PRODUCT REVIEWS
ESAB Fabricator inverter-based welding system .
MIG / MAG and STICK welding
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced its Fabricator EM 401i , EM 401iw and EM 501w inverter-based welding power sources and associated wire feeders for MIG / MAG and flux cored welding . The 401iw and 501iw feature a factory-integrated water cooler . Fabricator controls simplify operation by optimising arc performance for the wire and gas combination selected with pre-defined settings , and operators can independently adjust wire feed speed and voltage at the feeder . For process flexibility , Fabricator also provides an MMA welding output .
These units use inverter-based technology to increase welding performance to improve mobility with lighter weight and increased energy efficiency . More advanced controls boost weld quality and productivity . The Fabricator EM 401i and EM 401iw have an output rating of 400 amps at a 60 % duty cycle . The Fabricator EM 501iw has an output rating of 500 amps at a 60 % duty cycle .
“ Housed in a weather-protected IP23Srated case , the Fabricator has an air tunnel cooling design that isolates electronics from dust , oil , metal shavings and other airborne contaminants . Thick metal side panels provide impact protection , yet the design enables easy access for service and maintenance . Large feet provide ground clearance and extra protection for the chassis , while its two ergonomic handles are crane-rated . Because of their rugged design , we offer a threeyear warranty on the power source and wire feeder ,” ESAB told ISMR .
“ Fabricator units feature inverter-based power transformation technology . They operate at 87 % electrical efficiency — a 30 % improvement over the step-regulated power sources — so they lower primary power consumption and are more environmentallyfriendly . An ‘ energy save ’ mode reduces power consumption by 35 watts when the welder sits idle . These units also have a power factor of 0.91 , which lowers primary amperage requirements ; this can mean using more machines on the same circuit breaker or reduce worries over nuisance trips . All machines can operate in a wide input voltage range of between 342 – 456V , 3ph , 50 / 60 Hz .”
Inverter technology also provides a faster response to changing arc conditions . Coupled with microprocess controls , inverter technology enables ESAB to incorporate additional functions to enhance welding performance while simplifying operation . These allow operators to adjust inductance , which can reduce spatter , enhance bead wetting action and create a flatter bead profile when MIG / MAG welding in the short-circuit transfer mode . Users can also set crater fill voltage and amperage at the end of the weld to prevent crater cracking , with the crater fill function activated by setting the welder in the 4T or 4T repeat mode . For MMA welding , adjustable Arc Force provides additional amperage in low voltage situations to prevent the electrode from sticking to the workpiece and can provide increased penetration .
ESAB also offers two dedicated wire feeders , the Fabricator Feed 304 and Fabricator Feed 304w water-cooled feeder . n
A smooth surface
With the new GARANT Multi Cut , the Hoffmann Group is presenting a new generation of general-purpose burrs .
“ The low-vibration , all-rounder burrs machine steel , stainless steel , aluminium and non-ferrous metals with high process reliability and is suitable for use on manually-guided power tools and industrial robot cells . With newly developed tooth geometry , the burrs generate about 30 per cent less vibration than conventional burrs and are particularly freecutting . The results are plain to see - better surface qualities ; 50 per cent longer tool life ; 25 per cent higher metal removal rate and up to 60 per cent greater cutting performance ,” commented the manufacturer .
The new burrs from the GARANT brand feature an optimised carbide substrate and up to ten different profiles , coupled with the option of a TiAlN coating . The latter feature is designed to reduce heat input into the substrate , improve chip evacuation and increase tool life .
“ With their innovative tooth pitch , the new GARANT Multi Cut burrs generate extremely low vibration values . That is particularly beneficial on manually-guided power tools , since the tool can be guided significantly more accurately , the surface quality is better and the operator experiences fewer physical effects due to vibration ,” said the manufacturer .
“ They also offer smooth cutting action , even at high cut depths . In addition , the newly developed tooth geometry renders the burrs extremely free-cutting and ensures a high metal removal rate . Specially honed edges protect against premature wear and increase tool life . The defined shaft surface quality prevents any slippage and provides secure clamping in the collet . The burrs are versatile across a wide range of applications ,” added the Hoffmann Group . n
GARANT Multi Cut low-vibration burrs are available in ten different versions .
ISMR September 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 81