Choosing the Right Welding Equipment

MIG Welding Machines

Determining the right type of welding equipment can be a daunting task due to the wide range available welding equipment in the market. However, the first step is to consider the size of your project. This will allow you to narrow down on the type of equipment you need. For example, for light repair work on aluminum, steel, stainless steel and sheet metal up to 3/16 inch thick a 130-amp TIG or MIG unit may suit your needs best. For heavier repair work and fabrication jobs choose amperage of around 200 amps with a duty cycle of 40% or more. Duty cycle is one of the important factors, which is the number minutes a welder can operate out of a 10-minute cycle. For example, a machine with 200 amps AC and 40 percent duty cycle can weld 200 amps continuously for 4 minutes.

Duty cycle and amperage

Duty cycle and amperage are inversely proportional where the duty cycle increases when the amperage is reduced. Thick metals require more amperage than thin metals. Therefore, it is essential to consider both factors prior to choosing welding equipment. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider renting welding equipment. Red-D-Arc has an extensive selection of welding equipment ranging from gas, LPG and diesel engine welders to advanced process welders, and more. These machines are available at affordable prices. With decades of experience, Red-D-Arc has the potential to help contractors choose the right type of equipment and generate great savings.

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Welding Equipment – The Choice Between Owning And Renting

Welding is one of the most important processes in many industries. Man businesses face a dilemma when it comes to choosing between renting or buying. There are several factors that ought to be considered, which can also help you make the right choice. To begin with, there are benefits to both.

Factors to consider

LPG Engine-Driven Welders

One of the first things to consider is the rate of utilization. If your usage is below 60 percent then it would be worth considering hiring welding equipment. Another important fact is match technology with your usage so that you do not end up owning or renting equipment that is not capable of matching productivity. Apart from utilization, volume requirements can influence your purchase decision. For example, a sudden increase in demand for power could be met by renting rather than incurring capital expenses on a large equipment base.

Affordable welding equipment rentals from Red-D-Arc

EX350i Advanced Process

Technology can also influence your decision to rent or buy. If you regularly need equipment with premium multi-process arcs, it may make sense to buy equipment according to your needs. However, if you need a stick welder for smaller jobs you can always rent the right equipment. Fortunately, rental houses like Red-D-Arc offer the latest welding rental equipment ranging from stick welders to plasma cutters, multiple-arc racks, advanced process welders, MIG welders, wire feeders, and more. To determine the best welding equipment to suit your needs, all you need is to get in touch with Red-D-Arc. It is a great way to both money and storage space, which adds to the cost of building ownership.

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Types of Engine Driven Welders

Engine driven welders are used where there is a lack of electric power for arc welding, and are designed for outdoor applications. However, they can be used indoors to supply necessary power to electric arc welders. The nature of application, type of engine, portability and AC generator power are some of the factors to consider when choosing an engine-driven welder.

A choice of gas powered engines

There are different types of engine driven welders that include gasoline, diesel, and LPG or liquid propane gas. Gasoline engines are ideal in colder climates since they do start easily and do not need ether start kits or other starting aids. Diesel engine driven welders are most popular since they offer a better fuel economy when compared with gasoline engines. They are widely used in refineries since they do not ignite as easily as gasoline. LPG has become an alternative choice especially in indoor applications where exhaust emissions from diesel and gasoline are not permitted.

Choosing the right wattage

When selecting an engine driven welder, it is prudent to consider the need for portability. Smaller gasoline stick welders are easier to be carried or lifted to a work area.  Engine drives come with power generation capabilities from 5000 to 27000 W. Choosing one depends on the tools used and the need to simultaneously weld. Different tools require different wattage. Grinders require 1800 W, air compressors a minimum of 8200 W, plasma arc cutters up to 12000 W. Considering these factors will help choose the right unit.

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Safety Comes First For Welding Operators

There is no doubt that welding operators often work under stressful conditions where safety is paramount. While arc welding may be a safe occupation, it is essential to make sure that safety measures aren’t overlooked. From electric shock, to exposure to arc radiation, fumes and gases, there are several factors and mandatory practices that must be strictly adhered to by the book. Welding involves voltages from as low as 20 volts to as high as 100 volts while the voltage in welding equipment ranges from 120 to over 550 volts. Therefore, it is essential for welding operators never to touch electrodes and metal parts of the electrode holder with bare hands. Proper insulation includes the use of dry gloves, keeping dry insulation between their body and the metal being welded.

Fumes and gases can be hazardous in case of overexposure. Fumes from welding contain toxic metal oxide compounds, which is why welding operators must ensure that there is proper ventilation depending on the type of rod and base metal used. Ventilation systems such as exhaust fans and hoods are essential in the work area. Operators must wear approved respirators to limit the exposure to toxic fumes. Ventilation systems must be regularly checked to comply with specific standards set by OSHA or other relevant authorities.

Welding operators have a choice of personal equipment from fire resistant clothing, safety glasses, shoes, helmets and more. Wool and cotton clothing specially treated with fire retardation is recommended over synthetics. Paying attention to safety makes all the difference when it comes to welding, an industry where welders and their skills are in great demand.

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Pipe Welding and Filler Metal Considerations

The pipeline industry and pipe metallurgy has evolved over time, giving rise to a great demand for welding processes and products. For this purpose, many multipurpose welding machines with multi process capabilities have been developed with inverter based engine drives. One of the key factors that welders need to determine in welding process pipe is which wires provide the best results for every weld pass. They also need to select the highest quality filler metal. Process piping has its unique requirements and challenges where welders need to comply with strict codes and take precautions to eliminate the risk of defects that could compromise weld integrity. Some welders have moved from gas tungsten arc welding to wire processes. Technologies such as pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW-P) have the capacity to increase production and produce the highest quality welds in process pipe applications. One of the major tasks of the welder is to choose the right filler metal.

Types of filler metals

Carbon steel in diameters from 4 to 36 inches is widely used in process piping applications. For the semiautomatic process, the most common diameter is 18 inches or smaller. The filler metal wire options in such applications are solid wire; metal cored wire; and gas shielded flux cored wire. Each type of wire has its unique features and benefits, which must be considered prior to selecting a filler metal for the job. Solid wire is one of the most popular choices since a greater amount of filler metals goes into the weld joint when compared with SMAW electrodes. On the other hand, to speed productivity on process pipe welding applications that use SMAW or GTAW, tubular gas shielded flux cored wire is an ideal alternative. They meet industry mechanical properties such as high strength and side-wall fusion to help reduce weld defects. Metal cored wires, like solid wires can be used with a modified short circuit GMAW process, and allows welders to standardize one wire and gas for the entire application. 

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The Basics of MIG and TIG Welding

MIG is one of the easiest welding processes to learn. However, there is more to MIG welding than running beads. MIG or metal inert gas welding is one of the oldest techniques where a spool of steel wire is fed through a liner and then out of a contact tip on the MIG gun which is either heated or electrically charged when the trigger is pulled and melts the wire for the weld puddle. This is accomplished through short circuit welding. In this technique, droplets of molten wire which heats when short circuited, flows to make a puddle as it touches the base metal.

Benefits of MIG welding

An inert gas like argon or helium that flows from the gun keeps the weld puddle protected from the atmosphere. Later on it was discovered that carbon dioxide also works well although it is not an inert gas, which is why it is also known as GMAW or gas metal arc welding. For the most part, MIG welding is an indoor process and is used in shops and factories. One of the major benefits of MIG is the potential for high productivity since there is no need to change rods or chip and brush welds frequently. It is also easy to learn and can weld stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum.

TIG welding

TIG or tungsten inert gas welding is a process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to deliver current to the welding arc. The tungsten acts as a torch, generating heat, which melts the metal. A filler metal is usually used. A shielding gas such as argon protects the weld area from contamination. TIG welding is used to weld thin section of stainless steel and non-ferrous metals like magnesium and aluminum. TIG welding requires more skill and takes longer to master when compared with MIG welding.

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Hazards and Safety Precautions for Workers Working as Welders

Welders face a number of hazards that can be very dangerous. The exposure to welding fumes causes a number of health problems. The fumes can cause ill health when they enter the lungs, bloodstream and brain nerve cells.

Electric shock is another major hazard that a welder faces. The shock can lead to serious injury or even death. Due to the extreme temperature that welding creates, there is significant risk of fire and explosion in the workplace. The intense heat created near the arc and the heat, sparks and spatter created by the arc can result in fire. Not using personal protective equipment or insufficient personal protective equipment can result in injuries and burns. Burns are the most common type of welding injury.

Safety of the welders is the most important consideration of any project. Spreading awareness of the most common hazards in welding and educating and equipping the welders to avoid the hazards will help in creating a safe and productive work place. The most important aspects of safety is the right personal protective equipment and the right training. Wearing the right personal protective equipment not only protects the welder from injuries and burns, but also helps in freedom of movement. Accidents mostly occur due to carelessness and lack of knowledge of the products. The next important step is to read and understand the safe data sheets provided by the manufacturers and have a thorough knowledge of the products and the safety precautions related to them. Only approved welding equipment which are kept in good condition should be used. When not in use the equipment should be disconnected from the source of power to avoid electric shocks. If the equipments are portable, they should be placed in such a way that they do not hinder movement of the workers and thus avoid accidents. Following a few simple rules and tips will help in avoiding big hazards.

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Pros and Cons of Welding

Welding is used for joining two metal pieces. There are different types of welding and each of them has their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Welding when used in construction sites is responsible for the durability of the joints. It is a dependable, efficient and economic method of joining metals. The welded joints last for years and can withstand a lot of harsh conditions. They have great strength. The welded joints have low initial cost and can be repaired easily. Welding is a very versatile process and can be applied to many applications. There is wide range of electrodes to choose from. The equipment used are very simple and portable. Welding is a process which delivers high quality output with minimal operator skills. Some types of welding are suitable for welding thick sections also and the fumes released are minimal. The metal deposition rate is high. Welding is a very simple process and requires minimal training, supervision and logistics. Gas welding is used to weld thin sections and delicate work-spaces. This type of welding produces welds of exotic appearance and high quality.

While welding is a process with many advantages and uses, it has a few drawbacks as well. The welding process which uses electrodes is not as productive as the continuous wire process. The welder has to stop frequently to change the electrodes. There is a lot of metal wastage in the form of electrode stubs. The welder cannot see the welding process and hence cannot judge the process accurately. Gas welding becomes difficult in windy areas and shielding will be required in such circumstances. Arc welding is limited to areas where the atmosphere is stable. The arc welding requires high maintenance costs due to the electronic components involved in the process.

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Red-D-Arc: Largest Network of Rental Welding Equipment

Welding positioning equipment is crucial to any welding operations that are performed industrially and at workshops. They play an important role in maintaining the positioning of the weldment large or small, eases its mobility, simplifies maneuverability, decreases welder fatigue and improves welding output. In the case of automated fabrication, welding positioning equipment such as welding manipulators, positioners, turning rolls, plasma cutters, pipe bevellers, smoke extractors and others play a significant role in maintaining the efficiency of a line of production/fabrication and its output. A well-planned and processed line of automated welding system increases productivity and lowers costs relatively.

However, in a welding setup you may require equipment that is not part of your regular welding system. In such a case, investing money to purchase the welding equipment may not make economical sense. Instead, hiring the equipment for a certain period makes more sense and is affordable. It also allows the welder to decide whether adding the equipment to his welding system will increase productivity or efficiency. While hiring welding equipment it is important to decide from whom to hire. Hiring equipment from a renowned dealer or rental service provider will ensure you get quality products, on-time delivery of equipment and service support.

Red-D-Arc is the largest provider of welding positioning equipment on rent and for sale in North America. They have over 60,000 units available for rent and sale that can be delivered to you at short notice based on your need. Their rental welding-equipment is available through more than 70 service centers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East. This equipment is also available through Airgas Construction Stores, and a dealer network spread across the Caribbean, Trinidad, Kazakhstan, Australia and Puerto Rico.

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Red-D-Arc: Offers Welding Positioners on Rent

Welding positioners like other welding positioning equipment or system is the vertebrae welding automation. Regardless of the size of the weldment, a welding positioner is important for a successful welding operation. A positioner helps improve welding quality, increases welder safety and reduces fatigue. It also helps in easy maneuvering of the weldment regardless of its size using mechanical power, thus reducing human power and time of assembly. Safety of welding in an automated or manual welding environment increases when weldment is fixed to the proper type and design of welding positioning equipment. Therefore, it is important to buy the right positioning equipment. In case you are buying a used product or hiring one, it is important to check its working health conditions and maintenance history.

Red-D-Arc rents and sells a variety of welding positioners that are of high quality, good brand and well maintained. Their consultants offer practical and fact-based suggestions on the type of positioning equipment suitable for your purpose. The variety of welding positioners for rent includes products suitable for both manual and automated welding and cutting processes. The positioners are available in different load capacities.

Red-D-Arc has the largest network of providers of welding and welding related products, who offer this equipment for rent with the option to buy back. All Red-D-Arc equipment is well maintained and checked for any wear and tear. In the case that any equipment is not functioning due to faulty parts, they will replace them originals spare parts or equivalent. Their products come with a guarantee of service and also offer the widest network of after sales support.

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Red-D-Arc: Enabling Mobility

There is a growing demand for mobile, at-home or at-workplace services. Current lifestyle does not often allow people to move around in search for a vendor, who can do the job. The least they do is browse the internet or look into the yellow pages for vendors who can provide them with at-the-door service. Owning a portable welder can be advantageous under such circumstances as you can easily take your business around and earn more money. You are not restricted to your local area anymore. If you do not have the budget to purchase a new portable welding machine, you can always buy a used welder. They are readily available in the market for much less money. If you are worried about quality, go to reputed companies who sell used products.

Red-D-Arc offers a whole range of new and used welding equipment for rent, lease or sale, including portable welding machines and generators. They are renowned for their professionally maintained used welding equipment. They have over 70 service centers in the United States, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East. They also offer their rental welding equipment through Airgas Construction Stores, which is their parent company.

Red-D-Arc’s range of portable welding equipment includes 180SSV Super Silent Generator, 

220SSV Super Silent Generator, 300SSK Super Silent Generator, 400SSV Super Silent Generator, After Cooler 400P/E, Arcon Studhorse 1000DM, Blasting Accessories, DP75, GX200 2+4, LN25 Portable Wirefeeder, Power MIG 180C, and Power Wave 455M/STT. This equipment is known for its reliability and optimum power delivery.

For more details, visit: http://www.red-d-arc.com/ 

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Red-D-Arc: Supplying Energy for Uninterrupted Work

A welding power generator or a power generator is a device that burns a fuel to supply power. Industries cannot be completely depended on grid-power. Their operations are always backed by an alternative source of power, such as diesel generators. Construction sites may often be located in places where the grid supply is not readily available. In such cases, power generators should back up the entire construction operations. 

Welding operations are performed in varied environments that may not have a direct source of electric power. In such cases, they require welder generators to power such high voltage jobs. These generators may be required to operate under harsh climatic conditions and rough terrains, which demand that they are robust and the fuel is suitable for combustion even at low temperatures. DC powers most industrial welding machines.       

Red-D-Arc provides a range of generators to power your welding machines, meet back-up power requirements and power supply at remote construction sites. The company leases or rents out this equipment for use on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as per your requirement. They also provide clients with the option of purchasing them if they so wish later. A number of convenient and easy to buy, lease and rent-to-purchase options are available. 

Red-D-Arc offers a varied range of diesel, gas and propane powered generators for running welding machines or as power sources for industrial uses. Their product options include: Generators – MMD Equipment PowerPro 150, Generators - MQ Power 400 SSV, Bobcat 250 LPG, D302K 3+12 Welder, GX300 Multiprocess Welder, and more. The company also offers a full line of generator accessories, including spill berms, distribution panels, cable management, connectors, cables and spider boxes.

For more details, visit: http://www.red-d-arc.com

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Red-D-Arc: Providing Professionally Maintained Welding Equipment

Welding is a universally accepted method of joining two pieces of metals permanently. The true beauty of welding is that it joins the metal pieces such that they are one, thus maintaining its structural strength and longevity. In the days of blacksmith, the traditional method of welding, called the forge welding, was used to join iron and steel by a repeated process of heating and hammering. It was a time-consuming process. Today, there are many advanced welding methods that are faster, more effective, requires less manpower, can be performed in different environments, and can be applied to more variety of metals such as copper, brass and aluminum. Unlike in the olden days, these welders are powered by different energy sources such as gas, diesel and electricity, making them portable.  

Red-D-Arc offers a wide range of diesel welders and gas welders for industrial use. They rent out or lease this equipment on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, along with retailing and wholesaling them. They professionally maintain all their used equipment, and check the new ones for quality control before selling. 

Red-D-Arc offers an entire range of welding machines powered by gas and diesel. The gas welders are fuel efficient, produce low-noise levels, and create excellent welding arc characteristics and arc striking voltage. The diesel welders are robust and hardy, can operate in severe weather conditions, are reliable, and are suitable for welding at heavy construction sites. Their product range includes GX200 2+4 welder generators, Ranger 225, D550K HO welder, D300K 3+3 welder with CV wirefeed module, D503K 5+3HO Welder, and more. 

For more details, download their product catalogue at http://www.red-d-arc.com/pdf/catalog.pdf

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Dry Ice Blasting – A Multipurpose Industrial Cleaning Solution

Industries such as food processing and packaging, power generation, facility maintenance, historical restoration and disaster remediation require efficient, faster, effective and safe cleaning methods. Dry ice blasting is a non-polluting, non-hazardous and non-toxic cleaning tool suitable for industrial cleanings. It uses a unique combination of forces to lift the dirt off the surface without really damaging or creating harmful secondary wastes. This method of industrial cleaning uses carbon dioxide, which is an inert gas and is safe. Due to its non-conductive and environment-friendly cleaning procedure, it can be applied without dis assembly or cool-down. This diminishes downtime of machinery or the facility. The solid CO2 pellets on impact sublimate, thus reducing employees’ exposure to harmful chemical cleaning agents.

This blasting equipment comes in different powers and capacities to suit the differing needs of industries and facilities, and scope of blasting projects. Red-D-Arc offers equipment on rent or lease on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This allows companies to rent quality products for a short period, based on their requirement. During this period, if they realize the importance and utility of the product for their business and intend to purchase, Red-D-Arc has the provisions to arrange for the same. They offer both new and used products on sale that are priced competitively.

Red-D-Arc offers a range of dry ice blasting equipment such as Aero 40/Aero 40 HP, Aero 80 HP, Aero C100 and i³ MicroClean. Their i³ MicroClean is a compact, lightweight, electric and a low-pressure appliance that can safely clean delicate surfaces and complex cavities and crevices that are difficult for other machines to reach without causing any damage. The company also provides all associated components and accessories that make them a one-stop solution provider.

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The Versatility of Induction Heating Machines in the Welding Industry

Induction heating can be best defined as a way of electrically heating conductive material like metals or thermoplastics through the process of electromagnetic induction. Electric currents are induced into the metal which causes increased resistance, leading to the metal becoming hot.

Industrial Functions

This principle has found numerous applications in the home and industry, especially in industrial processes like welding. It is in these industrial processes that the induction heating machine offers manufacturers a better alternative to using a lot of energy to heat or melt metallic objects. Besides melting, induction heating is also used in other industrial applications i.e. soldering, surface hardening, brazing, etc., and is most efficient when used with metals like iron or its alloys.

Precision Heating

The advantage of using an induction heating machine in industry is to produce intense and direct heat through inducing a high-frequency magnetic field. The magnetic field creates currents at the precise point by exciting the molecules and generating intense heat at the exact point. This allows the operator to weld two pieces of metal at a precise point without wasting energy heating up the whole part; this type of weld is extremely strong and long lasting. This type of technology has found favor with oil companies, where a lot of welding has to be done inside long pipes.

Long-Lasting

When compared to ordinary welding, using an induction heating machine offers a lot of advantages, especially when it comes to preheating, uniform heat distribution, faster time frame, reliability, and safety for the operator. It has also been shown to use less power and needs less consumables like welding rods, flux, and other materials typically used when doing welding. Since the induction coil does not become hot during the process, the life of these machines is much longer than typical welding equipment.

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Modern Welding Automation Methods Improve Industrial Production

Automation is defined as using technology in the form of gadgets or instruments to increase production, efficiency, and performance. This is especially true in the manufacturing industry, where automation has brought about huge advances in precision quality in the welding field.

High Technology

In an effort to be profitable in an increasingly competitive world, manufacturers have found that welding automation through the use of robots has become a very viable option. In the welding field there has been a distinct shortage of experienced welders, which has led to existing welders asking for exorbitant rates for any sort of work. It is into this type of world that technology played a part through the use of automation in the welding industry. However, this increased production was achieved not just by the robots, but also by implementing improved technology and software programming as well as training.

Improved Performance

In repetitive but precision world of automobile manufacturing, there are thousands of crucial welds that are needed to ensure the body of the vehicle is able to withstand the pressures it has to endure during its life. Through welding automation, this type of work is done without any complaints by robots in a very professional manner; however, the robot has to be programmed appropriately by human minds to be able to perform the function.

Maximize Profits

What is true about the automobile industry is also true in other manufacturing fields where welding automation systems have brought in unbelievable accuracy, precision, and reliability. This type of automation was unheard of in the industrial world when it was first introduced, but today they constitute a very large percentage of the industrial world. This has allowed manufacturers worldwide to increase their production, while reducing the costs of the finished products, allowing them to increase their profit margins.

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Reasons to Opt For Welding Automation

An increasing number of companies are automating their welding operations. There are several reasons why companies now look at welding tools and equipment from a new perspective. Among the major factors to influence automation is the desire to improve quality, eliminate waste and the need for rework, and to increase productivity. It is important to begin with a carefully planned road-map so that you don’t waste valuable time and money, and derive the full benefits of implementing a weld automation system by choosing the right welding tools and equipment.

Reduce Labor Costs

The first step is to carefully evaluate your welding needs and current processes. This includes an accurate workflow assessment and the potential return on investment. Most importantly, create a detailed plan with clearly defined goals. In addition, it is essential to understand the benefits of an automated system, which will also help determine the right welding tools and equipment suited to your business. The biggest benefit is the potential to reduce labor costs since a machine can typically do the work or two or more people and virtually eliminate welding mistakes due to human error.

Improve Weld Quality and Productivity

With the right type of automated welding tools and equipment, a company can significantly improve weld quality in the first pass and reduce the need to rework parts. It also eliminates the labor intensive process of cleaning since there is no wastage and spatter produced during many of the automated welding processes. Welding Automation also reduces the risk of over-welding that can affect the integrity of the part. Speed is one of the obvious benefits of welding automation which in turn leads to better productivity, a reduction in labor costs and increased profitability. When it comes to automation, there is always the choice between robotics or fixed automation in addition to the option to rent or lease welding tools and equipment to make the entire process more affordable.

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The Multiple Benefits of Renting Welding Equipment

For contractors and engineering firms it is essential to evaluate the best use of capital on a regular basis and compare this with their welding equipment needs. One of the ideal low cost alternatives to welding equipment ownership is renting. This can save your company both time and money. When you rent welding equipment it is easy to determine whether your business can benefit from this type of equipment prior to purchasing any machines. When equipment management is not a core competency, renting equipment can free up capital that can be utilized for other urgent needs.

Factors to Consider

The three major factors that determine equipment needs are the utilization rate or how often you need to use the equipment; the volume of work/number of welders needed; and the type of welding technology required to achieve maximum productivity. If your utilization is around 40 percent, you should rent welding equipment. If you need to operate machines more frequently you may want to consider leasing. You can always supplement existing equipment by renting additional welding machines when the volume of work increases rather than incur capital expenses. Technology can also influence your decision to buy or rent welding equipment.

Affordable Rental Options

For contractors and business owners, there are many suppliers from where they can rent welding equipment. This includes a wide range of electric and engine-driven welders, induction heating systems, diesel generators and power distribution panels, MIG welders, automatic wire feeders, TIG welders, stud welders, advanced process welders, spool guns, welding accessories and more. It is important to work with rental houses that offer the latest equipment. This will allow you to try out the equipment before making the decision to purchase or not.

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