Choosing the right equipment is critical to success when optimizing your shop's efficiency and quality. In manufacturing industries specializing in heavy fabrication, a welding boom system is one of the most significant investments you can make. Read on to determine if a boom is right for you. 

Welding Boom Parameters

When beginning your research into welding booms, it’s important to evaluate your needs and preferences upfront. This will streamline the buying process and help you make the best choice.

We’ve compiled some questions to ask yourself to help narrow down exactly what you’re on the hunt for in your next welding boom.

What Space Do You Have Available? 

Consider the size of your shop and how the boom system will fit into the available space. Arc Solutions offers customizable options to ensure your boom integrates seamlessly into your workspace.

What Types of Welding Do You Perform Most? 

Different boom systems may be better suited to specific welding processes, so choosing one that matches your shop’s primary activities is important. Some of the best welding and Swivel Arc boom combinations are with MIG welding, especially when it comes to aluminum MIG welding.

What is Your Preferred Reach and Range of Motion?

Evaluate the boom's reach and flexibility to ensure it can cover all necessary areas of your workspace without frequent adjustments. Keep in mind that the welding gun will add additional reach to what the boom arm provides. 

What Durability and Level of Maintenance Are You Looking For?

Look for a welding boom system built to withstand the demands of your shop. Durable construction and easy maintenance are key to ensuring a long-lasting investment. When doing MIG welding, the wire delivery equipment must be designed properly to prevent problematic feeding issues.

Benefits of Welding Boom Arms

A welding boom system, like our Swivel Arc, offers a host of benefits that can revolutionize the way a shop operates:

Enhanced Accessibility

Welding booms provide a flexible reach, allowing welders to access hard-to-reach areas without moving heavy equipment. This saves time and reduces the physical strain on workers, leading to increased productivity. Swivel Arc booms come in 12ft, 15ft, and 20ft lengths to suit any shop layout, ensuring you have the reach necessary for every task. The Swivel Arc boom has 270 degrees of rotation in the primary arm, allowing welds to be placed in nearly any position.

Improved Safety

Welding booms significantly reduce tripping hazards by keeping cables, torches, and other equipment off the floor. This creates a safer work environment and minimizes the risk of accidents.

Space Efficiency

Welding booms help you maximize your shop floor space by keeping tools organized and out of the way. This streamlined setup allows for more efficient workflow and better use of available space. 

Swivel Arc booms come with several different mounting options depending on their location within the shop setting. Stationary options include column mounts and pedestal mounts, and a portable option allows a pedestal-mounted boom to be placed on a base that can be easily moved with a forklift.

Consistent Quality

A stable, easily maneuverable boom system ensures that welders can perform their tasks with precision, leading to consistent, high-quality results. This consistency is vital for maintaining product standards and meeting customer expectations. The booms can push 3/64” aluminum 33ft without feeding issues. The wire will not bird nest in the wire feeder and it can be used with aluminum, stainless steel, Inconel, silicon bronze, and more.

Versatility

Swivel Arc booms can convert existing power sources and feeders for boom applications, providing versatile solutions for various needs. While aluminum applications have stricter equipment requirements, our system effectively accommodates them. Additionally, dual feeder options are available to enhance functionality and efficiency.

Swivel Arc Additional Features

Arc Solutions’ Swivel Arc welding booms are designed with the modern welding shop in mind. Here’s what sets them apart:

• 270-Degree Rotation on the Primary Arm: With the vast swing of the primary arm, in addition to the added flexibility of the secondary arm, there is virtually nothing inside the boom arc that can’t be reached.
• Heavy-Duty Construction: Built from high-quality materials, the Swivel Arc is engineered to withstand the toughest industrial environments and deliver reliable performance year after year. The tapered bearings allow a fine-tuned adjustment of the force required to rotate the boom.
• Ease of Use: With intuitive controls and smooth operation, the Swivel Arc simplifies the welding process, allowing your team to focus on quality work.
• Air Brakes and Feed Assist: Swivel Arc booms can be equipped with air brakes for each rotating joint to easily adjust the work position. Another optional accessory is the pneumatic feed assist, which delivers the wire to the back of the feeder at zero pounds of draw.

Elevate Your Shop Efficiency 

Maximize your shop's efficiency, safety, and productivity with the Swivel Arc welding boom system from Arc Solutions. Tailored to meet your unique needs, our welding booms offer long-term performance and reliability. 

Trust Arc Solutions to equip your shop with the tools you need for lasting success. Contact our team to learn more about our boom systems and feel confident in your investment.

For hobbyist welders, finding the perfect welder can be daunting. You might ask yourself: Why are there so many options? Can I use one welder for multiple applications? Which is the best option for mobility?

Choosing among our collection of Lincoln Electric welders can become overwhelming. To simplify it, we will talk about our hobbyist recommendation: the Lincoln Electric POWER MIG® 211i. The 211i is a MIG welder with MIG, Flux-Cored, and spool gun process capabilities. Like most other Lincoln Electric hand-held welders, the design is sleek and straightforward. 

This machine could be a great option as your go-to piece of equipment. Read on to learn the top things to know before buying a Lincoln welder, including its key features and specifications. 

Simple Interface

One of the standout features of the POWER MIG® 211i is its user-friendly interface. You don’t have to be a professional welder with extensive knowledge to set up this machine. 

This machine consists of 6 control options:

• Voltage Knob
• Wire Feed Speed Knob
• Material Thickness Knob
• Diameter Button
• Process Button
• On/Off Rocker Switch

Above the voltage and wire feed speed knobs sit digital displays for your ease of use as well. The controls are intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to focus more on projects and less on figuring out complicated settings. 

Portability

It is not enough to call a machine portable anymore if it is still time-consuming in setup or requires location specifics for it to function. Hobbyist welders who want to move their equipment around the workshop or even travel need to be reassured that their equipment is easily accessible wherever they go. 

This unit has three conveniently placed lift handles on the top of the welder, and it only weighs 41 lbs., making it an easily portable option for hobbyists to carry with them or move from garage to shop setting.  

Dual Voltage Input

Dual voltage input allows the 211i to be used on a 120V outlet, a standard household plug. The machine has a 120V to 230V Power Cord adapter to allow it to run on 230V. This further promotes the functional portability of the unit because it allows access to more locations that include household outlets. Keep in mind the power you get from a household outlet (120V) will provide a welding current of up to 140A. A 230V outlet will provide welding amperage up to 211A.

Wire Feed System

Last but certainly not least, the POWER MIG® 211i comes with Lincoln Electric’s robust and reliable wire feed system. For the best weld, smooth and consistent wire feed is a MUST! When you open the side panel of the welder, you have access to the drive roll system. This machine also comes with a spindle adapter so that you can switch your 1lb. spool out for a 12lb. spool of wire when the project calls for it. 

Key Specifications 

Understanding the technical details of the Lincoln POWER MIG 211i can help you appreciate its capabilities and ensure it meets your welding needs. Here are the key specifications that define its performance and functionality:

• Input Power: 120/230/1/60
• Rated Output Current: 175
• Voltage: 22.75V
• Duty Cycle: 30%
• Effective Input Current at Rated Output 120 VAC: 15 AC
• Effective Input Current at Rated Output 230 VAC: 15 AC
• Output Range 120V: 20-140 Amps DC
• Output Range 230V: 20-211 Amps DC
• Output Range Max OCV: 76V
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 15.5in (394mm) x 10.75in (273mm) x 22in (558mm)
• Net Weight: 41 lbs. (18.6kg)

Components & Accessories

When you purchase the Lincoln POWER MIG 211i, you receive a comprehensive package designed to get you started right away. This welding machine comes equipped with all the essential components and accessories to ensure a smooth and efficient welding experience. Here's everything included in the box:

• Magnum® PRO 100L Gun, 10 ft (3.0 m) 
• 120V to 230V Power Cord Adapter 
• Work Cable and Clamp 
• Adjustable Gas Regulator and Hose 
• Gun Cable Liner (pre-installed in gun) 
• Spindle Adapter 
• Sample 2 lb. (1 kg) 0.030 Spool of SuperArc® L-56® Mild Steel MIG Wire 
• 0.030 in (0.8 mm) Contact Tip (Installed) 
• 0.030-0.035 in (0.8 - 0.9 mm) Drive Roll (Installed) 
• 0.025 - 0.035 in (0.6 - 0.9 mm) Wire Guide (Installed)

See the POWER MIG® 211i in Action

Ready to experience the POWER MIG® 211i? See the welder in action, explore its features, and hear firsthand from one of our welder engineers who demonstrates the unit in our detailed review video.
The POWER MIG® 211i is our top choice for hobbyist welders. It combines simplicity, mobility, and versatility. Its user-friendly interface and lightweight design make it a no-brainer for anyone looking to enhance their on-the-go welding projects. Shop our collection of Lincoln Electric welders at Arc Solutions today.

When it comes to metal fabrication, precision and reliability are essential. For professionals, whether that be engineers and technicians or even business owners, the tools used can make or break the quality of a project. Plasma cutting has risen in popularity for its numerous benefits making it a clear choice over torch and laser cutting, such as speed, quality, and cost effectiveness. 

The question is, where do you start? Which brand stands out? Which system is right for you?  

Hypertherm plasma cutters have emerged as industry leaders, setting new standards for precision and reliability in metal cutting. Read on to explore how these advanced tools optimize workflows, reduce waste, and ensure consistent results, catering to the needs of projects both large and small.

Unmatched Precision, Reliability, and Efficiency

Precision

Utilizing advanced technology, Hypertherm plasma cutters can make incredibly accurate cuts with minimal kerf (cut width). This precision is crucial for projects with small details and tight tolerances, ensuring that each piece fits perfectly without the need for extensive post-cutting adjustments. For technicians and engineers, this means delivering high-quality components with less rework making for greater efficiency.

Reliability

Built with robust components and engineered for durability, these machines deliver consistent performance even in the most demanding environments. Hypertherm even offers a 3-year warranty on their series of Powermax® Power Supplies, giving you peace of mind. Whether you're cutting thin gauge metal or thick steel plates, Hypertherm cutters maintain their cutting quality over extended periods, reducing downtime and maintenance costs which translates to sustained productivity and lower operational expenses. 

Speed

Hypertherm plasma cutters streamline your cutting process in several ways. They not only cut faster than traditional methods like torch cutting or water-jet cutting, but they also eliminate the need for prep work such as preheating, which is often required in torch cutting. This increase in speed and reduction in prep time significantly boosts workflow efficiency, making these cutters a game-changer for technicians and engineers. With less time spent on each task, you can meet tight deadlines and handle high-volume production runs more effectively, leading to quicker project turnarounds and improved profitability.

Hypertherm Powermax® Series: What It Is & Why It Matters

The Powermax® Plasma cutting systems come in a large variety to meet the needs of every project, big or small, without compromising quality. The series hosts two handheld systems: Powermax®30 Air and Powermax®30 XP. Both systems are lightweight, offer dual-voltage capabilities, and are easily portable.  The 30Air hosts an internal air compressor and is the smallest in its class. The Powermax 30XP weighs only 21 pounds and it is perfect for on-the-go cutting jobs. It's ideal for light fabrication, maintenance, and repair work.

Powermax® SYNC

The other category of plasma cutters in the Powermax® series is the SYNC lineup. These systems are fit with advanced torch communication and automated setup. The SYNC lineup also houses some of the latest technology in plasma cutting. You can find more detailed information on each of the SYNC machines in our previous blog. Below is a general overview of the different SYNC plasma systems: 

Finding the Right Plasma Cutting Solution

Hypertherm plasma cutters are revolutionizing the metal cutting industry by setting new benchmarks for precision and reliability. Their ability to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and ensure consistent results makes them an invaluable asset for projects of all sizes. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, investing in Hypertherm plasma cutters can enhance your cutting processes, boost productivity, and improve your bottom line.
Find the right plasma-cutting solution to cut with confidence! Arc Solutions is a leading distributor of all Hypertherm cutting systems and SYNC consumables. Browse our inventory of Hypertherm plasma cutters for sale today!