August 16, 2018 - When ultra-high-performance finishing capability is a priority, look to Walter’s Ultimate ShineTM flap discs. As a second step towards achieving an exceptional mirror finish, Ultimate ShineTM flap discs ensure a consistent surface finish time and time again. In fact, these flap discs deliver definitive mirror finishes – with Ra ratings under one micro-inch. Long-lasting and versatile, Ultimate ShineTM flap discs are the ultimate tool and deliver consistent capability on a wide range of finishing projects.
 
“The Ultimate ShineTM flap disc is similar to Walter’s powerful Instant PolishTM flap disc,” says Douville. “It’s a high-performance, long-lasting and productivity-enhancing product. Quite simply, it’s the ultimate finishing tool that helps our customers work better.”
 
Ultimate ShineTM flap discs are available in 4 1/2 in. and 5 in. diameter sizes for use at a maximum 7,300 RPM and optimal 2000 RPM. They are safe for use on stainless steel, steel and non-ferrous metals when used with angle grinders.

Walter Surface Technologies
Windsor, Connecticut
860/298-1100

August 16, 2018 - Metalworking professionals can attain exceptional polishing results in a single, fast and easy step with Walter’s new Instant PolishTM flap discs. Now boasting powerful polishing properties and superior engineering, they can easily achieve No. 8 mirror finishes in a single step. As a result, workers can save more time and money. This latest Walter innovation is proven to lower metal roughness averages (RA) by 20 micro-inches and achieve mirror finishes at RAs of less than four micro-inches on tough polishing jobs.

“The science, research, and product development behind Instant PolishTM flap discs is second to none,” explains says Jonathan Douville, Senior Product Manager - Senior Product Manager - Surfox, Finishing & Tooling at Walter Surface Technologies. “They offer longevity and exceptional engineering for consistently high-performance polishing in one quick and easy step.”

 Instant PolishTM flap discs are available in 4 1/2 in. and 5 in. diameter sizes for use at a maximum 7,300 RPM and optimal 2000 RPM, and offer great performance in automotive, transportation, food and beverage equipment, aerospace, naval and pharma industries, and other sector-specific applications.

Walter Surface Technologies
Windsor, Connecticut
860/298-1100

August 15, 2018 - The welding cap is an essential item for just about every welder.  Unfortunately, designs for this important product have changed little over the years.  Black Stallion® tilts the welding cap industry on its head with the introduction of the AH1630-GS – quite possible the most comfortable and best-fitting protective welding cap ever made.

Uniquely constructed of single-layer flame-resistant cotton, the AH1630-GS provides lightweight protection from sparks, with less heat trapping. The wearer’s head feels cooler in hot conditions.

The combination of 7 ounce FR cotton and 6 ounce FR cotton stretch knit provides a comfortably snug fit. Available in three sizes, the AH1630-GS fits nearly all head sizes and shapes. The deep crown allows the cap to be worn exactly where it should be -- just above the eyebrows and over the top of the ears.

Soft FR cotton stretch knit panels on each side of the cap are designed to provide chafe-free flame-resistant ear coverage.

The large bill on the cap, wider and longer than nearly any other welding cap available today, offers more neck protection from sparks and from sunburn and UV rays when welding outside. Hidden within the bill is a flap of durable 7 ounce FR cotton. When extended over a welding jacket collar, the flap provides even more neck protection.   

Designed with durability for daily wear, the AH1630-GS is stitched with strong flame-resistant thread – the same thread Black Stallion® uses on their welding jackets and other protective garments. The AH1630-GS is machine washable, with flame-resistant protection through 50 home washings. 

Black Stallion
Santa Fe Springs, California
800/527-3826

August 15, 2018 - Now welders can work more safely around potential flash fire and arc flash hazards with the new NFPA 2112 & NFPA 70E Certified FR Cotton Welding Jacket (JF2220-GY) from Black Stallion®.

Constructed of durable 9 ounce flame-resistant treated cotton, the JF2220-GY meets ASTM F1506 requirements for flame resistance and is tested to maintain protection through 100 home washings or 50 commercial laundry cycles.  Flame resistance is enhanced by the use of strong FR aramid threads throughout the jacket.

Certified to both NFPA 2112 and NFPA 70E standards, the JF2220-GY is designed for welders who may be exposed to short-duration thermal exposures from fire and arc flash hazards typically associated with Oil & Gas, Utility, and Industrial applications.  With an Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) of 10 cal/cm2, the jacket can be part of a Category 2 PPE program for work with potential exposure to energized electrical equipment.

Six front snaps on the jacket are covered with a layer of FR cotton to eliminate conduction of electricity in the event of an arc flash incident.  These six front snaps are reinforced with leather backing to reduce the risk of tearing and eliminate pull through. 

Other jacket features include a standup welder’s collar to protect the neck from sparks and debris, an outside scribe pocket on the left sleeve, and a convenient inside pocket.  The extended 32” length offers additional torso protection.

Black Stallion
Santa Fe Springs, California
800/527-3826

August 15, 2018 - The MarkStar Handheld laser marking machine is the industry’s most complete held fiber laser marking and engraving system.

The standard configuration of the handheld laser marking machine allows for many different options to meet any production need. This extremely versatile unit can be moved easily for convenient operation from any location and is capable of marking materials ranging in size from minuscule to considerably large equipment that would not fit into traditional marking systems. Additional features include ease of installation allowing for quick start-up and graphical-based programming for a minimal learning curve. Requirements beyond those listed above will be quoted upon request.

Due to the increasingly worldwide nature and importance of the optics/electro-optics industry, detector/sensors industry, components industry, and materials industry, the United States government and the Department of Homeland Security initiated a variety of programs where lasers became an essential part of present and future defense applications. In the private sector, a variety of government contractors elected to use lasers and advanced optics to comply with strict government regulations. Laser Photonics envisioned the opportunity and successfully introduced and delivered applications compatible with military standards, while continuing to perfect the use of our laser technology for future commercial and defense applications.

Laser Photonics
Orlando, Florida
407/804-1000

August 14, 2018 - PEM SFN spinning flare nuts from PennEngineering become permanently captivated upon installation in thin metal sheets and, when paired with a self-clinching stud or other fixed externally threaded hardware, can eliminate all loose fasteners (including flange nuts) in attachment applications. These one-piece, flanged hex nuts additionally will spin freely in a sheet enabling quick attachment to mating hardware. Their use ultimately promotes savings in assembly time and costs.

PEM SFN steel spinning flare nuts install in steel, stainless steel, or aluminum sheets of any hardness and as thin as 1mm. They are available in metric thread sizes M5, M6, and 8.

Permanent installation is accomplished by inserting the nut into a properly sized, pre-punched, and embossed mounting hole in a metal sheet and then applying sufficient squeezing force to flare the fastener’s shank. When installed, the part will appear identical to a standard flanged hex nut above the sheet and will remain flush on the other side.

PennEngineering
Danboro, Pennsylvania
800/237-4736

August 9, 2018 - Strong Hand Tools, Santa Fe Springs, California, announces the newest addition to their popular Pipe Pliers line; the Small Diameter Pipe Pliers. These new Small Diameter Pipe Pliers conveniently hold small round pipes [1/4 in. – 1/-1/2 in.] for butt welding and cross joints. Set the dual position bottom bracket to hold workpieces at 45 degrees or 90 degrees. Set the adjustable top spindle to securely clamp pipes in place for tack welding. The unique crank handle provides fast, easy jaw opening and closing, and pressure adjustment, even while the Pliers are locked and clamped. The single-hand release trigger quickly unlocks the Pliers.

Strong Hand Tools
Santa Fe Springs, California
800/989-5244

August 8, 2018 - The Caiman 1485 welding gloves feature heavy weight Genuine American Deer Grain leather and proprietary Kontour 3-dimensional patterns to deliver exceptional fit, comfort and performance. These gloves utilize natural wool insulation on the back of the hand. Wool is a superior insulator while being naturally flame resistant. As with other gloves and garments by Caiman, the 1485 is designed to truly make a difference.  

Primax/Caiman
La Mirada, California
714/523-2532

August 6, 2018 - Arcair, an ESAB brand, has completed a major upgrade to its SLICE exothermic cutting system. Improvements include a more ergonomic torch grip and oxygen flow lever, as well as a better connection between the grip and the rubber shield that protects the operator’s hand from molten spray when piercing. To extend striker life, the new striker assembly incorporates a slide mechanism that enables the operator to expose the copper ignition bar in small increments, shielding the fresh portion. Arcair improved the battery ignition source for faster recharging of a dead battery and incorporated an over-charging safeguard and a better visual indication of battery condition. Lastly, the SLICE Battery Pack and SLICE Utility Pack options now come in a heavy-duty black plastic case with molded-in storage compartments and instructions inside the lid.

“Since its introduction in 1985, the SLICE name has become synonymous with portable exothermic cutting,” says Jeff Henderson, Global Business Manager for Torches and Exothermic Cutting Systems, ESAB. “The new SLICE system contains enhancements requested by customers while maintaining familiar components and operating techniques.”

Exothermic cutting uses a stream of pure oxygen and a consumable steel rod to create an 8,000 to 10,000 oF flame that cuts, burns or pierces virtually any metallic, non-metallic or composite material, including steel, aluminum, concrete and firebrick. Once ignited by a spark from the striker, the patented SLICE cutting rod sustains the burn without constant electrical power.

“The portability and cut-anything capabilities of SLICE systems makes them preferred tools for fire and rescue operations, heavy equipment repair and maintenance, steel erection and bridge construction,” says Henderson. Arcair offers four SLICE Pack options:

• The SLICE Utility Pack, which includes everything required for cutting except the 12-volt battery and oxygen cylinder.
• The SLICE Battery Pack, which includes the improved 12-volt ignition source but no cylinder.
• SLICE Complete Pack, which includes the new ignition source and 55 cu. Ft. oxygen cylinder in a metal carrying case, making it well suited for forcible entry situations where seconds count.
• SLICE Industrial Pack, which accommodates a large oxygen cylinder to extend cutting time, a 12-volt AC battery charger and new ignition source.

Arcair/ESAB
Denton, Texas
717/637-8911

August 6, 2018 - Tweco, an ESAB brand, has introduced the Tweco VELOCITY2™ series of MIG consumables for its Spray Master™ and Tweco Classic Number Series MIG guns. The heavy-duty nozzle uses a nozzle insert that is “keyed” into place and over-molded with a high-temperature silicone compound, essentially producing a single part from two pieces; a copper shell crimped over the insert creates the final nozzle. The conductor tube has three enhancements, starting with producing it from a single piece of copper with machined threads to securely hold the contact tip and nozzle in place. An O-ring prevents gas leakage in the event of a downstream obstruction, while adding a silicone sleeve over the copper tube minimizes radiant heat and improves impact resistance.

“The VELOCITY2 enhancements deliver unmatched performance through a more robust design, providing less downtime and more weld time,” says Jeff Henderson, Global Business Manager for Torches and Exothermic Cutting Systems, ESAB. “VELOCITY2 directly addresses heat-related issues by reducing consumable count, improving thermal conductivity and lowering operating temperature. As a result, updated VELOCITY2 consumables stay cooler, last longer, produce a more stable weld puddle and improve overall productivity.”

VELOCITY2 consumables feature threadless, “drop-in” style contact tips and integrate the contact tip seating area directly into the conductor tube. With medium- and heavy-duty VELOCITY2 consumables, the shielding gas flows from the conductor tube through four ports machined into the base of the contact tip. This simplified design eliminates the gas diffuser and enables the shielding gas to keep the tip up to 40 percent cooler. By running cooler, VELOCITY2 MIG consumables improve parts life by up to 500 percent or more in gas shielded Flux-Cored, spray transfer and pulsed spray transfer applications. In short circuit MIG applications, VELOCITY2 consumables typically last two to three times longer than conventional consumables.

A cooler tip also reduces the ability for spatter to stick. The tip needs less cleaning, and any spatter that adheres is easier to remove. Further, spatter generally collects on one part, the nozzle, as opposed to three parts on conventional MIG front ends.

“The drop-in style tip also eliminates the hassle associated with burn backs. There’s no need to use vice-grips or welpers when the electrode fuses inside the tip,” adds Henderson.

Tweco/ESAB
Denton, Texas
717/637-8911