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Tim Wirtz
Brady Marketing Group
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NEW SUITCASE 12VS™ PORTABLE WIRE FEEDER EASY TO USE,PROVIDES SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND DURABILTY

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

- Operator-friendly drive roll system

- Empty weight of just 28.5 lb. — 20 percent lighter than the competition

APPLETON, Wis., September 2002 -
Using technology from the famous Pelican Products hard-shell cases that meet military standards for protecting cameras and digital hardware, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has introduced the SuitCase 12VS™ voltage-sensing portable wire feeder for flux cored and MIG welding. The SuitCase 12VS features an injection molded, crush-proof, flame-retardant case with a tight seal that protects the internal components from dirt, moisture and contaminants. At 28.5 lb., the SuitCase 12VS is 6.5 lb. lighter than competitive feeders, yet it is more durable.

Designed to withstand the hard-use of construction, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing and rental applications, the SuitCase 12VS operates on open-circuit arc voltage. This eliminates the need for a power supply cord between the feeder and the welding machine (power supply cords can be damaged when run over), and it improves job site portability. The SuitCase 12VS permits flux cored welding with constant current power sources and MIG and flux cored welding with constant voltage power sources. It holds wire spools up to 12 in. (45 lb.) and runs .023- to 5/64-in. diameter wire at speeds of 50 to 700 inches per minute. A contactor/gas solenoid valve comes standard for those who want to weld with a shielding gas.

"The SuitCase 12VS is the most rugged, simple and user-friendly wire feeder in its class," said Don Keddell, product manager, Miller Electric. "Operators with larger hands will especially appreciate the wide, easily accessible drive roll area when installing a new spool of wire, adjusting tension or changing drive rolls."

To reduce fatigue when making the long welds common in the construction and shipbuilding industry, the SuitCase 12VS features an optional trigger hold function that allows operators to relax their index finger during the weld cycle. Optional digital meters are readable from father 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 changed to display amps or volts (one at a time).

"Because welding codes and procedures sometimes specify wire feed speed and other times specify amps, we provided the flexibility to accommodate both," said Keddell. To meet some structural codes, shipbuilding standards and for any critical work, Keddell notes that Miller recommends using a constant voltage welding machine and operating the SuitCase 12VS in the constant voltage mode. A switch inside the feeder’s case permits toggling between the constant voltage and constant current modes.

Other features include a quick connect work clamp that will disconnect if pulled excessively without damaging internal components. This solves a common maintenance issue observed on competitive units. To shield the wire speed control knob from impact damage, the SuitCase 12VS features a metal guard on its front panel. The carrying handle folds down, also to prevent damage, and it is large enough for a gloved hand to carry.

The SuitCase 12VS is covered by Miller’s True-Blue three-year factory warranty. To download a Suitcase 12VS 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.