Fronius Launches Complete Welding System for Shipyards and Offshore Platforms

Fronius has launched an exceptionally rugged and compact – briefcase-format – wirefeeder. The portable VR 5000 Case has been developed specifically for use in dusty, damp and salty environments. Used in combo with the MIG/MAG power sources from the TransSteel series designed for separate wirefeed units, it gives welders a complete and optimally co-ordinated system for use mainly in shipbuilding, oil-rig construction, railway-vehicle manufacturing and site erection.

Now available, the VR 5000 Case wirefeeder is tailored down to its last detail for the adverse working conditions encountered in these fields of use. Its extra-sturdy plastic housing, skid runners and extremely rugged strain-relieved connectors make it possible to drag the unit directly by the torch hosepack, and to lift it or let it down from great heights by the interconnecting hosepack. A novel connector concept makes sure that the connections do not work loose in these usage situations. The flame-resistant case is unaffected by dust, moisture, salty air and splashwater, and with its external dimensions of 507 x 200 x 320 mm it fits comfortably through any manhole of up to 350 mm in diameter. The case is designed with minimised obstacle contours, protecting the unit against getting caught, stuck or jammed while being used. Also, the front panel with the controls is recessed, an inherently safe design feature protecting it against damage. The ergonomically shaped handle, and the unit’s weight of less than 10 kg, make the VR 5000 Case easier to carry, even for longer distances. Interconnecting hosepacks of up to 70 metres long (for gas-cooled welding systems) allow a very wide radius of action here. A bayonet latch with an inside locking mechanism lets the welder fix and detach the torch hosepack and interconnecting hosepack quickly and securely.

Tilt-down side covers are integrated on both sides of the unit, with snap closures that are easy to open and close even when the welder has gloves on. The side-covers provide optimum access to the inside connectors for the hosepacks, as well as to the motor plate and wirespool. The VR 5000 Case is designed to be used with a 5 kg wirespool of 200 mm in diameter (D 200). After the spool is changed, the ComfortWire function inches the wire in unaided, which helps save time. A 4-roller drive then ensures constant wire travel during welding.

Fronius offers the feeder unit in several different equipment configurations – water or gas-cooled versions, for example, or in a synergic version that lets welders tap into integrated welding know-how (Steel Transfer Technology) in the form of characteristics (Steel, Steel Root, Steel Dynamic, Steel Prime).

An optional gas-flow regulator allows users to set and control the flow of shielding-gas directly from the feeder unit, with great precision. The optional On/Off switch reliably prevents unwanted contact ignition during transit. If desired, the VR 5000 Case can also be ordered with an electrode socket at the rear of the unit, for rod-electrode welding.

In short, the new wirefeeder is a meticulously thought-out solution for applications that have to be performed in adverse working and operating environments. It is an ideal addition to the existing range of feeder units for the TransSteel series of MIG/MAG power sources.