How to Choose MIG Welding Gun Parts

In addition to the amperage of MIG welding gun you choose, the MIG gun parts — cable, neck and handle — affect how comfortably and efficiently you can weld. Configure your gun accordingly.

Choosing the cable

Cable lengths can vary greatly — from 10 feet to 25 feet or longer. Use the shortest cable possible that can get the job done to prevent kinking or creating a tripping hazard. Consider your options:

1. Industrial-grade cables are the most commonly used and work well in light- to medium-duty applications.
2. Steel mono-coil cables are well-suited for heavy-duty applications in harsh environments. They are more rigid, which minimizes feeding issues when using a longer cable.

Remember, smaller welding wire sizes typically call for a shorter cable; it is more difficult to push a smaller wire over a greater length. It is also more difficult to push soft wires, like aluminum, through longer cables.

MIG welding gun necks and handles

Choosing a neck and handle for a MIG welding gun comes down to your preference, as well as the available weld cell space and the welding wire.

1. Neck options are available with bends ranging from 30 degrees up to 80 degrees. Those with less bend reduce bird nesting or other feeding issues associated with thicker wires and softer wires.
2. A rotatable neck makes it easier to change angles to access the weld joint.
3. Gun handles are available in straight or curved options. Straight handles are often paired with fixed necks, while curved handles are often paired with rotatable necks.

The bottom line: Choose the options that make it easiest and most comfortable for you to reach the weld joint.

Configure a Bernard® semi-automatic MIG gun
 

This article is the second in a three-part series discussing how configuring a MIG gun can improve the welding operation, as well as what to consider in the process. Read article one, Configuring a MIG Welding Gun for Your Application and article three, Selecting the Right MIG Welding Consumables.  

Configuring a MIG Welding Gun for Your Application

Have you struggled to gain proper joint access when welding? Or found yourself fatigued at the end of the day because of repeatedly welding in awkward positions? Configuring a MIG welding gun can help.

Why configure?

A MIG welding gun configured for the exact application can maximize efficiency and productivity. When you are more comfortable, you are able to weld longer. A customized MIG welding gun also reduces downtime for assembly, since it’s ready right out of the box. You can configure each welding gun part with online configurators like those from Bernard. These parts include the:

• Cable
• Handle and trigger
• Neck type, angle and length
• Consumables
• Power pin
• Liner

How do you get started?

To configure the right MIG welding gun, look at the needs of your welding application. One answer influences the next choice.

1. Determine the type and thickness of the base material on which you typically weld. This will dictate the welding wire selection and welding parameters, and in turn the amperage of MIG welding gun needed.
2. Think about the expected arc-on time and length of the welds. Again, this impacts the amperage needed and also the duty cycle.
3. Consider ergonomics. Decide what handle and neck style you prefer, as well as the cable length needed (shorter ones are lighter and easier to maneuver).

What affect does the weld cell have?

The physical space of the weld cell factors into MIG welding gun configuration. Consider these factors:

1. If there are fixtures or jigs to work around, you may need narrower MIG welding consumables to access the joint.
2. Space limitations and welding position impact cable length. Shorter cables are necessary for confined areas and are best for repetitive welding at a table since they are lighter. For out-of-position welds, a longer cable allows for greater movement (beware of coiling or kinking).
3. The available workspace and joint access affect the length and bend angle of the gun neck you can use.

Taking the time to consider the factors that impact how you configure your MIG welding gun can go far in ensuring you have the exact one for your application.

See options for configuring a Bernard® MIG gun

This article is the first in a three-part series discussing how configuring a MIG gun can improve the welding operation, as well as what to consider in the process. Read article two, How to Choose Welding Gun Parts, and article three, Selecting the Right MIG Welding Consumables.
 

Taylor Forklift Operation Reduces Downtime, Costs with Bernard

Taylor Machine Works Inc. has spent over 90 years building a reputation by engineering and producing exactly what its customers need. The company manufactures more than 85 models of powered industrial trucks, including forklifts and material handling equipment for a range of industries.

“We manufactured roughly 750 pieces of rolling stock last year and 40 percent to 50 percent of that is highly customized,” said Matt Hillyer, director of engineering for Taylor, based in Louisville, Mississippi. “Our job is to build products that answer the customer’s needs.”

Taylor’s “Big Red” forklifts, featuring the company’s distinctive “Big Red” logo, can handle material weighing up to 125,000 pounds — everything from palleted goods and empty shipping containers in waterfront shipyards to equipment encountering brutal hot and cold environments. Many of Taylor’s customers are small operations with from one to three pieces of equipment. Just one piece going out of service reduces production capacity by a large percentage.

“Having high durability, high return on investment and low cost of ownership, those are all very imperative to our customers to make them successful,” said Hillyer. “It’s important for us not only to make custom products that are advanced in technology or state-of-the-art, but we also have to make products that are very simple, easy to work on and have lots of uptime. That’s what our customers are looking for.”

Taylor employs some of the best welders in the business to meet those customer demands, but even great welders can’t overcome their tools’ limitations. When Taylor decided to try Bernard® semi-automatic MIG guns and Centerfire™ consumables, they discovered their talented team could take productivity up a few notches —and still gain the best quality.

Making the change
According to Taylor, sometimes it takes trying a new technology to realize what you’ve been missing. That was the case with the Bernard products — the manufacturers of the Big Red material handling machines had a business epiphany.

“Before we changed to Bernard welding products, we didn’t really know we were having a problem,” said Steve Nazary, quality assurance supervisor at Taylor. “When we started using Bernard [MIG guns and consumables], we found that they were much easier and more economical to use for our process.”

Bernard semi-automatic MIG guns at 400, 500 and 600 amperages delivered more business benefits.

Savings on service repair. “We can replace the liners, the tips, the nozzles” Nazary explained. “You can replace everything on a Bernard gun instead of throwing it away and buying a new one.” The previous guns Taylor used could not be repaired and components weren’t replaceable, resulting in increased costs for new purchases for their large manufacturing operation.

Productivity-boosting ergonomics. “The Bernard MIG guns have a better handle on them,” Nazary said. “It fits your hand better. It has an easier trigger to pull. It doesn’t get as hot as the guns we were using before. We were using some handles before that got so hot, you couldn’t hold them anymore.”

“Those twisty necks, as I call them, we can loosen them and change the angle to get in harder places. And you can reset them back straight, turn them on any angle. The employees love them.”

Craig Callahan, Quality Control Welding Inspector

Easier-to-use rotatable necks. Guns with multiple neck position options that are all easy to adjust let Taylor welders operate comfortably and precisely in more situations. Rather than turning the entire gun to get the right position to reach a weld joint, welders simply adjust just the neck of the gun to a better angle.

Nazary added that it’s also easy to change necks on the Bernard MIG Guns to reach into tighter spaces. “We have multiple necks and they only take two or three seconds to swap them out,” he said.

Centerfire™ consumables also proved to last much longer than products Taylor had used previously, reducing the need to change contact tips from multiple times per day to just once a day, on average. These consumables feature a non-threaded contact tip that is tapered at the base to seat easily in the gas diffuser. The result is better heat dissipation and a longer life. Plus, they are quick to change over. 

“We can change the Centerfire consumables with ease. We don’t have to have tools. You just twist the nozzle off, pull it off and pop another contact tip in and twist the nozzle back on,” said Nazary.

Centerfire consumables also provide better gas flow for better welds and less rework.

“With the other consumables that we were using, you would get different gas flows,” said Nazary. “With the Bernard products, we have consistent flow all the time.”

Helping Taylor Machine Works serve customers
All the advantages found by using Bernard semi-automatic MIG guns and Centerfire consumables align perfectly with Taylor’s commitment to quality and meeting the customer needs. And the reliability of the products fits well with the company’s slogan: “Depend on Red.”

“It’s absolutely imperative to make our products successful for the customer,” said Hillyer. “We also look to our suppliers, like Bernard to provide us with the best technology. They help us incorporate the right technology to make sure that we do have the most durable truck on the market.”

Fume Extraction Gun: Features and Techniques to Improve Performance

Limiting exposure to welding fumes is an increasingly important issue for many welding operations, as it provides a cleaner, more comfortable work environment and helps companies stay compliant with changing regulations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other safety regulatory bodies set the allowable exposure limits for weld fumes and other particulates, including hexavalent chromium, with the aim of protecting employees against potential health hazards in the workplace.

Some companies may choose a centralized fume extraction system designed to protect the entire shop area. However, these systems can be a substantial investment and often require installation of new ductwork. In some welding applications, they are not a feasible or efficient fume extraction option.

A fume extraction gun is a viable alternative in certain welding applications, including when the welder is in a tight or confined space or must move often to complete welds on a large part. Welding guns with built-in fume extraction are commonly used in heavy industrial welding, such as truck and trailer, rail car and heavy equipment manufacturing.

Fume extraction welding guns capture the fumes generated by the welding process right at the source, over and around the weld pool, and they can be tailored to best meet the needs of a specific application or to welder preferences. Consider these key factors to help choose the right type of fume extraction gun for the job — and learn more about available features that can help improve gun flexibility and performance in certain applications.

Fume extraction gun options

Fume extraction guns are available in a variety of amperages and handle designs. Common amperages for fume extraction guns range from 300 to 600. Keep in mind that amperage is tied to gun weight. The higher the amperage, the more copper required in the power cable and therefore the heavier the gun will be.

Due to this additional weight, use the lowest amperage gun possible that will still allow the job to be completed. Along with the added weight, higher-amperage guns typically cost more than lower-amperage guns, so it may be a waste of money to buy more gun than necessary for the application.

However, automatically buying the lightest gun available may not provide the amperage or durability needed for the application. Some lighter and more flexible guns aren’t durable enough for heavy industrial applications. Always consider a gun’s duty cycle rating, and keep in mind that it’s a balancing act between gun weight and durability when choosing a fume extraction gun.

Features to consider

Some fume extraction guns on the market offer features and capabilities that help optimize fume capture while also providing benefits for operator comfort and ergonomics, gun performance and ease in producing quality welds. When choosing and configuring a fume extraction gun, consider these options:

Adjustable vacuum chamber:

The nozzle on the front of most fume extraction guns is covered by a vacuum chamber. While vacuum chambers on some guns are fixed in place and can’t be moved, other guns have adjustable vacuum chambers that can be moved to several positions. This provides better joint access and visibility and helps welders dial in vacuum flow to eliminate porosity. Adjustable vacuum chambers can also improve ergonomics, since they reduce the need for the welder to position his or her body in uncomfortable positions to get a better view of the weld pool. Adjustable vacuum chambers that snap into position also provide greater durability than friction-fit chambers, which can loosen over time and eventually fall off. This can require replacement of the vacuum chamber. Some gun manufacturers also offer various vacuum chamber options, such as a short vacuum chamber that helps increase visibility and access to the weld pool.

Suction control valve:

Most fume extraction guns offer a way for welders to control the vacuum suction and optimize gas flow. Look for a gun with a vacuum regulator — often positioned at the front of the handle — that allows welders to balance suction with shielding gas flow to protect against porosity.

Flexible, crush- and snag-resistant hose:

A vacuum hose designed to be crush- and snag-resistant eliminates the need for a protective hose cover in many applications. This helps reduce overall gun weight and increases flexibility of the hose. However, be aware that some heavy-duty welding applications requiring extremely high heat will always need a leather cover to protect the hose. Note, a gun with a vacuum hose that swivels also improves flexibility, visibility and joint access and helps reduce wrist fatigue.

Handle and neck options:

Tailoring the gun handle and neck to the application and welder preferences can help improve weld access and reduce operator fatigue. Some brands of guns are available in curved and straight handle options. In higher-amperage applications, welders may want to put the gun cable over their shoulder with the gun trigger on the top. Straight handle guns allow for this because the trigger can be positioned on the top. Some fume extraction guns also have additional neck options in a variety of bend angles, such as 30, 45 and 60 degrees. This provides even more ability to tailor a gun to specific needs and improves ergonomics. When choosing a gun with a straight handle, consider one with a rubber overmold on the handle to help reduce vibration and provide a better grip.

Fume extraction gun best practices 

As with any fume extraction equipment, proper use and maintenance of fume extraction guns is important to achieve optimal results. Operating a fume extraction gun is similar to using a standard MIG gun, with many of the same recommended best practices. However, there are some techniques that welders can follow to help get the best performance from a fume extraction gun: 

1. Degree of angle: Perhaps the most important tip for optimizing performance is using the appropriate degree of angle. With solid wire, use a push technique and an angle of 0 to 15 degrees for optimal fume capture. For flux-cored wire, use a drag technique with a 0 to 15-degree angle. If the parts are set up at a 0 to 30-degree angle and the gun is kept straight (vertical) during welding, the fume will rise, allowing optimal fume extraction by the gun. 
   
2. Pause at the end: At the end of each weld, pausing for 10 to 15 seconds and holding the fume extraction gun in place without depositing weld metal allows the gun to capture residual fumes as the weld bead is cooling.
   
3. Wire type determines stickout: The contact-tip-to-workpiece distance can be longer — about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch — when welding with flux-cored wire and a fume extraction gun. With solid wire, stickout should be kept to 1/2 inch or less to maximize fume capture. 
   
4. Frequent inspection: Inspecting the front end of the gun is key to optimizing fume extraction. Regularly inspect the nozzle, contact tip and vacuum chamber for signs of spatter buildup, which can block fume extraction and obstruct shielding gas flow. Replace consumables when spatter buildup appears or clean them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, routinely inspect the vacuum hose for damage, cuts or kinks and replace the hose as necessary.
   
5. Proper maintenance: As with any welding equipment, fume extraction guns benefit from preventive maintenance. Using the guns with flux-cored wire requires more frequent maintenance because of the slag and fumes the wire generates. Regular maintenance helps prevent a clog or spatter buildup, which can limit the gun’s fume capture rate.

Getting results

Some fume extraction guns are designed using a common consumable platform, which means any consumables used on a standard MIG gun or even a robotic MIG gun can also be used on a fume extraction gun. When fume gun replacement parts — nozzles, contact tips and gas diffusers — can be the same as those used on standard MIG guns, this offers greater flexibility and helps reduce a company’s consumables inventory. Additionally, it may be important for some companies to choose a fume extraction gun that is compatible with vacuum systems from most major manufacturers.

In the right applications, fume extraction guns can help companies maintain compliance with safety regulations and create a cleaner, more comfortable welding environment for employees. When choosing fume extraction guns for MIG welding, look for features and accessories that will provide additional flexibility, time savings and advantages for welder comfort.

Managing MIG Guns and Consumables for Multiple Applications

The fabrication and manufacturing industries continue to experience demands for greater productivity, increased efficiencies and higher cost savings — often times with less labor to support the efforts. Every improvement companies can make to achieve these goals is beneficial, from offering more operator training to implementing lean practices. Managing MIG guns and consumables that meet the needs of multiple applications is also an important element in achieving those goals, both from an inventory perspective and as a matter of eliminating unnecessary downtime.

There are rarely, if ever, welding operations that require only one type of MIG gun or a single consumable. In fact, it’s not uncommon for many companies to have multiple MIG guns and consumables in use as a routine part of their daily operations, especially within the automotive manufacturing and pressure vessel industries.

Automakers, for example, often have handheld and automation weld cells all in the same building. Similarly, welding operators working on different-sized pressure vessels may have a 1,500 gallon tank being welded together with a larger, higher-amperage MIG gun, while welding operators are fabricating a smaller tank nearby with much smaller, lighter-duty MIG gun.

Understanding how to pair the best gun and consumable with the job can pay off in workflow and cost savings, and help improve the quality of completed welds. In addition, minimizing the part numbers for MIG guns and consumables can simplify inventory, which ultimately saves time for management and saves storage space. It can save time during the welding process, too.

In the shipbuilding industry, for instance, welding operators move around frequently so they do not have the capacity to swap out MIG guns to address multiple applications. Instead, they often standardize on one type of MIG gun and swap out the necks, installed with a jump liner that replaces the front part of the liner system (the rest seats in the power cable). Doing so allows them to keep the same gun for the job, while gaining access to a new joint with the appropriate neck length or configuration.

Below are five tips to help streamline welding operations and remain competitive by managing MIG guns and consumables effectively.

1. Standardize on a shorter power cable length across weld cells. As a rule of thumb, always use the MIG gun with the shortest power cable possible. A MIG gun with a longer power cable can cause welding operator discomfort since it is heavier, which can cost money and time if he or she has to stop to rest due to fatigue. Additionally, a shorter power cable minimizes the risks of kinks that could cause poor wire feeding and/or an erratic arc, and result in downtime to address birdnesting or rework.

Using fewer power cable lengths throughout an operation is possible when there is a difference of two or three feet between each application. For example, it may be possible to standardize on a 15-foot cable for weld cells that need this or a slightly shorter length — without causing issues with kinking of poor wire feeding. Doing so minimizes inventory and storage space requirements. It also takes away the guesswork when it comes to replacing this part of the MIG gun, as it eliminates the risk that a welding operator or maintenance employee will install the wrong length power cable on a MIG gun.

2. Choose one type of liner, when possible. There are different styles of liners available for MIG guns, including steel liners, D-wound liners or Teflon® liners. Teflon liners are well-suited for wires that are difficult to feed, including stainless steel or aluminum. Standardizing liner types across multiple weld cells, when possible, can reduce downtime for changeover and costs for inventory. Always make sure the liner is properly installed; otherwise, problems like birdnesting and feeding issues can result.

3. Use the same contact tips, even across semi-automatic and robotic weld cells. Use one type of contact tip across applications whenever possible. For companies that have both robotic and semi-automatic welding operations, common consumables can be especially helpful to streamline processes and inventory — while also reducing costs. It is not uncommon in robotic welding applications for welding operators to change contact tips long before they become worn, as it helps ensure that there is minimal downtime for problems associated with failures. These contact tips, however, still have life in them and can be used on semi-automatic MIG guns to reduce part numbers and count in inventory, and overall costs.

It can also reduce confusion as to which contact tips to use across the welding operations. Too many different types of contact tips, for instance, can be confusing and can lead to a welding operator using the wrong parts on the wrong MIG guns. That misstep can bring production to a slowdown or a halt.

4. Adapt the power pin. It is not uncommon for companies to have multiple types and brands of power feeders throughout the welding operation. When possible, standardizing the power pin used in every MIG gun, via an adaptor at the feeder, can help streamline the management of various power pins to match these feeders. If a company also has various types or brands of MIG guns, an adapter can also help with gun standardization. The guns can be ordered with the same power pin and plugged into any wire feeder throughout the facility, again streamlining ordering and inventory, and minimizing costs.

5. Review MIG gun amperage and select one to streamline. In some instances, it may be possible to use the same amperage of MIG gun for multiple applications. For example, if 200 amp and 300 amp guns are both part of the inventory, using 300 amp guns in each cell can make it easier to manage inventory. It can also help prevent the potential for overheating if a smaller gun is accidentally used in place of a larger, higher-amperage one for a higher duty cycle job.

How Can Customizing a MIG Gun Benefit the Welding Operation?

When choosing the right MIG gun for a semi-automatic welding application, there are many factors to consider — from the material being welded and the filler metal type to the weld cell layout and expected arc-on time. 

Customizing a MIG gun for the specific needs of the application, in addition to choosing the proper consumables, can pay off in greater productivity, better comfort and improved quality in the completed welds. 

There are easy-to-use tools, such as online configurators, available to help users customize a MIG gun. In addition, keep some key factors in mind to help configure a gun that best suits the application needs. 

Why Customize? 

Customizing a MIG gun offers numerous benefits compared to using a standard gun out of the box. Customization can maximize efficiency and productivity in a welding operation, and provide greater comfort. These can improve safety and offer longer arc-on time. Essentially, customization ensures that the welding operator has the exact MIG gun for the application. 

Also, some standard MIG guns may require extra time for assembly right out of the box. Some guns may also require extra components be added before welding can begin. This is not the case with customized MIG guns, which are ready for welding immediately. 

Customizing a MIG gun is like a pre-emptive strike against issues or challenges that otherwise would add time and money to a welding operation. 

Starting Out

To choose or customize the right MIG gun, look at several aspects of the welding operation. Like a decision tree, one answer impacts the next choice. 

First, consider the type and thickness of the base material, since both impact the filler metal selection. Once the material and filler metal are known, these dictate the welding parameters for the application. 

Understanding the welding parameters is important because the gun selected must meet the amperage and voltage requirements. While it’s important to choose a gun with enough amperage for the job, the larger the gun, the heavier it is, which impacts operator comfort. 

Next, think about the expected arc-on time and length of the welds. In addition to impacting the necessary amperage of the gun, these factors also play a role in ergonomics. For example, what length of gun is best for the physical space and length of the welds, and what handle style does the operator prefer? 

These factors come together in building the right gun for the job. 

Consider the welding cell

The physical space of the welding cell is also an important factor. If there are fixtures or jigs to work around, consider these when configuring the gun and selecting consumables. 

For example, space limitations in the welding cell can impact cable length — the goal is always to have the shortest cable possible that still meets the needs of the application to avoid unnecessary coiling. The length and bend angle of the gun neck are also factors based on the available workspace and joint access.  Remember, it is easier to make design choices like these up front rather than make changes to the gun after it’s purchased. 

Also consider if the application requires table welding or out-of-position welds. For flat welds at a table, the operator may repeat the same motion over and over. In this case, comfort and repeatability is key and a gun with a shorter cable can likely be used, which helps reduce overall weight. 

For out-of-position welds, the operator may need to move around a lot to complete the welds. Choosing a longer cable is helpful. Be aware, however, that a cable that is too long can be a tripping hazard for the operator or it can curl and tangle, causing wire feeding issues. 

Choosing the cable 

There are two main options when choosing a MIG gun cable: steel mono-coil or industrial-grade cables. Industrial-grade cables are more commonly used. 

Steel mono-coil cables are well-suited for heavy-duty applications in harsh environments. These cables offer more rigidity and support to minimize feeding issues in applications where the wire must travel through a longer cable. Steel mono-coil cables are also used in applications where there is a risk they may get run over by equipment, such as a forklift. 

Cable lengths can vary greatly — from 10 feet to 25 feet or longer. While a longer cable may be necessary in applications that require the operator to move around, again, try to use the shortest cable possible that will get the job done. 

Smaller filler metal wire sizes typically call for a shorter cable, since it’s more difficult to push a smaller wire over a greater length. As wire size increases, the cable length can also increase. 

Neck and handle options

Deciding the best gun neck and handle choices for the application depends on several factors. These include operator preference and comfort, as well as weld cell space limitations or fixtures. The type of filler metal being used also plays a role. For example, necks with less bend reduce the chances for bird-nesting or other feeding issues with thicker wires and softer wires. 

Neck options are available with bends ranging from 30 degrees up to 80 degrees for applications where an extreme angle is needed to reach the weld joint. The choice of neck angle is often tied to the style of gun handle being used. 

Gun handles are available in straight or curved options, and the decision typically comes down to operator preference. For a straight-handled gun, a neck with a 60-degree bend is a frequent choice. Pairing a curved-handled gun with a 45-degree neck is another popular combination. 

Gun necks are also available in fixed or rotatable options. A rotatable neck makes it easier for the operator to change angles to access the weld joint without having to change out the gun. Straight handles are often paired with fixed necks, while curved handles are often paired with rotatable necks. Other features, such as trigger locking on the handle, which eliminates the need to hold the trigger during welding and increases comfort, can also be added when choosing the gun neck and handle. 

The bottom line: Choose the option that makes it easiest and most comfortable for the operator to reach the weld joint. 

Matching consumables to the gun 

Some MIG gun configuration tools also allow users to choose specific styles or types of consumables. Consumables must be able to handle the amperage of the application; some higher amperage applications may require heavy-duty consumables. Inventory management may be another factor — selecting the same consumables across multiple weld cells, when possible, is typically more convenient and cost-effective. The three key consumables to consider are contact tips, nozzles and liners. 

• Contact tips: Know the wire size and type when choosing the right size and style of contact tip. Some tips have finer threads, while others are designed for quick installation with a quarter or half-turn. Contact tips that “drop” into the nozzle are good for flat and horizontal welding, but they may not offer as good of performance out of position.  Some styles offer longer life than others, too, so keep that in mind when making the choice. Pulsed MIG welding, for example, is a more aggressive mode of metal transfer that is tougher on consumables. Therefore, choose a more durable contact tip made of chrome zirconium to help extend contact tip life in these applications. 
• Nozzles: Joint access, operating temperatures and arc-on time are important considerations in choosing the right nozzle. Brass nozzles are good for reducing the spatter adhesion in lower amperage applications, but does not perform well at higher temperatures. Therefore, copper nozzles are a better choice for higher amperage applications due to the ductility of the material. 
• Liners: When the weld cell has a wire feeder mounted on a boom, front-loading liners help make changing liners faster, easier and safer.  Specialty liners also exist that can aid feedability of the wire, especially in metal-cored or flux-cored applications. 

Choosing the right MIG gun 

Consider the challenges or needs of a specific welding application — and the preferences of the welding operator — when selecting the right MIG gun for the job. A customized MIG gun can improve operator comfort, extend the longevity of consumables and offer greater productivity and efficiency in the operation.

Tips for Maximizing Welding Operator Comfort and Productivity 

Being as comfortable as possible contributes to welding operator safety and productivity — and it’s a factor that can impact the quality of the finished weld.

There are numerous issues that play a role in welding operator comfort, including the heat generated by the welding process, the repetitive motions and, at times, cumbersome equipment. These challenges can take a toll, resulting in aches, fatigue and physical and mental stress for welding operators.

There are some steps, however, to help reduce the impact of these factors. These include choosing the right equipment for the job, utilizing tools and accessories designed to improve operator comfort, and following some best practices that promote proper operator form.  

Selecting the right gas metal arc welding (GMAW) gun

Promoting operator comfort can lessen the chance of injuries associated with repetitive movement, as well as reduce overall fatigue. Choosing a GMAW gun that meets the needs of the application — and in some cases customizing the gun — is a critical way to impact welding operator comfort so he or she can achieve the best results.

A gun’s trigger, handle, neck and power cable design all help determine how long a welding operator can comfortably weld without experiencing fatigue or stress. The application’s weld joint geometry also plays a role in welding operator comfort, and it impacts what components to choose for optimal joint access.

Here are some issues to consider in GMAW gun selection that can impact comfort, as well as quality and productivity:

Amperage:

Gun amperage can have a significant impact on welding operator comfort because, typically, the higher the amperage, the larger — and heavier — the gun.  Therefore, a larger amperage gun may not be the best choice if that amperage rating is not necessary to meet the needs of the application. Choosing a smaller amperage gun when possible can help minimize fatigue and stress on the welding operator’s wrists and hands. In selecting the right amperage, consider the application’s duty cycle requirements. Duty cycle refers to the number of minutes in a 10-minute period that a gun can be operated at its full capacity without overheating.

For example, a 60 percent duty cycle means six minutes of arc-on time in a 10-minute span. Most applications do not require the welding operator to use the gun constantly at full duty cycle. In many cases, a higher amperage gun is only needed when the power source is being run continuously.

Handle:

Handle options for GMAW guns include straight and curved styles. The right choice typically comes down to the specific process, application requirements and — most often — operator preference. Keep in mind that a smaller handle tends to be easier to hold and maneuver. In addition, the option of a vented handle promotes improved operator comfort, since this style can cool down faster when the gun isn’t in use. While operator comfort and preference are important considerations, handles must also meet the gun and application’s amperage and duty cycle requirements. A straight handle provides flexibility by allowing to mount the trigger on the top or bottom of the handle. Putting it on top is a good choice to improve operator comfort in high-heat applications or for those that require long welds. 
 

Trigger:

There are numerous trigger choices that can improve comfort and safety. Look for a trigger that doesn’t require more pull force than necessary to maintain the arc, to minimize stress on the operator. Also, locking triggers are a good option to alleviate stress on the welding operator’s finger caused by grasping, sometimes called “trigger finger.” A locking trigger, as its name implies, can be locked into place. This feature allows the welding operator to create long, continuous welds without having to hold the trigger the entire time. Locking triggers also help distance the welding operator from the heat generated during welding, making them well-suited for high amperage applications. 
 

Neck:

Another part of the gun that plays a role in operator comfort is the neck. Rotatable and flexible necks are available in various lengths and angles, and can be adjusted to meet specific application needs, offering many choices to help reduce operator strain. Joint access, gun amperage and duty cycle required for an application are important considerations when choosing a gun neck. For example, a longer gun neck can improve operator comfort when the application requires a long reach. A flexible neck can do the same when accessing joints in a tight corner.

The best choice for pipe welding might be an 80-degree neck, while a 45- or 60-degree neck might be better suited for welding in the flat position. Rotatable necks allow welding operators to rotate the neck as needed, such as in out-of-position or overhead welding. In cases where you need a longer neck, another option is to utilize a neck coupler, which is a tool that combines two gun necks. The flexibility provided by these numerous neck options can result in reduced opportunity for operator fatigue, strain and injury.  
 

Power cable:

The power cable adds weight to the gun and can also add clutter to the workspace. Therefore, smaller and shorter cables are recommended, as long as they meet the needs of the application. Not only are shorter and smaller cables typically lighter and more flexible — to ease the fatigue and strain on a welding operator’s hands and wrists — but they also help reduce clutter and tripping hazards in the work area.

Consider gun balance

Different welding guns can offer different “balance,” which refers to the feel and ease of movement experienced when the welding operator holds the gun. For example, a heavier gun that is balanced properly can lessen operator fatigue compared to a heavier gun that is not balanced properly.

A gun that is properly balanced will feel natural in the operator’s hands and be easy to maneuver. When a gun is not balanced correctly, it might feel more unwieldy or uncomfortable to use. This can make a difference in operator comfort and productivity. 

Customize for the job

Because welding applications differ for every welding operator, customizable GMAW guns can be a good option to gain greater comfort. Poor welding operator comfort can directly impact productivity and efficiency.

Some gun manufacturers offer online resources to help welding operators configure a GMAW gun for the exact specifications of the job. This helps ensure the gun is suited to operator preferences and the needs of the application — for greater comfort and productivity. ttFor example, most welding operators do not make huge, sweeping movements when using a GMAW gun. Instead, they tend to use more minute, delicate maneuvering of the gun. Some configurations allow users to choose an option available for fume extraction guns — for example, a ball and socket swivel design that helps the vacuum hose to move separately from the handle. This improves flexibility and reduces the wrist fatigue for the welding operator.   

Use correct positioning and form

Utilizing proper weld position and form are additional ways that welding operators can maximize comfort on the job. Repetitive strain or prolonged uncomfortable postures can result in operator injury — or even the need for costly and time-consuming rework due to poor quality welds.

Whenever possible, place the workpiece flat and move it into the most comfortable position. It’s also important to maintain a clean working environment. In some cases, a fume extraction gun paired with the proper portable fume extraction system can be a viable option to replace wearing a powered air purifying respirator and lessen the amount of equipment the welding operator must wear. To maintain compliance and safety, it’s always a good idea to consult an industrial hygienist to be certain that’s an appropriate step.

In addition, operator comfort can be maximized by using stable posture and avoiding awkward body positioning, and by not working in one position for long periods. When welding in a seated position, operators should also have the workpiece slightly below elbow level. When the application requires standing for long periods, use a foot-rest.

Maximizing comfort

Having the right equipment, choosing equipment or accessories that are easy to operate and promote operator comfort, and utilizing proper welding technique and form are all important steps toward achieving a comfortable, safe work environment for welding operators.

Lightweight welding guns with appropriate handle and neck designs for the job and for the operator can help achieve safe and productive results. The reduction of heat stress, wrist and neck fatigue and repetitive motions can also help decrease overall physical and mental stress for welding operators.

To achieve optimal results, consider the numerous options available in tailoring a GMAW gun that is right for the application and operator preference. 

Understanding Gun Ratings: What You Need to Know to Select Your MIG Gun

When it comes to welding, too much of a good thing can often add up to unnecessary costs, potential downtime and lost productivity — especially if you have too large of a MIG gun for your application. Unfortunately, many people believe a common misconception: that you need a MIG gun rated to the highest amperage you expect to weld (e.g., a 400-amp gun for a 400-amp application). That is simply not true. In fact, a MIG gun that provides a higher amperage capacity than you need typically weighs more and may be less flexible, making it less comfortable to maneuver around weld joints. Higher amperage MIG guns also cost more.

The truth is, because you spend time moving parts, tacking them and performing other pre- and post-weld activities, you rarely weld continuously enough to reach the maximum duty cycle for that MIG gun. Instead, it’s often better to choose the lightest, most flexible gun that meets your needs. For example, a MIG gun rated at 300 amps can typically weld at 400 amps and higher — for a limited amount of time — and do just as good of a job. 

Gun ratings explained

In the United States, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, or NEMA, establishes the MIG gun rating criteria. In Europe, similar standards are the responsibility of Conformité Européenne or European Conformity, also called CE. 

Under both agencies, MIG guns receive a rating that reflects the temperatures above which the handle or cable becomes uncomfortably warm. These ratings, however, do not identify the point at which the MIG gun risks damage or failure. 

Much of the difference lies in the duty cycle of the gun. Manufacturers have  the option of rating their guns at 100-, 60- or 35-percent duty cycles. For that reason, there can be significant differences when comparing different MIG gun manufacturer’s products. 

Duty cycle is the amount of arc-on time within a 10-minute period. One MIG gun manufacturer may produce a 400-amp MIG gun that is capable of welding at 100 percent duty cycle, while another manufactures the same amperage MIG gun that can weld at only 60 percent duty cycle. In this example, the first MIG gun would be able to weld consistently at full amperage for a 10-minute time frame, whereas the latter would only be able to weld for 6 minutes. 

Before deciding which MIG gun to purchase, it is important to review the duty cycle ratios for the product. You can typically find this information in the product literature or on the manufacturer’s website. 

How do you operate?

Based on the gun rating explanation above, it is also essential for you to consider the length of time you spend welding before you make your MIG gun selection. Look at how much time you actually spend welding over the course of 10 minutes. You may be surprised to discover that the average arc-on time is usually less than 5 minutes.

Keep in mind that welding with a MIG gun rated to 300 amps would exceed its rated capacity if you were to use it at 400 amps and 100-percent duty cycle. However, if you used that same gun to weld at 400 amps and 50-percent duty cycle, it should work just fine. Similarly, if you had an application that required welding very thick metal at high current loads (even 500 amps or more) for a very short period of time, you might be able to use a gun rated at only 300 amps. 

As a general rule, a MIG gun becomes uncomfortably hot when it exceeds its full duty cycle temperature rating. If you find yourself welding for longer on a regular basis, you should consider either welding at a lower duty cycle or switching to a higher rated gun. Exceeding a MIG gun’s rated temperature capacity can lead to weakened connections and power cables, and shorten its working life.

Understanding the impact of heat

There are two types of heat that affect the handle and cable temperature on a MIG gun and also the amount of time you can weld with it: radiant heat from the arc and resistive heat from the cable. Both of these types of heat also factor into what rating of MIG gun you should select. 

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is heat that reflects back to the handle from the welding arc and the base metal. It is responsible for most of the heat encountered by the MIG gun handle. Several factors affect it, including the material being welded. If you weld aluminum or stainless steel, for example, you will find that it reflects more heat than mild steel. 

The shielding gas mixture you use, as well as the welding transfer process, can also affect radiant heat. For example, argon creates a hotter arc than pure CO2, causing a MIG gun using an argon shielding gas mixture to reach its rated temperature at a lower amperage than when welding with pure CO2. If you use a spray transfer process, you may also find that your welding application generates more heat. This process requires an 85 percent or richer argon shielding gas mixture, along with a longer wire stick out and arc length, both of which increase the voltage in the application and the overall temperature. The result is, again, more radiant heat. 

Using a longer MIG gun neck can help minimize the impact of radiant heat on the handle by placing it further from the arc and keeping it cooler. The consumables you use can in turn affect the amount of heat that the neck absorbs. Take care to find consumables that connect tightly and have good mass, as these absorb heat better and can help prevent the neck from carrying as much heat to the handle. 

Resistive Heat

In addition to radiant heat, you may encounter resistive heat in your welding application. Resistive heat occurs by way of electrical resistance within the welding cable and is responsible for most of the heat in the cable. It occurs when the electricity generated by the power source cannot flow through the cable and cable connections. The energy of the “backed up” electricity is lost as heat. Having an adequately sized cable can minimize resistive heat; however, it cannot eliminate it entirely. A cable large enough to completely eliminate resistance would be too heavy and unwieldy to maneuver. 

As an air-cooled MIG gun increases in amperage, the size of the cable, connections and handles also increases. Therefore, a MIG gun with a higher rated capacity almost always has greater mass. If you are an occasional welder, that weight and size increase may not bother you; however, if you weld all day, every day, it is better to find a lighter and smaller MIG gun suited to your application. In some cases, that may mean switching to a water-cooled MIG gun, which is smaller and lighter, but can also provide the same welding capacity. 

Deciding between air- and water-cooled 

Using a lighter MIG gun can often improve productivity since it is easier to maneuver for longer periods of time. Smaller MIG guns can also reduce your susceptibility to repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Final thoughts to keep you comfortable

When choosing your MIG gun, remember that not all products are created equal. Two MIG guns rated to 300 amps could vary widely in terms of their overall size and weight. Take the time to research your options. Also, look for features like a ventilated handle that permits air to flow through it and keeps it running cooler. Such features can often allow a gun to be rated to a higher capacity without adding any size or weight. Finally, assess the time you spend welding, the process and shielding gas you use, and the materials you are welding. Doing so can help you select a gun that strikes the ideal balance between comfort and capacity.

Customizing Your GMAW Gun for the Job 

The heat and repetitive motions that accompany gas metal arc welding (GMAW) can take their toll. Customizing your GMAW gun to match your application, however, can make a big difference in improving your comfort, and gaining the best welding performance.

A GMAW gun’s trigger, handle, neck and power cable design all impact how long you can comfortably weld without experiencing fatigue or stress. 

By ensuring your comfort, you lessen the chance of injuries associated with repetitive movement and reduce overall fatigue. To help, some manufacturers offer online systems to help you configure a gun to your exact specifications. 

This article has been published as a web-exclusive on thefabricator.com. To read the entire story, please click here.