Welding and Gouging in Heavy Industrial Work

The Big Blue® 600 Pro welder/generator from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. (Appleton, WI) replaces the popular Tier 4 Interim Big Blue 500 with an even more powerful EPA Tier 4 Final–compliant engine. Designed for the U.S. market, this new 600 amp machine tackles tough jobs that require high output for welding, gouging and auxiliary power. Behind the power is Kubota’s new V2403 turbocharged four-cylinder industrial liquid-cooled engine. Rated at 48.9 hp, this model is ideal for heavy industrial applications including construction, structural steel, mining maintenance, pipe welding, and maintenance and repair rigs. “Responding to a need in the marketplace, we are the only North American welding manufacturer to offer a Tier 4 Final welder/generator in the 50 hp range,” explained Ben Froland, the product manager for Miller Electric. “The Big Blue 600 Pro provides several key upgrades from the previous model, including improved arc characteristics, digital weld meters and display, and three-phase power available anytime – even while welding.”

All models include a 4 in electronic engine display that replaces the traditional cluster of analog gauges. This new display allows users to precisely monitor fuel level, engine hours, coolant temperature, oil pressure, battery voltage and engine rpm, all in one convenient location. The display also tracks oil change intervals and displays engine diagnostics for quick and easy servicing. “The backlit display is modular, allowing the user to view all of the digital gauges on a single screen or in a larger one-up configuration,” noted Froland. “This allows the welder to more easily monitor their equipment from a distance and in low or no light conditions.”

Another upgrade from previous models is the ability to use auxiliary power while welding. With up to 20,000 watts of continuous three-phase power, and up to 12,000 watts of continuous single-phase power, the unit is more than capable of running common jobsite tools and equipment, such as lights, grinders and even other plug-in inverter welders. Standard features also include a 120 volt block heater and automatic glow plugs for cold-weather starting, tailorable arc control for SMAW and GMAW processes, and wireless hand remote compatibility so operators can work safer and faster up to 300 ft from the power source. More arcs and better fuel economy equal increased profits for a welding business. Estimated savings are 34 percent with a dual-operator unit versus two single-operator units.

Miller also introduces the Big Blue 350 PipePro SF engine-driven welder/generator, a smaller, more portable version of the Big Blue 800 Duo Pro SF that also features the exclusive FieldPro™ Smart Feeder compatibility for improved productivity and efficiency in field welding applications. The addition of the new power source helps address a wider range of needs for those who rely on an engine-driven welder/generator on their jobsites. The multiprocess system can run conventional stick, DC TIG, FCAW and MIG welding – and now advanced Regulated Metal Deposition (RMD®) and pulsed MIG processes with the addition of the FieldPro Smart Feeder. These advanced processes help to reduce weld failures and can eliminate backing gas on some stainless and chrome-moly pipe welding applications.

The FieldPro Smart Feeder brings complete control to the welding operator at the joint, optimizing uptime and simplifying parameter adjustments and process changeover, while helping to improve overall weld quality and productivity. Eliminating the need to travel to and from the power source also improves safety by limiting jobsite movement to reduce slip, trip and fall hazards. The FieldPro Smart Feeder utilizes standard weld cables to deliver excellent RMD and pulsed MIG welding up to 200 ft away from the power source, with no expensive control cables that can cause clutter and hassle on a jobsite. Controls are labeled in common welder terminology to make it simple and intuitive to use. This next-generation, rugged, low-speed diesel welder/generator is designed to improve productivity, quality, and safety with complete remote control of advanced RMD and pulsed MIG processes through the FieldPro Smart Feeder.

Users can experience up to 12 kW of single-phase power, along with superior arc performance and simple-to-set controls. Customers can choose from either a CAT or Mitsubishi engine – both are backed by worldwide support and service. The Big Blue 350 PipePro also features a multi-function fuel gauge and engine coolant temperature meters, low OVC stick for increased safety without compromising arc starts and Auto Remote Sense for 14-pin accessories. Other standard features include digital preset weld meters, output contractor control, automatic idle and a 120 volt block heater. Every component is engineered and built to ensure ultimate reliability in tough welding conditions. A unique feature of this model is the exclusive Line-X® top cover that provides added durability for superior impact, corrosion and abrasion protection.

For more information on all of this equipment and more, customers can visit their local welding distributor or click here.

Miller Electric Manufacturing Co., 1635 W. Spencer Street, PO Box 1079, Appleton, WI 54912-1079, 920-734-9821, www.millerwelds.com.