ABIBLOG USA: ABICOR BINZEL's Welding Blog

In today’s environment it is absolutely critical to minimize downtime and operate in the most efficient manner. Reasons for downtime are many and varied, particularly in the welding fabrication field. Grounding problems, gas leaks, contaminated material, machinery malfunction and worn components represent a few of the many issues confronted. In MIG welding, one of the most frustrating is wire feed problems and MIG gun liner issues in general.

When it comes time to replace your MIG gun, you may think it’s as simple as going to the store and buying the same one you’ve used in the past; but is that really the case? Besides the obvious; amperage, wire type, air-cooled or water-cooled, what should you be thinking about when buying a replacement MIG gun?

When you’re running a shop day to day or looking at solutions that can save you time and get you running more efficient, knowledge is power. Knowing what options are out there that can fit your welding operation’s unique needs can go a long way to getting your production floor at that optimal level of being productive, cost-effective, convenient, and comfortable.

When you are going from air-cooled to water-cooled welding torches, the biggest component is water. Since water is a good conductor of electricity, it does pose a threat as far as electrical hazards; whether it's to the welder itself, or to nearby workers, depending on if there is water on the floor. So when you're proposing water-cooled equipment, the maintenance is extremely important. You should be on a regular maintenance schedule. Starting from the water cooler and working our way to the torch, let's go through some steps that should be a part of your regular maintenance schedule.

When I visit welding facilities around the country I get to see the ins and outs of many different welding processes, including the treatment, handling, and safety of their MIG guns and their general weld technique. I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum, good and bad.

If your MIG wire isn’t feeding smoothly, there are a few key things to consider. This MIG welding troubleshooting guide will walk you through the most common MIG welding issues and how to resolve them.

Most MIG guns are designed to last. Problem is, a lot of welders and welding professionals don’t believe it. There are ‘problems’ with MIG guns – and specifically lightweight ones. They can have a bad rap, or are misunderstood. Light doesn’t mean weak. In fact, a lot of times it’s just the opposite.

When I meet a customer for the first time I like to ask them first and foremost about the torches they currently use. Most of the time they answer the question something like this:

When deciding on a new welding torch, value is everything. Value means you are getting the best performance, the easiest maintenance, and most comfortable usage for your competitive purchasing dollars. And when considering what value is when you’re looking at all the MIG gun options out there to try, superior design will deliver that value time and again. And if that design comes from the very same kind people who will end up using the final product, then you know you have a welding gun that was designed with the welder in mind.

If you weld with an ABICOR BINZEL air-cooled MIG gun, like the MB series, you're likely welding with the ultra-lightweight and durable BIKOX® cable. Like all cables, they can become damaged from wear and tear in and around the production plant, and might need a little tender loving care to get them back to working in the optimal manner.