allmetalworking > Featured Articles > Compact Wire-Feeder, for Jobsite Mobility
Compact Wire-Feeder, for Jobsite Mobility
Author: Robert Brooks
Source From: Welding Design & Fabrication
Posted Date: 2013-03-21
Fronius International is introducing a compact welding wire feeder that also is rugged enough for jobsite durability and effectiveness. The portable VR 5000 Case wire feeder was developed specifically for use in dusty, damp, and salty environments, … shipyards, for example, or offshore platforms, where welding is an essential but demanding task.
The tilt-down side covers on the VR 5000 Case feeder unit provide optimum access to the hose pack connectors, the motor plate and the wire spool.
Other likely applications include rail yard repairs and fabrication projects and construction site jobs. Used in combination with the MIG/MAG power sources from the Fronius TransSteel series designed for separate wire-feed units, VR 5000 gives welders a complete, and optimally co-coordinated system for use at jobsites that are require portability as well as effectiveness. Railway-vehicle manufacturing and building construction sites are two more examples that the developer cited for its briefcase-model wire-feeding unit.
Fronius International develops welding technology devices, battery charging systems, and solar electronics.
The VR 5000 Case wire-feeder is carefully designed for adverse working conditions: Its sturdy plastic housing, skid runners, and rugged strain-relieved connectors make it possible to drag the unit directly by the torch hose pack, and to lift it or let it down from great heights by the interconnecting hose pack.
Fronius noted that its novel connector concept ensures that the connections do not work loose on the job. The flame-resistant case is unaffected by dust, moisture, salty air, or splash water, and with its external dimensions of 507 x 200 x 320 mm, it fits comfortably through any manhole up to 350 mm in diameter.
The case is designed with minimized contours, guarding the unit against getting catching, sticking, or jamming during use. Also, the front control panel is recessed, “an inherently safe design feature” that protects the VR 5000 Case against damage.
The ergonomically shaped handle, and the unit's weight (less than 10 kg), make the VR 5000 easy to carry over longer distances. Interconnecting hose packs (up to 70 meters long, for gas-cooled welding systems) allow a very wide radius of action here. A bayonet latch with an inside locking mechanism lets the welder fix and detach the torch hose pack and interconnecting hose pack, quickly and securely.
Optimized access
Integral tilt-down side covers on each side of the unit have snap closures that simplify opening and closing, even for welders wearing gloves. The side-covers give optimal access to the inside connectors for the hose packs, as well as to the motor plate and wire spool.
The ergonomically shaped handle, and the unit's weight (under 10 kg), make the VR 5000 Case easier to carry over long distances.
The VR 5000 Case is designed to be used with a 5-kg wire spool of 200-mm diameter (D 200) materials. After the spool is changed, the ComfortWire function inches the wire forward, unaided, which helps to save production time. Then, a four-roller drive ensures constant wire travel during welding.
Fronius offers the feeder unit in water- or gas-cooled versions, or in a synergistic version that lets welders access integrated welding know-how (Steel Transfer Technology) in support of welding characteristics (Steel, Steel Root, Steel Dynamic, Steel Prime).
An optional gas-flow regulator allows users to set and control the flow of shielding-gas directly from the feeder unit, with great precision. The optional On/Off switch prevents unwanted contact ignition during transit.
According to the buyer’s preference, the VR 5000 Case can be ordered with an electrode socket at the rear of the unit, for rod-electrode welding.
