Fabrication Focus - Q3 2025

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WIRE CONSUMABLES

TIME - THE SINGLE BIGGEST COST IN WELDING

In search of improving efficiency and reducing costs in welding processes, sometimes the obvious is overlooked. Let’s get back to basics:

THE GOLDEN RULE

A useful guideline for minimising welding costs is known as the Golden Rule*:

“Deposit the minimum amount of the highest quality weld metal with the largest gauge electrode or wire at the highest current in the shortest possible time.”

This principle is designed to maximise efficiency and reduce overall welding time - with TIME being the single largest cost factor in welding.

In today’s highly competitive world, especially when competing against manufacturers and fabricators in low-labour-cost countries, following this rule is more important than ever to help save time, reduce labour costs – and maintain a strong competitive advantage.

WELDING COSTS BREAKDOWN

Another example, improve productivity in welding by increasing the duty cycle. This could be as simple as re-organising the shop floor or work process to improve efficiency and maximise arc time, or switch to a new technology welder which optimises and sets the welding parameters to maximise arc time and quality of welds.

Consider options in combination, e.g. switch to a water-cooled set up to enable welding at a higher current and use a metal cored wire which can be laid down faster.

Finally, always remember: time cannot be saved at the expense of meeting the required welding standards, weld procedures, or end product standards.

WHY QUALITY MATTERS

> A quality MIG wire will provide accuracy in wire placement and consistency in the weld, significantly reducing rework.

> It can be more forgiving and produce a sound weld even under less than perfect conditions.

> The best quality wires are laid down faster, saving significant time.

> Using the best MIG wires should reduce wear and tear on consumable parts.

> A quality wire ensures consistent chemical composition, superior penetration and adhesion, which results in the best welds achievable.

*Source: The Welding Institute (TWI) in the UK, one of the world’s foremost independent research and technology organisations.

Shown above are standard approximations used in the industry. More often, the cost of the filler metal is well below 10% of total welding costs. Overheads such as plant, administration, are not included as they are usually not able to be influenced by decisions made in job costings.

So what does this mean? Look at the bigger picture to minimise your total welding costs.

As an example, a cheaper inferior MIG wire could translate into additional time spent in pre- and post-weld operations such as cutting, forming, surface and joint preparation, pre-heating, cleaning, tacking, grinding and painting.

So a minimal percentage saving in one area is well out-weighed by increased labour costs in efficiency-robbing activities elsewhere.

Engineered with advanced seamless tube technology, Betaweld SL-Series Welding Wires deliver smooth, reliable welds with minimal spatter.

Learn more at betaweld.com.au

WIRE CONSUMABLES

Betaweld SL-Series FCAW Welding Wires are innovative seamless flux cored wires that are manufactured using seamless tube technology. The manufacturing process having been developed over many years of research and development has made this wire very easy to use with excellent welding characteristics.

SL-71T is a seamless copper coated rutile flux cored welding wire with an enhanced degree of fill. It features outstanding welding properties due to ultra low diffusable hydrogen content and can be welded in all positions with only one parameter setting. Provides excellent wire feeding even at high speed and does not require changing feed rollers.

Classification: AWS A5.20: E71T-1M-JH4

The very low moisture content of the core filling in these wires means that the hydrogen potential in these FCAW wires is incredibly low, which minimises cold cracking risk and reduces the need of preheating.

SL-81T FLUX CORED SEAMLESS MIG WIRE

SL-81T is a seamless copper coated rutile flux cored welding wire with an enhanced degree of fill. It features outstanding welding properties due to ultra low diffusable hydrogen content and can be welded in all positions with only one parameter setting. Provides excellent wire feeding even at high speed and does not require changing feed rollers.

Classification: AWS A5.36: E81T12-M21A2-Ni1-H4

Reduces fume emissions by up to 35% when compared to leading brands using CO2 shielding gas!

WIRE CONSUMABLES

• Superior feed ability and arc control

• Triple shaved manufacturing

• Quality European stock/Quality assurance in weld deposit

• Classification: AWS A5. 10: ER5356

BW-71T FLUX CORED MIG WIRE

• Premium gas shielded general purpose flux cored wire

• Designed for all positional welding of mild steel

• For use with CO2 and Argon based shielding gases

• Classification: AWS A5.20: E71T-1C/1M

• High strength + excellent resistance to sea water corrosion

• Triple shaved for superior feedability and arc control

• Suited for marine and structural industries, ship building and boat repairs

• Classification: AWS A5.10: ER5183

BW-70S MILD STEEL MIG WIRE

• Copper coated steel GMAW wire with a wide operation range, stable arc and low spatter

• Designed for welding in vehicles, shipbuilding, steel structures, bridges and pipes in single pass or multi-pass welding

• High levels of manganese and silicon content

• Classification: AWS A5.18: ER70S-6

TOP SELLER
TOP SELLER

WIRE CONSUMABLES

BW70S-6 MILD STEEL TIG RODS

• Copper coated, low hydrogen carbon steel filler rod for TIG and oxy welding applications

• Recommended for the welding of steel pipes, plates, tube sections and general steel repairs

• Suitable for structural steel and castings

• Classification: AWS A5.18 ER70S-6

BW-316L STAINLESS STEEL TIG RODS

• Suitable for welding 302, 304, 308, 318, 347, 410 & 430 grades of stainless steel

• Excellent resistance to general corrosion from organic and inorganic acids

• Recommended shield gas: 100% Argon

• Classification: AWS A5.9 ER316L

BW-5356 ALUMINIUM TIG RODS

• 5% magnesium alloy TIG rod suitable for welding 5 & 7 series alloys

• Typical applications: Marine, tubing, thin sheet, tanks, chequer plate and general aluminium fabrication

• Recommended shield gas: 100% Argon

• Classification: AWS A5.10 ER5356

DC GOUGING CARBONS

Copper coated carbon electrode designed for gouging and cutting with DC current. For use in removal of excess metal from a wide range of metals. Provides high efficiency cutting at low consumption.

FLAT GOUGING CARBONS

• Copper coated carbon electrode

• Designed for gouging and cutting with DC current

• For use in removal of excess metal from a wide range of metals

• For use in close tolerance applications

FUME EXTRACTION

WHY YOU NEED WELDING FUME CONTROL

Dust particles, chemicals, and pathogens all negatively affect our health which impacts machine reliability and our environment.

That’s why we cannot take for granted the air we breathe and the filtration systems we depend upon.

By acknowledging the importance of clean air in worker health, safety, productivity, and sustainability, we begin to understand how important our investments and maintenance in industrial systems are to our businesses.

ALLCLEAR MA100 MOBILE FUME FILTER UNIT 1 ARM

A durable welding and grinding fume extraction unit equipped with a 3-metre arm. It is one of the most compact and economical products of the AllClear fume extraction system series. Mounted on casters for greater mobility, the AllClear MA100 has cleanable filters and an impact plate above the filter to reduce the risk of burnout and increase the life of the filters.

ALLCLEAR MA300 AUTO FUME FILTER UNIT 1PH/240V WITH 3M ARM

The AllClear MA300-auto has an auto air rotating filter cleaning system. It features cleanable cartridge filters, working hour counter, filter fullness indicator, malfunction warning and a special dust collection bin.

ALLCLEAR MA350 MOBILE FUME FILTER UNIT WITH TWIN 3M ARMS

The AllClear MA350 is a durable mobile welding and grinding fume extraction unit equipped with 2 x 3-metre arms. The AllClear MA350 has cleanable cartridge filters, working hour counter, filter fullness indicator, malfunction warning and a special dust collection bin.

Compressed air gun provides quick and easy cleaning.

FUME EXTRACTION

AIR QUALITY IN YOUR WORKSHOP

When you consider a welding fume particle that is 0.5 μm in size can take 2 days to reach the floor when released from a height of 1.5 metres, you begin to understand how long these carcinogenic particles can remain suspended in the air. This is vital to consider when sharing a work environment with welders, as the air could contain respiratory hazards long after welding has been completed.

On-gun fume extraction can assist in reducing exposure to welding fume and other airborne contaminants, not only for the welder, but also for those who work near welding operations. This is the key difference between on-gun fume extraction and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used by the welder. PPE can only protect the welder, while on-gun fume extraction can protect the welder and stop the spread of fume throughout the workplace protecting all workers from welding fume exposure.

98% CAPTURE RATE REMOVES FUME AND FOLLOWS THE WELDER

UNLIKE OTHER FORMS OF LEV

Translas On-Gun Fume Extraction System ONE PERSON/ONE GUN

400/450 amp air cooled on-gun fume extraction system

Up to 98% capture rate leaves shielding gas unaffected

Ergonomic and super lightweight welding gun

Extraction system self cleans with auto start and stop

Euro and Tweco connection option available

Kit includes everything you need to get started with on-gun extraction

Sumig Titan S-400F Extraction Torch

WELDING SAFETY GEAR

The 3MTM SpeedglasTM G5-01TW Welding Helmet with Heavy-Duty Adflo PAPR is a feature-packed, upgraded version of the hugely popular 3M Speedglas 9100 FX Air, with a stack of new technology. Benefit from a larger viewing area with superior optics and a 15% larger clear grinding visor, airflow climate control, 50% longer battery run time and improved comfort.

With Bluetooth lens technology, extra protection options and an optional task light – the G5-01TW must be tried to be believed!

Key features:

• Larger curved grinding visor and removable welding shield

• Larger views with superior optical quality

• Smoother dark to light transition

• Configurable protection - maximise your protection with a new range of extra coverage options to suit your welding environment

• Built-in magnification lens holder

• Industry-leading arc detection and switching with auto-on

• All welding applications with multiple modes

Designed specifically for heavy-duty welding, the 3MTM SpeedglasTM G5-01 Heavy-Duty Respiratory Welding Helmet with a welding lens and heavy-duty Adflo PAPR respirator combines the feature packed G5-01 auto-darkening lens and flip-up grinding visor with heavy-duty powered air respiratory protection.

The G5-01 auto-darkening lens features Variable Colour technology, True-View, Bluetooth connectivity and shade 14 for high amperage welding. Plus, a massive 73x109mm viewing area.

Key features:

• Variable Colour technology allows you to choose between colour tones in the dark state (natural, cool, warm)

• Shade 14 for high amperage, heavy-duty welding (shades 3,5,8-14)

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Fabrication Focus - Q3 2025 by Alphaweld Supply Group - Issuu