Editorial Contact:

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

NEW SPECTRUM 625 PLASMA CUTTER CUTS 1/2-IN. STEEL, WEIGHS JUST 57 LBS. FOR JOB SITE PORTABILITY

- Wind Tunnel Technology™, Fan-on-Demand™ increase reliability

- Power factor correction (PFC) circuitry improves performance off generator power

- Standard, extended and gouge consumables offer application versatility

APPLETON, Wis. (March 3, 2003) -
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has introduced the Spectrum 625, its first portable air plasma arc cutter with a rated cut of 1/2-in. on mild steel. This rugged 57-lb. unit produces outstanding cut quality when cutting at a rate of 16 inches per minute (IPM) on 1/2-in. steel using a hand-held torch.

With a rated output of 40 amps/140 VDC at 50 percent duty cycle, the Spectrum 625 can sever steel up to 7/8-in. thick and also cut 5/8-in. steel at a rate of up to 10 IPM. It increases productivity on thinner metals, slicing through 1/4-in. steel at a rate of more than 60 IPM and 1/8-in. steel at 200 IPM.

"The half-inch market is one of the biggest markets in plasma cutting because so many people routinely cut mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum in the 1/4- to 1/2-in. range," said Brian Schmidt, product manager, Miller Electric. "Because of its power, portability and cut quality, the Spectrum 625 provides great versatility for light construction, maintenance, fabrication and body shop applications."

Consumables Cost Savings/Versatility

The Spectrum 625 lowers consumable costs because its electronic pilot arc controller extends tip life by boosting pilot current only when needed for a strong arc transfer. The pilot arc controller—which ignites the arc without high frequency—automatically reignites the pilot arc while cutting grates, chain link fence and other expanded and perforated metals.

Increased voltage through extended consumables (longer tips, electrodes) improves cutting in hard to reach places. Gouge consumables give operators the ability to remove weld imperfections and gouge out welds when repairing damaged parts.

Job Site Tough

Designed and tested for reliability in rugged, dirty conditions, the Spectrum 625 features Wind Tunnel Technology™. This feature helps prevent abrasive dust and metal particles from damaging internal components. Miller’s Fan-On-Demand™ function reduces the amount of airborne material pulled through the unit by turning on the cooling fan only when needed (machines without this feature have a fan that runs continuously).

"For added protection during transportation, we located the air filter and regulator inside the unit’s steel casing," adds Schmidt.

Better Engine Drive Performance

When it comes to performance while operating off an engine-drive’s generator power, no plasma cutter in its class performs better than the Spectrum 625. When paired with an engine drive that has at least 8 kW of generator power, it can cut steel up to 5/8-in. thick. When paired with a 5 or 6 kW engine drive, it can cut steel up to 3/8-in thick.

"Contractors favor engine drives with 8 to 9.5 kW of generator power more than any other type of machine," notes Schmidt. "That’s why we designed the Spectrum 625 to produce an excellent quality cut when paired with an engine drive like our Bobcat™ 225 NT or Bobcat 250 NT."

The Spectrum 625 works well with engine drives because its power factor correction (PFC) circuitry uses incoming power with a higher efficiency compared to competitive units without PFC. As a result, the Spectrum 625 draws about 30 primary amps on a 230 VAC line, or about 30 percent less than the competition.

"The performance difference really comes to light in generator applications because, on some engine drives, the generator power is not voltage regulated and the voltage tends to droop. As a result, plasma cutters that demand more amperage are more likely to trip the circuit breaker," said Schmidt.

Even under variable voltage conditions, the Spectrum 625 can maintain a steady arc without losing cutting capacity. Its LVC™ line voltage compensation feature regulates the input power to a fixed value, even if primary power fluctuates by 10 percent.

"The Spectrum 625 also finishes cuts more cleanly," notes Schmidt. "Rather than being susceptible to the voltage drops that normally occur at the very end of the cut, it maintains power to cleanly sever the last piece of metal. This reduces or eliminates the need for grinding."

The Spectrum 625 power source is covered by Miller's True Blue 3-year factory warranty while the torch carries a 1-year factory warranty. To purchase the Spectrum 625 on-line or to download a product spec sheet, visit Miller’s website at MillerWelds.com. Only Miller combines the convenience of on-line shopping with the expertise of a local distributor for sales and service. For more information or the Miller distributor nearest you, call 1-800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), 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.