Editorial Contact:

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

MILLER ELECTRIC OFFERS ERGONOMIC DIAMONDBACK TORCH SERIES

- Designed by TIG welders, for TIG welders

- Ergonomic shape falls naturally into the hand, reduces fatigue

- Thumb recess makes walking the cup easier for pipe welders

- Complete torch accessories package also available

APPLETON, Wis., Sept. 9, 2002 -
Designed in-house by its own TIG welding engineers and operators for optimum performance and hand comfort, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. offers its Diamondback TIG torch series. The head of the Diamondback torch features scalloped indentations on right, left and top sides for finger-grip placement. For precision operators who hold the torch like a pencil, this shape increases control over torch movements while reducing hand fatigue.

“The Diamondback torch falls into the hand much the same way an ergonomic pencil does,” says Mike Sammons, product manager, Miller Electric. “Its patent-pending Diamond Grip shape is much more comfortable than a plain grip. We hope it will encourage more bench-top operators to hold the torch by the head, as that often helps increase precision.” A more comfortable grip also makes it easier for operators to maintain weld consistency throughout the day.

For operators TIG welding pipe, many of whom hold the torch by the handle, the back of the handle features a recess where operators can rest their thumb. The torch naturally pivots around this recess, making it easier to walk the cup around the pipe’s circumference. The handle also features tighter knurling than other torches, so it’s less likely to slip out of the operator’s grip. “Because everyone holds a torch differently, we designed the Diamondback torch to accommodate a wide variety of personal styles,” says Sammons. “In fact, if an operator doesn’t use the Diamond Grip or cup walking features, he or she won’t even notice them.”

The Diamondback series includes air-cooled torches rated at 125, 150 and 200 amps and water-cooled torches rated at 250 and 350 amps, all at 100 percent duty cycle. The new torches can be ordered as part of the TIGRunner packages featuring Miller’s Maxstar, Dynasty and Syncrowave series of TIG welding machines. They are also compatible with older Miller machines and competitive units.

“The premier of the Diamondback means that the industry can now rely on Miller as a single-source solution for TIG torches, power sources, consumables and accessories,” notes Sammons. “It further builds on the concept we introduced with our TIGRunner Pak, which enables customers to specify an entire TIG system with a single part number.”

Built to Last

In side-by-side reliability tests, the Diamondback torch proved as durable, if not more durable, than several leading brands of TIG torches. The Diamondback also contains features not found on other brands, such as a keyed torch head and handle. After the head and handle slip together, the key slot ensures that the head and handle always turn as one unit. When other torches start to wear, the fit becomes sloppy and the head and handle may not turn as one, frustrating the operator.

“When we say that the Diamondback was designed by TIG welders, for TIG welders, you can see it in the attention to design details that make an operator’s life easier,” states Sammons.

Ready-to-Weld Package

To make outfitting a new TIG system easier, Miller also offers the Diamondback Torch Package. When paired with a power source, the Diamondback Torch Package contains every item (except gas and filler metal) an operator needs to begin welding. It includes: a Diamondback TIG torch, regulator/flow meter, consumable accessories for the torch, ground clamps and cable, brass TIG block, TIG book, and gas and water hoses.

To download a Diamondback torch 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 arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, equipment and systems.