Consider Renting Your Welding Equipment to Increase Productivity

The popularity of automation is increasing in every sector; this is also true for welding. It’s important to stay up to date with various advances in welding equipment technology which can contribute help you work more efficiently without sacrificing safety or quality. No matter what your specific welding needs are, you can easily find the right type of welding equipment available for rent to ensure maximum savings and enhanced productivity.

Why rent?

There are a number of good reasons should consider renting of your welding equipment.  Many small industries or startups, have used rented welding equipment to ensure increased productivity and growth. Some of the major reasons are as follows:

• Cost reduction – no large up front investment needed
• Speed and Accuracy Benefits - Increased automation capabilities save human effort and increase accuracy of your welds
• Opens the avenues for business growth
• Reduced maintenance and repair charges
• Eliminates taxes and maintenance fees
• Ensures you have the right tools for the job
• Portability of equipment with engine driven welders or smaller mobile units

With a wide range of solutions, you can get exactly what you need for your application

There have been great advances in welding technology, leading equipment suppliers offer solutions for any type of job including: 

• Gas Equipment – good for jobs requiring portability like roofing and construction
• Electric Welders – for fabrication and building and repairs
• Wire Feeders – useful for many applications including structural fabrication, fieldwork and shipbuilding
• Welders driven by Engine – contain their own power source, good for job-site work, remote work
• Multi-process welders – that can do more than one type of welding as well as plasma cutting
• Welders for advanced process – for automated and robotic applications

Process of Rental

The entire process of welding equipment rent requires a methodical approach. Here are some of the basic steps used by contractors, repair or maintenance companies, and others to assess their welding rental requirements:

• Find a reputable and recognized welder rental company in your area
• Ask for a suitable expert advice from the professionals of that company
• Pick the most suitable welding equipment matching with your specified requirements
• Ensure the reliability, maintenance schedule and performance of the equipment you want
• Make sure your staff are familiar with the type of equipment you’ll be renting (and figure out how to get them trained if necessary)
• Ask what kind of materials and safety equipment you’ll need.
• Find suitable financing options as required
• Make payment for the rental after ensuring complete information about their terms of rent.
• What options are available for damage insurance or replacement of equipment
• How many units will you need and for what duration

With the availability of all types of welding equipment for rent, companies with an eye on containing costs have more options than ever. Instead of buying, they can now rent the equipment they need and keep their business on the cutting edge without huge investments. Not surprisingly, the savings can really add up. 

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How Rental Welding Tools and Equipment Simplify Welding Tasks

Welding plays an important role in every manufacturing industry due to the endless advantages it provides. It acts as the backbone in the process of developing superior quality of goods and products. Being an efficient fabrication process to join different materials, it usually finds extensive usage in joining thermoplastics and metals. The kind of welding equipment differs with the varying material types. Thus, buying the most appropriate equipment matching perfectly with your specific industry requirement becomes an essential part of effective production.

Why Rental Welding Equipment

Preferring welding equipment on rent rather than buying new offers in numerous advantages for the industries to grow with complete efficiency:

• Enhances productivity
• Increases profits
• Reduces downtime
• Acquire highly advanced welding equipment at minimal costs
• Effectively cut production costs without compromising the quality of products

Diversity of Welding Tools Available for Rent

The industry of welding tools and equipment acquires top-notch tools created with latest technology. Looking at the huge dependency of various industries on welding processes, a plethora of welding equipment is available for rent including:

• Welders for LPG Engine, Diesel Engine and Gas Engine
• Multiprocess Welders
• Paks and Stick Welders
• Spoolguns
• Welders for Advanced Processes
• Automatic Wirefeeders
• Stud Welders
• TIG, MIG and LPG Welders
• Multiprocess and Advanced Process Welders

XR-Control, XR-Edge Gun

GX200 2+4

LF72 with DC400

GX271 LPG

Choosing the Best Welding Tools

Depending on the requirements of manufacturing industries, the variety of welding tools also varies accordingly. In order to choose the most appropriate welding tools for rent, consider the following factors:

• Fleet size: determine whether you require limited tools or a fleet of tools and look for a suitable vendor accordingly.
• Tool capacity: identify the working capacity of a welding tool. If a single equipment can work as per the capacity you need, it saves you from buying or renting additional tools.
• Resourceful vendor: if your vendor suggests you wisely on which welding tool and equipment to buy for your task, in terms of requirement and budget constraints, it is a further plus.

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Advanced Xiris Weld Monitoring Tools: For Enhanced & Remote View of Welding Processes

Welding processes form an inevitable part of industries relying on heavy machines to execute their work. With such a widespread dependence on these methods, the need to monitor them adequately and improve the process control has also become evident. Xiris weld monitoring systems serve exactly the same purpose. From process development to data collection to production monitoring, these systems provide tools for all the related processes.

Xiris holds high credibility in the welding industry and has available an assorted range of weld monitoring systems for several welding processes. The most popular of its advanced tools are the weld cameras that allow the operator to monitor the entire welding process remotely. Here are some of their popular weld monitoring tools:

XVC-O

XVC-O: This tool is best for use during the weld automation of arc welding processes. It helps the fabricators to improve and reduce the defects occurring during the welding, improve quality and boost productivity. It makes up for a safer and healthier work environment for welding operators. Among its exclusive features, include image recording and playback, 15" LCD 1024 X 768 Display and cross hair overlay.

XVC-S

XVC-S: It comprises an effectual part during the automation of submerged arc welding. It allows the operator to view the process from a remote location. The tool uses real time pictorial details of the weld area, torch, and material under high-power and standard welding conditions. It removes the welder from the direct weld location which maintains the safety and health standards. It also accelerates productivity by increasing “arc on time”. This Xiris weld monitoring tool ensures reduced set-up time, operational and run-time productivity, real-time verification, video recording, cross hair overlay, and clear weld tip view.

XVC-S+

XVC-S+: This Xiris weld monitoring tool is ideal for sub-arc welding applications just like XVC-S. It includes a viewing camera to view the process away from the weld area. Therefore, this ensures safe, noise-free and real time images of the welding process. It features image recording and a playback system, and single or dual crosshairs, and 15" LCD 1024 X 768 display.

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Multifarious Features of Electrode and Flux Holding Ovens

Equipment like electrodes and flux holding ovens are an essential part in welding processes. While electrodes are useful in shielding of the metal, arc stabilization, etc., flux produces a gas shield over the weld to protect it from the atmosphere. It is therefore important to store these essential elements in a safe place to ensure adequate performance during welding process.

Model 10B Electrode Oven

Electrode holding ovens

Manufacturers introduce their own versions of electrode ovens all including a range of features. These ovens are useful in storing welding electrodes during their transfer to the job area from large shop ovens. Some common features that these tools include are:

• Portable, easy to load and carry

• Lightweight and rugged

• Quick access to electrodes

• Cost effective
  
  
  Available in multiple configurations to suit different welding requirements, for example:

• 125-175 Pound Capacity with 115 VAC Input Power and 100 - 550 Degree F Range

• 350 to 450 Pound Capacity with 115 VAC Input Power & 100 - 550 Degree F Range

GOV-200-FD Flux Holding Oven

Flux holding ovens

The flux holding ovens find their most use in the welding industry. They are capable of keeping the flux in a dry state and can dry out moisture affected flux at a temperature of around 550 ^oF. These ovens are fully-insulated and keep the temperature controlled with the help of thermostats. Different models of flux holding ovens from different manufacturers include many different features such as:

• Keeping the flux dry

• Multiple Pound capacities - 200 lb and 600 lb

• Temperature range of 100-550 ^oF

• 115 or 230 VAC power for operation

• Primary Power Input of 220, 460, and 575 volt

A fully insulated flux oven with 600lb capacity can store and dry in the most three common types of flux hoppers of 200lb each. The equipment includes lifting lug, hinged loading lid, thermometer, and a flux heating system, for each of the three flux hoppers. This is a better choice than an insulated 200 lb capacity flux holding oven if the budget allows.

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How Flux Recovery Systems

Flux is an important part of welding. It protects the weld from the atmosphere by forming a protective layer called slag over the weld. In order to save slag-free flux, companies use advanced equipment, which makes way for improved welds and saves considerable time. This sophisticated equipment is called a flux recovery system and is an essential accessory to sub-arc process.

Advantages of Flux Recovery Systems

Using these advanced machines ensures a host of benefits in the welding process, including: 

• It helps welding business save valuable flux
• Felicitates improved welds
• Saves on over-all man hours 
• Better working conditions 
• Protects moving parts on the welding rig from abrasive flux
• Can separate fused flux (or slag), and flux flower (fines) to return only reusable flux into the hopper for future use 
• Economic efficiency

Some Common and Useful Features of Flux Recovery Systems

These systems are helpful in the overall welding process due to a wide range of features. Companies manufacturing flux recover systems offer numerous features, the most common of which are:

• Dependable and efficient recovery of flux
• Capable of recovering large quantities of flux (around 10 pounds per minute)
• Robust and easy operation
• Compact design
• Easy to maintain
• Specific designs are suitable for light applications
• Slow speed ball bearing motor for longevity

Buying Flux Recovery Systems 

To help customers use these important machines, some companies provide the option to lease or rent. When purchasing new recovery systems are cost prohibitive used machines are another option. Second hand equipment can provide the same features at much less cost. However, customers need to ensure that the used machines are in full working condition, built with contemporary technology. 

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Features of Gas, LPG, and Diesel Engine Driver Welders

Among the different types to weld machine parts, arc welding is an important practice that leverages electric power. However, in the absence of electricity, the use of engine driver welders is widespread for various outdoor as well as indoor applications. Multiple factors contribute to the decision regarding the selection of the right engine driver welder, which include application, portability, and AC generator power. Besides the type of engine (gas, LPG or diesel driven), production efficiency also plays an important role. Here is a brief description of the features of these three engine driven welders.

Gas

These engines enable users to combine DC or AC welding with AC power for grinders, lights and several other tools. Manufacturers provide their own versions of gas engine driven welders. However, they contain a bulk of features in common, such as fuel efficiency, low noise level, electric start, availability for processes like Air Carbon Arc Cutting, TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), Stick (SMAW), Flux-Cored (FCAW), and more. Companies offer these welders in assorted wattage and amperages.

LPG

Businesses looking for high quality multi-process welding confide in LPG engine driver welders. These portable DC/AC machines also offer auxiliary power and are fuel efficient. They are often used for indoor applications, where diesel or gas exhaust emissions are not an option. Features of LPG driven engine welders include CC/Pipe/CV Modes, 9,000 Watt AC Generator, Tri-Cor Technology, and AC DC Welding Processes among others.

Diesel

These engine welders and generators offer multi-process welding capabilities and with better fuel economy. Available as portable machines with auxiliary output, they are capable of delivering high performance in adverse of welding situations. Some common features they possess include multiple out taps, fine current control, availability for multiple processes, copper winding, full range amperage control, job selector control, extreme duty specifications, and so on. These features are often present in different models of diesel engine driver welders from various manufacturers.

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Multiprocess Welders and Types of Welding They Perform

Welding is a method to join two or more thermoplastic or metal pieces with the application of heat and pressure in adequate amount. It softens the materials and fixes them together as a unit. Different welding machines or welders help users to weld different machine parts, iron fittings, automobile equipment, etc. The functioning of most of these welders is limited, as they can perform only a specific process. However, some welders can perform multiple processes. These sophisticated machines can handle all sorts of processes like Stick, TIG, MIG, Air Carbon and Flux-Cored Arc Gouging and more. Let’s get to know a little bit more about them.

Capabilities of multiprocess welders

Different service providers offer their own version of these welding machines with functionalities that separate them from the rest. Some common capabilities to look for in these machines include appropriate AC auxiliary power, usually 2000 watts, remote control facility, availability in multiple configurations, such as 4Pak and 6Pak, and so on.

Additionally, some essential features to consider while purchasing or renting any of these welders include arc force, hot start, continuous output control, lightweight, compact & portable, availability of digital meters for preset welding output and adjustable arc control.

Multiple processes

Processes that these welders perform can include:

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Also known as Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, this method is most appropriate for fusing aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and similar materials. It is a regular welding method in fabrication shops.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Also known as Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, it requires the operator to perform the welding task manually. It is useful in ensuring superior standard of finish, without perform the grinding or sanding work for cleaning.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Also known as stick or arc welding, this method is suitable for welding heavy metals with size 4mm and more. It is one of the most basic of all the welding modes, and is apt for construction, repair, and manufacturing processes.

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What’s a Good Choice-- Plasma Cutting or Oxy-fuel?

Steel service centers and fabricators looking towards purchasing a new machine often ask this question-- Plasma Cutting or Oxy-fuel? The other frequently posed question is: should a particular part be cut with plasma or oxy-fuel? The confusion is limited to those working with mild steel as oxy-fuel fails to cut an aluminum or stainless plate; and the answer to the debate depends on various factors-- thickness, location, alloy, variety of work, cost, power resources, etc.

Comparing Plasma vs. Oxy-fuel -- Cutting Speed

Based singularly on cutting speed, plasma serves to be faster than an oxy-fuel torch, to an extent of 2.75 inches. The act of using two oxy-fuel torches makes the speed drop back to a thickness of 2 inches. In the comparison of a single plasma torch versus 4 oxy-fuel torches, oxy-fuel wins when it is at 1-1/8 inch and thicker. This shows that:

• A one inch cut-off with respect to plasma holds true if the parts are being cut with at least 4 different oxy-fuel torches at the same time;
• Plasma ranks higher on speed on anything that’s less than 3/4 inch thick, also with 4 oxy-fuel torches versus 260 Amps.

Comparison of Oxy-Fuel and Plasma-- Cost-Per-Inch

After taking all the costs associated with the two processes:

• Plasma: nozzles, shields, retainers, electrodes, baffles, oxygen, electricity, compressed air and torch coolant;
• Oxy-fuel: fuel gas, internal/external nozzles, and oxygen;

studies have shown that an oxy-fuel torch proves less expensive (per inch) than 450 Amp plasma; this is true for anything that’s above 2-5/8 inch of thickness. Cutting with 4 oxy-fuel torches is far less expensive (per inch) until a thickness of 3/4 inch.

Comparing Oxy-Fuel vs. Plasma--Cost-per-Part

When different part-sizes (with varying numbers of pierces) were considered for cost-per-hour of overhead and labor, the cross-over point of a 450Amp plasma vs. an oxy-fuel torch was found to be just a little less than 3” thick. However, if the plasma speed was doubled, the results were different. 

Conclusion

For deciding whether a part should use a burning machine or a plasma cutter:

• Use plasma for all instances that have a production piercing capacity of 2 inches thickness.
• Use oxy-fuel for  those materials that can be chain cut or are more than 1 inch thick (with 1 or 2 pierces), and are capable of being cut with a minimum of 4 oxy-fuel torches. Else, use plasma.

Hope this helps you find answers to the age old question. Do post your logic or comments speaking of your own experiences.

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Welding Efficiency Analysis Program from Red-d-Arc

Are you worried about hidden costs eating into your bottom line figures? The smartly conceived Welding Efficiency Analysis program by Red-d-Arc provides a comprehensive analysis of your welding operations along with insightful comparisons with your peers. Get an estimate of your position in the industry with their free Welding Efficiency Analysis services and reach higher levels of efficiency—the right way.

Metal Fabrication

With years of experience in handling the most formidable problems addressing the welding industry, Red-d-Arc goes a long way in helping customers figure out and reign in the various costs that negatively impact the returns on their welding operations. This program helps in:

• A thorough analysis of welding processes including the comparative usage of various consumables.
• Offering a comparison of how your operations compare with that of peers and other bench marked operations of the industry.
• Prioritizing and quantifying improvement opportunities and so forth.

Unleash and Eliminate the Hidden Costs of Welding Class

Welding Efficiency Analysis services show that most welding operations end up striking an arc (actually welding) merely 9 minutes in each hour. This results in most operations wasting a large quantity of the MIG consumables and shielding gas purchased by them. Red-d-Arc unleashes these hidden costs and helps fabricators and manufacturers gain awareness about their operational problems and key welding metrics.

Way Forward

So, what are you waiting for? Just invest three-and-a-half days of your time in the Welding Efficiency Analysis program and Red-d-Arc pays you back many times over. Specifically conceptualized and programmed for department heads, business owners, shop foremen, as well as those presiding as decision makers, the modules of this program succeed in getting at least 20 percent more from your operating costs, along with bringing about much required improvements in your overall performance and quality of operations.

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Red-D-Arc’s National Rental Equipment & Assets Management Services

With Red-D-Arc’s National Accounts program, business organizations spanning across the US can address the many challenges put forth by their rental equipment requirements. Whether it is about leveraging the advantages of special pricing or getting immediate access to the specialized equipment or services of national account specialists, Red-D-Arc is a partner that can be trusted to deliver the best possible results for your needs.

National Accounts Program—its Many Advantages

Red-D-Arc takes pride in offering weld automation, rental welders, and specialty products through over 70 authorized service centers located all across the world. With over 3,700 weld positioning/ automation products, 60,000 welders, and 1,600 natural gas, diesel, and bi-fuel-powered generators to their credit, the company is geared to cater to your service and rental requirements.

National Account Specialists

All national account customers of the company are under the custody, control and care of a dedicated team of professionally trained National Account specialists.

Special Pricing

Their standardized pricing or special price-percentage discounts which are applicable to customers across diverse operating geographies help to put this program ahead of their competition.

National Accounts Hotline

The National Accounts Hotline offers a single-point-of-contact for all national account customers and helps them manage their service and equipment procurement needs.

Get in touch with Red-D-Arc to learn more about their National Rental Equipment & Asset Management Services today!

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Products & Services Offered By Red-D-Arc

Red-D-Arc is the largest provider of welding and welding-related rental products and services in North America with over 60,000 units in their fleet. Started in 1955, Red-D-Arc became an Airgas company in 1995 and currently offers rental welding-equipment through over 70 service centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as through Airgas Construction Stores, and a dealer network that includes the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Kazakhstan, and Australia.

Tools Available On Rent/Sale

Welders – Red-D-Arc offers an assortment of welding equipment for different purposes and requirements. Their range of rental welding machines includes Gas, Diesel, LPG, Automatic and Multi Operator welders.

Welding Automation – Red-D-Arc offers a full line of welding positioners, manipulators, turning rolls, fit up bed rollers, weld monitors, sub arc welders and automatic wire feeders.

Generators & Specialty Equipment – They also supply engine driven generators, power distribution panels, light towers, compressors, electrode ovens, gas cylinder cases, flux holder ovens, oxyfuel cutting equipment, pipe bevelers, plasma cutters and smoke extractors.

Eco-Friendly Media Blasting

Blast Cleaning Equipment – Red-D-Arc also offers a choice of Cold Jet dry ice blasting and Farrow media blasting equipment, used for advanced surface preparation and industrial cleaning projects.

Power Generation – Red-D-Arc is one of the leading power generation rental and service providers in the southwest U.S. They have the expertise and equipment to keep oilfield power generation equipment running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Lease Program - Red-D-Arc’s WelderLogistics operating lease program provides the benefits of equipment ownership while delivering additional cost and operational advantages. A cost effective option to acquire a core fleet of welding equipment.

National Accounts - Red-D-Arc offers a National Accounts Programs, partnering with large organizations which do business across the United States. They offer special pricing and dedicated professional support to their partners.

Used Equipment Sales – Red-D-Arc has the world’s largest inventory of professionally maintained used welding and welding related equipment available for sale. Red-D-Arc equipment is renowned for its durability and reliability and their master technicians meticulously maintain all equipment in on ongoing basis.

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Advantages and Range of Rental Welding Equipment

If you are planning a home remodeling or construction project in the near future, or if you are a builder or contractor, there is a good chance you’ll need access to a welding machine. Welding is a common requirement during building construction and reconstruction ventures.

Benefits of Rental Welding Equipment

Economical Option – Renting is certainly more economical than buying. You do not have to pay the full price. The vendors only ask for a nominal security deposit, which is refundable, and the rent for their equipment, which is typically very affordable.

Avoid Transportation Cost – There are times when contractors avoid projects from distant cities due to the significant transportation cost of equipment, including welding machines. With rental services, they can book their desired tool on site, to be delivered by the vendor, at the given address, on the given date.

Range of Welding Tools

Gas Engine-Driven Welders

Gas Engine – A welding process which gets its mechanical energy from a gas powered engine. Gas engine welders are portable, are available in different capacities, amperage, wattage, and AD/DC work requirements.

LPG Engine-Driven Welders

LPG Engine – LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) engine-driven welders are capable of high quality multi-process welding. Fuel efficient, portable DC and/or AC welding machines which also provide auxiliary power.

Diesel Engine-Driven Welders

Diesel Engine – Diesel engine-driven welders and generators also offer multi-process welding capabilities and auxiliary power output. These portable machines are built for the toughest welding situations.

MIG Wire Feeder Welders

Wire Feeders – Built specifically to offer versatility and portability, several semiautomatic and automatic wire feeder options are available for use in field construction, field fabrication, and shipyards.

Aside from the above options, there are a diverse range of multi process welders, advanced process welders, automatic wire feeders, and stud welders that can be purchased or hired on rent.

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