Editorial Contact:

Chuck Schroeder
Charleston|Orwig, Inc.
(262) 563-5056
cschroeder@comktg.com

SUITCASE 8RC/12RC PORTABLE WIRE FEEDERS BUILD ON POPULAR DESIGN, ADD REMOTE VOLTAGE CONTROL

- Rugged, crush-proof, injection molded case seals out dirt, moisture

- Operator-friendly drive roll system

- 22 lb. – 25.5 lb.

APPLETON, Wis., April 8, 2003 -
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has expanded its family of suitcase-style wire feeders by adding remote voltage control for MIG and flux cored welding. The SuitCase 8RC and SuitCase 12RC portable wire feeders allow those in construction, shipbuilding and heavy manufacturing to adjust voltage levels without returning to the power source, which saves on time and the hassle of maneuvering in difficult work areas. All SuitCase feeders feature an injection molded, crush-proof, flame-retardant case that protects internal components from dirt, moisture and contaminants—the same casing technology the military uses to protect cameras and digital hardware.

“The ruggedness and portability of this case has been well received across several industries,” said Eric Young, product manager, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. “Especially with respect to the 8RC, its small size makes it the ideal wire feeder for construction sites and shipyards where maneuverability is an issue. That small package has a welding duty cycle rating of 500 amps rated at 100 percent.”

These feeders will replace Miller’s S22P12 feeder, a popular product for welders in construction and maritime industries because of its portability and durability. Miller improved on the design of older suitcase-style feeders (like the S22P12) by inverting the drive roll mechanism, making it easier to insert wire, adjust drive roll tension and access drive assembly components for service.

The Suitcase 8RC and 12RC are intended for MIG, Pulsed MIG and flux cored welding with constant voltage power sources and can hold 8-in. and 12-in. spools of wire, respectively. Wire feed speed can be adjusted between 75-700 inches per minute (IPM) while pushing wires .023 – 5/64-in. SuitCase RC models (22 lb. & 25.5 lb.) are even lighter than Miller’s voltage sensing models as they utilize the contactor in the power source rather than containing their own. Miller places a thermostat in its SuitCase feeders to monitor operating temperature, shutting the feeder down when reaching dangerous temperatures to avoid feeder damage. All of these features improve performance and reliability.

To reduce fatigue when making the long welds common in the construction and shipbuilding industry, the SuitCase RC models feature an optional trigger-hold/digital meter model that allows operators to relax their index finger during the weld cycle. The digital meters are readable from farther away up to 30 ft. and permit more accuracy than analog meters. The meters display wire feed speed or volts (one at a time) or they can be set to display amps or wire feed speed (one at a time).

The SuitCase 8RC and 12RC are covered by Miller’s True-Blue three-year factory warranty. To download a SuitCase 8RC or 12RC spec sheet, visit Miller's website at MillerWelds.com. For more information or the Miller distributor nearest you, call 800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), e-mail info@millerwelds.com, fax 877-327-8132, visit the website or write to Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.

With headquarters in Appleton, Wis., Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller and Hobart brand arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller Electric is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.