Editorial Contact:

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

Multi-Arc Welding Units Make Job Site Sense

APPLETON, Wis., August, 2002 -

Q: What is a “Multi-Arc” welding unit?
A: Any machine or system that uses a single source of primary power to run two or more arcs. People usually think of Miller's Mark VIII when they think about this category. It uses a single, main transformer to power eight CC arcs. The Mark VI™ features four or six CC or CC/CV modules in one enclosure. A newer Multi-Arc configuration involves “racking” lightweight inverters like the XMT Series, CST™ Series and Maxstar 200 Series. Like the Mark Series, a rack allows you to connect multiple power sources with one primary power drop and features a steel rack to protect the units and move them as a whole. A rack provides additional flexibility by allowing you to remove individual power sources and use them separately.

Q: What are the advantages of a Multi-Arc system?
A: They improve productivity and profitability in construction, power plant, process piping, petrochemical, shipbuilding and maintenance/repair applications that require a large number of arcs in one area. Compared to single power sources, they can:

- Help meet deadlines more easily and at lower cost by quickly concentrating arcs; inverter racks can be moved especially quickly
- Reduce an electrician's time and save on cabling costs because of the single primary cable
- Occupy less space; inverter racks are especially compact and well-suited to work inside a plant
- Provide protection in hostile environments

Q: Exactly how small and portable are inverter racks?
A: The CST Rack measures 50.75 in. high x 25.5 in. wide x 26.5 in. deep and easily fits in a passenger elevator or truck bed. It weighs 328 lb. with four CST 250s and 298 lb. with four Maxstar 200s — it even comes with an optional wheel kit. The slightly larger XMT Rack still fits through a 36-in. door; it weighs 560 lb. with four XMT 304s and about 728 lb. with four XMT 456s.

Q: Can Multi-Arc units withstand tough job site conditions?
A: If it's a Miller unit, absolutely. The Mark VIII is almost indestructible, and the XMT has set the standard for inverter durability and reliability since its 1996 introduction. The Maxstar 200 and CST Series feature similarly rugged designs and go through Miller's torturous reliability testing lab. Introduced two years ago, the Maxstar 200 is fast becoming the industry standard for welding process piping.

Q: Aren't Multi-Arc units mostly for Stick and scratch-start, DC TIG welding?
A: Traditionally, yes, but not any more. Today Miller offers a complete line of Multi-Arc products that meet your every welding need. No matter what Multi-Arc system you choose, you'll get best-of-class arc performance every time. This includes: CC units for precision TIG/Stick (Maxstar 200 Series), CC units for outstanding Stick/TIG (CSTs, Marks), CC/CV units with traditional technology (Mark VI) and CC/CV inverters for unsurpassed multiprocess welding including MIG and flux cored (XMTs).

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.