March 15, 2022 - One challenge that metal manufacturers and finishers face is corrosion protection during shipping and storage. Many strategies exist, from coatings and liquid rust preventatives to VCI packaging. The latter has revolutionized the way metals are protected in an enclosed package, replacing greasy rust preventatives with dry corrosion protection. Yet manufacturers with sharp or pointed metal parts have the additional risk of puncture, which could ruin the integrity of the entire package. Cortec, St. Paul, Minnesota, addresses this problem with CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper for heavy-duty puncture prone packaging applications.

Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor Protection – How It Works

All Cortec® VpCI® brand papers are coated in-house with Cortec’s proprietary VpCI® formula. Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in the coating vaporize and form a protective corrosion inhibiting molecular barrier on metal surfaces wrapped inside the paper. When the component is unpacked, the invisible protective layer does not require cleaning and the part can be used immediately.

VCI Paper - Reinforced

While standard Cortec® CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper is enough to satisfy the corrosion protection needs of many metals being stored in one place or shipped to another, some circumstances require a tougher grade of packaging. CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper provides two extra benefits for these heavy-duty applications:

(1) CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper offers excellent tear resistance. This is important when packaging oddly shaped metals or those with pointed or sharp edges where puncture could be a concern when handling non-reinforced papers.

(2) CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper also includes a moisture barrier. This not only adds to the durability of the paper but also protects against the ingress of water vapor for moisture sensitive items. This quality is helpful for protecting packages that undergo harsh, high humidity environments. It is also beneficial for packaging parts still covered with grease or process oils that that might leach through or break down standard paper.

How and Where to Use CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper

The traits mentioned above—corrosion protection, tear resistance, and moisture resistance—make CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper easily adaptable to a variety of packaging needs. The standard application method is to wrap a metal item in the paper, fold edges together, and tape the paper folds in place. In addition to single item packaging, CorShield® VpCI®-146 Reinforced Paper can be used for interleaving between layers of metal components, closing the end of shipping tubes, inserting into recessed areas of large packages, and lining crates and boxes where moisture might leach through. Possible items to protect include

• Coils, wire reels, plate, bar, etc.

• Raw and machined forgings and castings

• Sheet metal work, stampings, springs, bearings, fasteners, tubing, pipes, nails, etc.

• Finished goods: engines, machinery, tools, hardware, appliances, instruments, motors, etc.

• Electrical and electronic components, controls, etc.

February 28, 2022 - Rust prevention in the aerospace industry requires special products, especially when it comes to corrosion control on sensitive aircraft engines, components, and related parts.  The manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft, airplanes, jets, flight vehicles, rockets, space exploration vehicles, spacecraft, and flight simulators all have unique concerns with rust protection. HinderRUST®, a popular rust-stopping product by Fluoramics, has many features that make it the lubricating rust stopper in the aerospace industry.

HinderRUST is 100% solvent free which means it lasts longer than other rust stoppers and can even be used in enclosed areas such as inside airplanes or rockets. Use HinderRUST to protect and preserve equipment, and as a maintenance item for those time when you can’t paint.

HinderRUST S4.0 is both a lubricant and a corrosion-stopping agent. It is used as a rust preventative tool and is particularly good at preventing interfacial corrosion or metal-on-metal corrosion. It is used as a maintenance item as it will stop corrosion in its tracks until scheduled maintenance can be completed.

HinderRUST is 100% solvent-free and is safe to use in enclosed areas. As the Science of HinderRUST explains, HinderRUST was engineered using a chemistry that works by displacing water and providing a boundary film between metals, moisture, and air. Its mobility and wetting agents allow it to bond to the treated surfaces and travel beyond the immediate area to which it is applied. That makes it a great maintenance tool for those hard-to-reach areas. “HinderRUST is a great tool for the aerospace industry. Being solvent free, it can be used inside and outside rockets, spacecraft, and commercial and private aircraft to lubricate moving parts while stopping rust. HinderRUST truly keeps the world moving!” said Gregg Reick, President and Chief Engineer of Fluoramics.

January 25, 2022 - AGC, Exton, Pennsylvania, has developed new HFCO chemistry to provide manufacturers of high-value industrial components, electronics and medical devices with more environmentally friendly precision cleaning alternatives.

AMOLEA™ AS-300 and AS-300AT solvents are categorized as nonhazardous air pollutants with an ozone depletion potential near zero and global warming potential of less than one. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program lists these solvents as acceptable for electronics cleaning, metals cleaning, precision cleaning and coating diluents.

AMOLEA AS-300 and AS-300AT are ideal replacements for HFC solvents and low-boiling-point HCFO solvents as well as n-propyl bromide (nPB or 1-BP) and trichloroethylene, which are both undergoing risk evaluation under the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

AMOLEA AS-300 and AS-300AT HCFO solvents have advantageous boiling points, superior solvency with Kb value of 44 and 118 respectively, and favorable HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) profiles.

For details about the EPA’s Assessing and Managing Chemicals under TSCA, visit the n-propyl bromide and trichloroethylene risk management pages.

January 11, 2022 - American Torch Tip, Brandenton, Florida, is introducing a new consumable design. HelioCut™ is just one part of a larger family of plasma cutting products which offer long life and economy to fabricators and MRO operations. 

HelioCut is a patent-pending consumable upgrade for your Powermax 45XP, Powermax 65, or Powermax 85 plasma cutting system. This high-quality drop-in replacement for costly Factory consumables keeps money in your pocket and out of your scrap bin! 

HelioCut’s patent-pending design decreases consumable wear, increases lifespan, and allows for an improved current path for the electrode. HelioCut’s motionless electrode creates a stronger, more secure connection to your torch. No springs attached! This translates into fewer consumable changes and more uptime.

One kit provides everything you need to switch and start saving today! The kit is available in 45 amp, 65 amp, and 85 amp and includes two electrodes, two nozzles, and a swirl ring.

May 4, 2021 - Weiler Abrasives, Cresco, Pennsylvania, has expanded its popular Tiger brand of abrasives to include cups, cones and plugs for metal fabrication, including fab shop, tool sharpening, pipeline, rail frog construction and shipyard applications. Tiger AO cups, cones and plugs are designed to deliver the right combination of performance and value. The aluminum oxide grains, along with a strong bond, provide a long product life and a consistent cut rate for grinding metal.

“We carefully formulated our Tiger AO cups, cones and plugs to provide consistency and reliability,” says Tony Hufford, category manager — metal fabrication, Weiler Abrasives. “The abrasives are specifically designed to be ready to use out of the box without a break-in period, allowing users to get right to work and get instant results.”

The Type 11 cup wheels for grinders are precision balanced to ensure smooth, vibration-free operation and reduce operator fatigue, while wearing at the appropriate level to maximize grind rates. An innovative safety nut locks in place to increase safety and prevent separation. Zinc-plating prevents oxidation, which eliminates contamination, and keeps threads clean for easy mounting and removal. The cup wheels are available in 4-, 5- and 6-inch diameters and are ideal for heavy metal removal, grinding, rough beveling and removing cracks or flaws.

Designed for ID cleaning, hole-edge beveling, smoothing weld seams, bevel grinding, transitioning and grinding in hard-to-reach areas, the Tiger AO cones and plugs for die grinders feature an open-face design that provides an aggressive cut rate right out of the box. Like the Type 11 cup wheels, the cones and plugs are precision balanced for smooth, easy use. Tiger AO cones and plugs also feature an anchored hexagon nut that secures the abrasive to the tool to increase safety and prevent product breakage. These cones and plugs are available in the most common types, 16, 17, 18 and 18R, and sizes ranging from 1 to 3 inches in diameter.

All three product categories are best for use on soft and hard carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and ductile iron.

For more information about the new Tiger AO cups, cones and plugs for metal fabrication, visit WeilerAbrasives.com/ ao-cups-cones-plugs.

May 4, 2021 - ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced the Rogue ET 200iP PRO, a new HF TIG/Stick inverter with exceptional TIG performance and full-function digital controls at an affordable price. The unit weighs 21.2 lbs. –– one-third lighter than competitive units ­­–– and delivers a 200A TIG output at 25% duty cycle. Users include mechanical contractors and those in general fabrication, maintenance and repair, rental, process pipe, food/beverage, farming and home workshops.

“Rogue will cause the industry to re-think its perception of power, performance and price in the compact TIG/Stick inverter category,” says Bartosz Kutarba, Global Product Manager – Light Industry Equipment, ESAB. “Other welders with its features can cost twice as much.”

With a welding output range of 10 – 200 amps, Rogue ET 200iP PRO gives you the arc control required for delicate welds and the power to run 5/32-in. Stick electrodes, as well as the arc characteristics required for all types of Stick electrodes, including 6010 and 7018. When procedures call for a TIG root and Stick fill passes, the Rogue ET 200iP PRO produces X-ray-quality results.

Professional Grade TIG

The Rogue ET 200iP has a pulsed DC TIG output range between 0.1 and 500 Hz pulses per second (PPS). Stainless steel fabricators and those working with thin metals or other heat-sensitive applications use pulsed DC TIG to control heat input, narrow the weld bead profile and increase travel speed. It delivers a stable TIG arc down to 10 amps, giving welders the control they need to work on thin metal or delicate components.

Powerful Flexibility

The Rogue’s 115 – 230V primary power flexibility enables users to work in a wide variety of locations. Flexible automatic input voltage compensation ensures a steady welding arc throughout the entire input power range, making it ideal for use with generator power, which often fluctuates.

Rogue ET features power factor correction (PFC), so it draws less primary current. As a result, users can use a smaller circuit breaker and reduce the worry of nuisance trips when welding at full output. Using the latest technology PFC circuit also enables welding with up to 110 yards of cable extensions, further increasing location flexibility.

The lightweight, compact Rogue, with dimensions of 15.7 x 6 x 10.4 in. easily fits in a job box. The unit has a robust fiberglass-molded housing to withstand impact, and the weather resistant, IP23S rating makes the unit suitable for use in tough applications. The digital meters visible from 25 m away, and an optional remote controller allows users to adjust current settings without needing to go back to the machine.

Rogue comes with a premium quality accessories, including a SR-B 26 type TIG torch (13 ft. cable), a set of wear parts that includes tungsten electrode, Tweco® Electrode holder (10 ft.), return cable with clamp (10 ft.), shoulder strap, Victor® gas regulator and 115V/230V power adaptor.

March 29, 2021 - Metabo Corp., West Chester, Pennsylvania, introduces their compact range of rotary hammers and a new dust extraction accessory made in Germany.

“We are excited to introduce two new compact rotary hammers, the 12V - Powermaxx BH 12 BL 16 and the 18V - BH 18 LTX BL 16, and our new universal dust extraction set, the ESA Plus. The new additions to our rotary hammer lineup give the end-user a lightweight option for drilling into masonry and concrete, especially when drilling overhead. Both tools have 2-mode operation for rotary hammering and rotation without impact. These tools feature Metabo’s brushless motors, making the hammers compact, lightweight, and the fastest drilling in their class”, said Terry Tuerk, Metabo’s Senior Product Manager.

The 12V rotary hammer has a maximum torque of 88.5 in. lbs., the 18V has a maximum torque of 115 in. lbs. both with 1.3 joules. These rotary hammer’s powerful 5,250 BMP with a no-load speed of 0-730 rpm enable the rotary hammers to drill up to 5/8” in concrete and 2-5/8” in masonry.

These tools are compact, lightweight and extremely fast. They are only 10 5/8” long and weigh about 4 lbs., even with a battery attached, helping to reduce worker fatigue while speeding up progress.

The new rotary hammers are available as bare tools (12V: 600207840, 18V: 600324840). Metabo recommends the Ultra-M Compact 4.0 Ah Battery Kit for 12V and 18V  (12V: US625349002, 18V: US625367002).

The Powermaxx BH 12 BL 16 and  BH 18 LTX BL 16 are packed with features, like VTC electronics (Vario-tacho-constamatic), technology that maintains RPM under load for faster drilling, especially in deeper holes. The tools include Metabo’s patented safety clutch system, which helps keep end-users safe when a bit jams. The tools also feature Metabo’s anti-vibration system, which decreases hand and arm vibrations, reducing end-user fatigue and protecting against long-term vibration-related disorders.

Metabo’s new Universal Dust Extractor, ESA Plus (62377000), is ideal for dustless overhead drilling in areas where a dust extractor can’t reach. The ESA Plus includes an adjustable seal with a vacuum break and dust cap seal when using without a vacuum.

The ESA Plus fits all Metabo SDS-Plus hammers or hammer drills with depth rods, and competitive tools with depth rods.  It is for use with 6” or 8” overall length SDS-Plus bits, 5/23” through 1-1/4” or up to 3/8” straight shank hammer drill bits.

When the 12V- Powermaxx BH 12 BL 16 and 18V -  BH 18 LTX BL 16 is paired with Metabo’s Universal Dust Extractor and a HEPA vacuum; the tools will function as an OSHA Table 1 compliant system.  (18V: AS 18 L PC Vacuum or Corded ASR 35 Auto-clean HEPA Vacuum).

February 2, 2021 - Metabo Corporation, a leading German international manufacturer of professional-grade cordless and corded hand-held power tools and accessories in the US, introduces their upgraded LT Drill/Driver Series, made in Germany.

“We are excited to introduce the latest in our cordless drill/driver program. The new LT series models are upgraded with 25 precent higher torque than previous models, allowing the user to work with a wider variety of applications and to work longer and more effectively. The LT series is also built around Metabo’s second generation brushless motor, making the tools more efficient and compact.” said Terry Tuerk, Metabo’s Senior Product Manager.

The 2-speed 18V ½ in. Brushless Hammer Drill, SB 18 LTX BL is available as a kit with 2.0 Li-ion batteries (602316520) and as a bare tool (602316890). It has a no-load speed of 0-600 / 0-2,100 rpm, hard case torque of 664 in. lbs. The tool can drill in steel up to a ½ in. and 1-1/2 in. in softwood. When the drill is in hammer mode, it can drill up to 1/2 in. in brick/block with a max 31,950 impacts per minute.

The 18V Brushless Drill/Driver, BS 18 LT BL is available as a kit with 2.0 Li-ion batteries (602325520) and as a bare tool (602325890). The BS 18 LT BL Q Quick toolless change model is available as a bare tool (602334890). The quick-change chuck feature allows for easy chuck removal exposing an included ¼” hex magnetic bit holder built into the spindle, creating an extremely compact driver perfect for working in tight spaces. The quick-change chuck also allows for the installation of a right-angle drive adaptor, as well as an offset drive adaptor, further enhancing the use in tight spaces.

Janaury 13, 2021 - Metabo Corporation, West Chester, Pennsylvania, introduces their new 10.0 Ah Lithium High Density (LiHD) Technology Battery.

“Metabo is taking the next step forward in battery technology and is launching the world’s most compact 18V battery pack with 10.0 Ah using the latest in High Density lithium-ion cell technology. End-users will benefit from 25% more runtime vs. Metabo’s long-lasting 2-rowed packs available today (8.0 Ah). Compared to competitors 

3-row battery pack, end-users will also benefit from a 20% more compact battery pack. The new 10.0 Ah battery pack is Metabo’s longest running battery pack, for example, in production fastening or drilling. The user is always informed about the remaining capacity with the front facing capacity display” said Terry Tuerk, Metabo’s Senior Product Manager.

All Metabo 18V batteries are fully compatible with Metabo’s past (2009-2020), present, and future 18V Ultra-M systems. Metabo Ultra-M technology makes this possible; the batteries smart technology allows for optimum compatibility, communication between the tools, batteries and chargers. This ongoing communication ensures that each battery cell is evenly charged and discharged every time, protected from over-discharging and temperature extremes, dramatically extending the battery pack's life. 

Productivity is also significantly increased as a hot discharged battery can be placed in the charger immediately after disconnecting from the tool. The charger’s built-in air-cooled system quickly cools the battery pack as it begins the charging cycle, reducing overall charging time. The result is a battery that will effectively survive more charge/discharge cycles than other battery systems.

Metabo continues to set the bar for industry standards in battery technology through new innovations, offering over 90 cordless tool solutions. For more information on these or where to purchase Metabo, go to metabo.com

January 13, 2021 – Metabo Corporation, West Chester, Pennsylvania, introduces the Metabo 18V brushless Multi-tool. 

“The 18V multi-tool is optimized for handling and comfort. It has a slim, rubber-coated grip and its battery is placed out of the way for maximum balance and optimal reach into tight spaces. Vario-speed Constamatic Electronics allows the high-performance brushless multi-tool to maintain OPM under load for the highest productivity. This tool can tackle a wide range of applications cutting wood and metal to grout removal. It is particularly handy for making pocket cuts or creating openings in subfloors or drywall, or flush cutting trim work.” said Terry Tuerk, Metabo’s Senior Product Manager.

The Metabo MT 18 LTX BL QSL, 18V multi-tool, is available as a bare tool (613088850).

The tool includes a curved-tech StarlockPlus® wood + metal blade.

Metabo also offers a combination depth stop/dust extraction accessories, as well as StarlockPlus® sanding plate, sanding discs, and various StarlockPlus® plunge cut precision saw blades for wood, metal and abrasive materials. 

The MT 18 LTX BL QSL includes a variable oscillating speed selector for adjusting the cutting speed for precise cuts and sanding of various materials. Its powerful Metabo brushless motor delivers 8,000-20,000 OPM per minute.

This tool's unique features include an integrated double LED illumination light and tool-less magnetic blade change system for fast and easy blade changes. Metabo’s compact 4.0Ah LiHD would be the perfect battery to match with the tool. 

Metabo has over 90 tools in their cordless line with many more on the way. They have the most complete range of cordless metalworking and industrial tools in the market. Metabo’s cordless tools deliver industrial productivity and POWER, eliminating the need for cords and hoses. 

Metabo battery systems are 100% compatible with older and newer cordless tools. Since 2009, all Metabo battery packs, tools, and chargers in the same Volt class are interchangeable with each other. Ultra-M technology makes this possible due to the perfect communication between tools, battery packs, and chargers. Ultra-M technology allows batteries to be charged gently and efficiently, and patented air-cooled technology means they can be used again in just a short time. 

Metabo batteries offer the latest cell technology, LiHD, high density lithium-ion, with 80% more available power and 100% longer run time than Metabo’s standard Li-Ion batteries. Both feature electronic monitoring of each individual cell for increased protection and maximum battery durability, while an LED charge capacity indicator shows the charge at the touch of a button. Metabo continues to set the bar for industry standards in battery technology through new innovations. 

All Metabo cordless tools are backed by a 3-year warranty and offer a full 3-year replacement guarantee on the battery and charger systems.