Editorial Contact:

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

SPECTRUM 375 PLASMA CUTTER OFFERS BEST PERFORMANCE FOR METAL FAB, REPAIR APPLICATIONS

- Power increased to 27 amps for cutting faster, cutting thicker materials

- Expanded work area with less susceptibility to nuisance trips

APPLETON, Wis., January. 14, 2003 -
Offering 60 percent faster cutting performance, the ability to cut metal 25 percent thicker and up to 400 percent longer tip life than the previous model, the new Spectrum 375 CutMate™ air plasma cutter from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. replaces the Spectrum 300 CutMate. The new machine minimizes nuisance trips, withstands a 15 percent voltage drop (a 50 percent improvement) and expands work area because it can use an extension cord up to 133 ft. long.

Miller designed this easy-to-use machine to improve efficiency in the HVAC, automotive, sign, maintenance, construction and light metal fabrication/repair industries.

The Spectrum 375 CutMate weighs 49-lb., operates on 115 or 230 V power and has a suggested list price of $1,475.

Its 27-amp output delivers a quality cut on 1/2-in. metal and will sever 5/8 in. metal while utilizing a manual 1/16 in. standoff. With a travel speed of 16 IPM on 3/8-in.steel, it cuts faster than shears, snips, saws, oxy-fuel rigs or most competitive units. Advanced diagnostic LEDs simplify troubleshooting because they now indicate temporary problems with air pressure, primary power and cup.

“Miller engineers developed and improved several technologies that enable the Spectrum 375 to provide superior performance," says Brian Schmidt, product manager, Miller Electric. “These include a pilot arc controller, power factor correction, line voltage compensation and diagnostic capabilities.”

Plasma Jet Performance

The Spectrum 375 CutMate’s pilot arc controller turns on for a few milliseconds to initiate or reignite the arc, then shuts off. This allows the machine to direct all its power to the cutting arc, increasing power from 25 to 27 amps. It also permits standoff cutting. With this technique, the operator manually holds or uses a device that keeps the torch tip 1/16 to 1/8 in. off the metal surface. Standoff cutting improves the flow dynamics of the plasma jet, where drag cutting tends to disrupt the flow.

“While the Spectrum 375’s performance when drag cutting is still outstanding, the 375’s increased capabilities result from the ability to shift to standoff cutting technique,” says Schmidt. “For example, this machine cuts 3/8-in. steel at 10 IPM when drag cutting and 16 IPM when standoff cutting. Using a standoff also increases maximum cutting capacity by 1/8 in.” Miller Electric offers roller guide accessories to aid in holding a consistent standoff to maximize cutting.

The pilot arc controller also extends consumable life by up to 400 percent through minimizing double arcing and keeping the plasma jet in a focused column. A continuous pilot arc, such as the one on the previous model, acted like a magnet that pulled the jet toward the tip and caused some wear. The pilot arc controller automatically restarts the pilot arc without retriggering the torch when cutting across air spaces. This feature makes the unit an excellent choice for those who need to cut grates, chain link fence and other expanded and perforated metals.

Minimized Nuisance

The Spectrum 375 expands an operator’s work area. On a 230V/10 amp breaker, it can be used with a 14 AWG extension cord up to 133 ft. long with fewer nuisance trips than the previous model (for 120V/20 volt service, maximum length is 53 ft. of 12 AWG extension cord).

The Spectrum 375 is less susceptible to nuisance trips because it incorporates power factor correction. This technology allows the unit to draw 20 percent less current than the previous model (28 vs. 34 amps). Nuisance trips occur when drops in voltage create an amperage spike. Long extension cords create voltage drops, as does starting a motor on the same line.

Even under variable voltage conditions, the Spectrum 375 maintains a steady arc with no, or very little, cutting capacity loss. Its line voltage compensation feature regulates the input power to a fixed value, even if primary power fluctuates by 15 percent. Most other units only operate within a 10 percent window. “The Spectrum 375 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, the Spectrum 375 provides a brief burst of Peak Performance Power to cleanly sever the last piece of metal. This reduces or eliminates grinding.”

Common Problems are Easily Detected

The Spectrum 375 features advanced onboard diagnostics. Its LED indicators turn on if gas pressure and power are lost, if the cup is removed and when excess consumable wear is detected. Unlike the LEDs on competitive units that only turn on during a permanent problem, the Spectrum 375’s LEDs will blink for 60 seconds following a momentary glitch in pressure, power or when excess consumable wear is detected. This can speed troubleshooting and eliminate unnecessary downtime.

“More often than not, simple problems related to the air line, primary power supply or worn consumables are not easily detected by the operator,” says Schmidt. “Because many of these problems are only momentary, such as air filter or hose congestion, machines of the past have been unable to capture them. Now, operators can quickly tell if the problem is temporary, as well as determine its source.” The Spectrum 375 features an ICE-27C torch with an ergonomic grip and safety trigger guard that prevents accidental misfire. All consumables (electrode, cup, swirl ring) are interchangeable with the previous ICE-25C torch.

The new swirl ring only fits into the torch one way, unlike the old ring that could be accidentally inserted upside down and cause inconsistent airflow and torch meltdown. The Spectrum 375 power source is covered by Miller's True Blue 3-year factory warranty while the torch carries a 1-year factory warranty.

The Spectrum 375 CutMate is covered by Miller's True Blue 3-year factory warranty while the torch carries a 1-year factory warranty. To download a Spectrum 375 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.