What You See Is What You Cut
To help fabricators replace retiring skilled technicians with less-skilled workers or those who speak English as a second language, this oxy-fuel torch simplifies use with a clearer view of the cutting path and better ergonomics.
Posted: June 12, 2013
Victor®, a brand from ESAB | Victor Technologies, Inc. (St. Louis, MO), offers its 400 Series of oxy-fuel torches and G Series regulators to meet the needs of end-users globally. The 400 series is a two-piece torch that incorporates innovative handle and cutting attachment designs that offer better ergonomics, a clearer view of the cutting path, visual cues for easier use and enhanced safety.
This torch is compatible with current 300 series consumables and accessories, and meets or exceeds performance and durability expectations of a Victor torch. The 400 Series features a contoured, high-strength alloy torch handle that fits naturally in most operators’ hands. While lighter than a brass handle, the new handle better resists abuse, and it balances well when hoses and attachments are connected.
To simplify use, the oxygen and fuel valves have been color-coded and labeled for instant identification and easier operation by indicating directions for open and closed valve positions. Until now, it was very difficult for an inexperienced worker to effectively and intuitively identify gas valves. This torch provides operators with the visual acuity necessary for safe and effective oxy-fuel cutting, even if English isn’t their first language.
Design changes to simplify use help companies cope with the retirement of skilled operators and need to hire younger, less-skilled workers or workers who speak English as a second language. The durability of the torch handle also improves longevity in situations where tools receive rough treatment, a feature specifically requested by the supervisors interviewed during product development.
BETTER VISIBILITY
To simplify use and increase precision, the 400 Series cutting attachment provides excellent line-of-sight visibility. This was accomplished by departing from a traditional tube-in-tube design to a sleeker three-tube design (oxy-fuel cutting requires three tubes, one each for fuel gas, pre-heat oxygen and cutting oxygen).
This new tube design optimizes cutting area visibility while providing strength and supporting gas flow rate requirements for tip sizes 000 through 6. This system uses a universal mixer design and mixes the gases in the head of the torch so that operators can use one torch for all fuels (acetylene, propylene, propane, etc.) simply by selecting the correct tips or attachments.
Everyone familiar with the cutting performance of a strong torch will recognize the superior performance of the new 400 Series cutting attachments. They’ll also appreciate how the oxygen cutting lever is positioned relative to the torch handle for increased comfort.
G SERIES REGULATORS
When sold as part of the Medalist® 250 and 350 outfits, the G Series regulator accompanies the 400 Series torch. G Series regulators use a combination of colors on the gauge face to provide clarity for reading needle position, while a scale and red tick mark indicate actual service pressure of the regulator. The G Series also uses ergonomic color-coded knobs to indicate gas type and for better comfort when adjusting gas pressure.
Victor® is a world leader in cutting, welding and gas control technology. Founded in 1913, the company has continued to design and improve products with the end-user in mind – and these practices have made its brand name synonymous with reliability and quality.
Victor products include torches, handles, attachments, tips, consumables and complete kits for oxy-acetylene and oxy-fuel cutting, heating and welding. Victor gas control equipment includes regulators, flow meters, gauges and pipeline regulation devices.
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