• Big Window Elite™ Helmet Makes Its Debut Next Year

APPLETON, Wis., November 16, 2003—Fans of auto-darkening welding helmets from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. now can look forward to the 2004 lineup that features Miller’s new replaceable battery/solar assist Performance Series™ lens technology.

“With the new Performance Series lenses, our 2004 lineup of auto-darkening helmets will measure up to our customers’ most demanding requirements,” said Tom Sommers, product manager, Miller Electric Service Parts. “The new lenses are just another reason why you can’t beat Miller’s auto-darkening helmets for great looks, performance and value.”

The new Performance Series lenses will be available on Miller’s full line of auto-darkening helmets, including the XLi Series, XLix Series and Big Window EliteTM Series, starting in early 2004, according to Sommers. The Big Window Elite helmet will be making its debut next year.

One of the major improvements is the replaceable battery/solar assist feature of the new lenses. Previously, Miller’s auto-darkening lenses were completely solar, with a self-recharging lithium battery. “The battery could be recharged over four to five years, but after that it couldn’t be recharged any longer and the operator had to replace the helmet,” Sommers said. “The new lens, with a replaceable battery, gives the helmet extended life.”

Low Amperage TIG Response

The lens for the XLi and XLix Series is powered for 2,000 hours and the lens for the Big Window Elite Series runs for 3,000 hours because it has two batteries.

“Another major enhancement is that the new lenses have excellent low amperage TIG response and excellent DC inverter arc response,” Sommers said. “These lenses have the ability to sense low light levels associated with low amperage TIG applications and remain dark. With DC inverter arcs, conventional lenses have had difficulty with sustained sensing of the clean, bright light, but this new lens responds very well.”

The XLi Series helmet is ideal for the hobbyist and all light-duty industrial welding applications, including MIG, Stick and DC inverter TIG arcs down to 10 amps. The Xlix Series is the mid-range helmet and is a perfect choice for hobbyists through professionals. It’s well suited for the operator who is welding eight hours a day at TIG, MIG, Stick and pulsed applications. The 1/20,000 sec. Performance Series lens provides excellent lens clarity for low amperage TIG and out-of-position welding. Both the XLi and XLix Series helmets are equipped with two independent sensors.

The Big Window Elite Series is the ultimate helmet for all welding applications and is specifically designed to satisfy the most demanding requirements. Big Window helmets exclusive features include four independent arc sensors and a 30 percent larger lens window than the standard helmets. The larger window provides maximum viewing capability while retaining a full four ounce weight edge over its major competitor.

“The Elite’s four independent arc sensors ensure the best possible lens performance on low amperage TIG applications and out-of-position welding,” Sommers said.

Comfort Cushion Included

All 2004 Performance Series helmets include a form-fitting, foam rubber comfort cushion in the head gear and come with a protective helmet bag. “The helmet cushion helps reduce fatigue and increases the comfort level when someone is welding for extended periods of time,” Sommers said.

“Our Performance Series helmets are very competitively priced,” Sommers said. “Prices range all the way from a black XLi for $189 up to a Big Window Elite with graphics for $299.”

Miller helmets have variable welding shade control (#9 - #13), lens sensitivity and delay control, and auto-on circuitry. They provide continuous eye protection against UV and IR radiation. Made of polyamide nylon materials, the helmets are durable and lightweight (16-18 oz.) for operator comfort.

The Miller helmets are covered by an 18-month warranty. For more information, visit Miller’s Web site at www.MillerWelds.com. Only Miller combines the convenience of online shopping with the expertise of a local distributor for sales and service. To find the Miller distributor nearest you, call 1-800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), fax 877-327- 8132, visit the Web site or write to Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Headquartered in Appleton, Wis., Miller is a leading worldwide manufacturer of arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller Electric Mfg. Co. 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.