers a robust design, intuitive operation and a weight of 10kg. Equipped with PFC( Power Factor Correction) technology, the new version ensures optimum power consumption from the mains supply. This enables the device to achieve high output power despite possible mains fluctuations, enabling energy-efficient and stable welding operation,” it continued.
The multivolt function allows worldwide use, even under difficult conditions such as mains voltage deviations, long mains cables or generator operation. This makes the new Picotig an all-round device for a wide range of challenges in TIG and manual metal arcwelding.
The Picotig 180 puls DC.
“ Welding currents of 180 A at 40 % dutycycle are achieved in TIG welding and 165 A at 35 % duty cycle in manual metal arc welding in a 230 V mains supply,” confirmed EWM.“ The Picotig 180 puls DC also offers operation via the Comfort 3.0 mini control system. Two large displays, a click wheel and push buttons enable safe operation, even when wearing gloves and during complex welding tasks. All relevant parameters are directly visible. All available welding processes can be selected, such as the common pulse and standard processes as well as spotArc ® and spotmatic,” it added.
With a 3.5m power cord, the welding machine offers a large working radius and does not require an extension cord. In addition to conventional welding torches, the standard five-pin digital welding torch connection enables the connection of TIG-Retox XQ welding torches for convenient operation during the welding process. The welding current is displayed digitally and can be continuously adjusted.
“ Practical details such as an integrated storage compartment for wear parts, a sturdy carrying handle, a protective flap for the control panel and a cable guide in the handle round off the user-friendly design,” concluded EWM. n
www. ewm-group. com
The standard fivepin digital welding torch connection enables TIG Retox XQ welding torches to be connected.
Packing a punch in thick-turret tooling
At Blechexpo 2025 in Stuttgart this October, Matrix Tools unveiled its latest applications in the thick-turret tool range for punching machines and tool sharpening.
“ We have been designing, producing and selling tools for blanking and sheetmetal forming for over 40 years. Our wide range of solutions are applied to the most common technologies in the market including punching machines, coil machinery and press brakes. Our specialist research and development team creates tailor-made solutions that meet the specific needs of the customers, ensuring high quality standards and reliability,” the Italian company told ISMR.
In Stuttgart, Matrix Tools shone a spotlight on MultiJET, a new solution that brings the multitool concept to forming. Building on the MultiMATRIX approach, the MultiJET forming multitool houses three independent tools within a single D station, enabling both spot operations( domes, countersinks, extrusions and pre-shears) and continuous forming( offsets, ribs, pincher etc.). The result, said the company, is“ greater flexibility, quality and productivity, with reduced set-up time.”
“ Our main product line is thick turret tools
including tools for blanking, forming and multitools. The strengths of this line are its high compatibility with various types of tools available on the market, recognized reliability and full customisation flexibility,” added Matrix Tools.
Its blanking line has two main series: the Premium( simple and flexible) and the Classic( for heavy-duty processing). The thick turret line B, C, D and E punch-holders are compatible with the classic one-piece punches and iEM insert versions. The strippers can be traditional or guided.
“ Jetform and Rollform are our specific forming lines. Ventilation fins, extruded holes, clips, hinges and logos are some of the
forming operations possible with Jetform: unique pieces, designed according to the [ specified ] forming. On the other hand, the Rollform series quickly performs incisions, ribbing and offsets,” outlined Matrix Tools.
MultiMATRIX is its multitool line that is designed to reduced re-tooling times while increasing punching machine flexibility. MultiMATRIX models, part of the thick turret range, can contain from 4-16 tools with variable diameters( from 12.7 to 31.7mm). All the tools available in the multitool are rotating and indexable, can be used in eight different positions and are customisable.
Matrix Tools also supplies its MGM-150A electrically driven sharpening machinery. It was designed to sharpen any hardened steel punching tool.
“ Tool sharpening is often a problem, especially when the punch has a tilted blade or even double tilted blade. MGM-150A solves this problem by sharpening the tool in different ways, quickly and simply,” concluded Matrix Tools. n
www. matrixtools. eu / en /
70 | ismr. net | ISMR November 2025