Welding Power Source features lightweight, portable design.
Press Release Summary:
Weighing 40 lb, CST(TM) 280 Stick/TIG Welding Power Source provides output of 280 A/31 V at 35% duty cycle or 250 A/30 V at 60% duty cycle. Users can select between high and low voltage inputs to accommodate domestic and international requirements. If the arc start requires additional output amperage, Adaptive Hot Start(TM) automatically provides it, preventing electrode from sticking and creating inclusion. Remote amperage control is provided through 14-pin receptacle.
Original Press Release:
New Miller Electric CST(TM) 280 Provides Increased Welding Outputs
- Lightweight and portable
- Superior Stick arc characteristics
APPLETON, Wis. January 31, 2005--To provide increased welding outputs, lightweight portability and superior Stick arc characteristics, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. introduced the new CST(TM) 280 Stick/TIG welding power source. Providing an output of 280 amps/31 volts at 35 percent duty cycle or 250 amps/30 volts at 60 percent duty cycle, the CST 280 weighs less and costs approximately the same price as competitive units. Industries that benefit from the CST 280's lightweight portability include power plant and petrochemical construction, as well as maintenance and repair, shipbuilding and vocational technology.
"We built the CST 280 with specific industries in mind. We wanted it to be portable and lightweight, but still provide quality arc characteristics," states Mike Roth, product manager, Miller Electric. "It has a lot of power in a very small package."
Lightweight, Portable, Powerful
Both powerful and economical, the CST 280 is small enough to fit through portholes, portable for onsite field construction work and is easily maneuvered through large facilities.
Weighing only 40 lbs, the CST 280 offers operators the ability to easily transport the machine to the work instead of taking the work to the machine. This portability is extremely important in organizations where the work cannot physically be moved, such as in power plant facilities.
"The size of the machine makes mobility easy and having 280 amps available makes the CST 280 a very versatile machine," states Rodney West, shop manager, Leasco Equipment Services, Inc.
Although lightweight, the CST 280 leads its class in power capabilities. The CST 280 offers a maximum of 280 amps - enough power to run 3/16-in. hydrogen electrodes. In addition, the CST 280 is very tolerant of line voltage fluctuations, keeping power smooth and stable.
Ease of Use
The CST 280's input power voltage selection has been expanded and users can select between high and low voltage inputs to accommodate domestic and international requirements. Users can select these high and low voltage ranges with one easy-to-use switch located outside of the unit on the rear panel. Since the external link switch is located on the back of the CST 280, input voltages can be changed without removing the machine from its optional inverter racks. Further, the top and side panels of the machine do not require removal when changing input voltages. All other CST 280 controls are located on the front of the machine for easy access. In addition, the weld process selector switch provides optimum volt/amp curve and dig settings for EXX18 and EXX10 Stick electrode types.
"Probably the most important plus for this machine is the simplicity of using it. Overall it is a very user friendly machine," states West. "In addition, changing voltage from the back of the machine is much more efficient than having to remove the case."
Optional 4-pack inverter racks are available for multiple operator applications and are most commonly used in the construction and shipyard industries. Providing a simple means of protecting and transporting welding power sources, the CST 280 Rack's low weight adds to the portability of the CST 280, allowing transportation on elevators without exceeding weight requirements.
Superior Arc Starts
Featuring Adaptive Hot Start(TM) for Stick arc starts, the CST 280 provides superior Stick arc characteristics even on difficult-to-run electrodes like E6010. If the arc start requires additional output amperage, Adaptive Hot Start automatically provides it, preventing the electrode from sticking and creating an inclusion. After the arc has been established, heat and output amperage are automatically decreased. In addition, the CST 280 offers Lift-Arc(TM) starts, which provide TIG arc starting without the use of a high frequency.
Other CST 280 features include remote amperage control, which is provided through a 14-pin receptacle on the front of the unit, and permits the use of standard remote amperage control devices. Tweco® and Dinse-style connectors are available on the CST 280, whereas competitive machines only offer Dinse-style connectors. This is a problem for the construction industry because they mainly use Tweco cables. When competitive machines only offer Dinse-style connectors, adapters will need to be purchased. Since adapters are easily lost or misplaced, adapter purchases can become costly.
The CST 280 is covered by Miller's True-Blue® three-year factory warranty. For more information or to download a product spec sheet, visit Miller's Web site at MillerWelds.com, call 1-800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), fax 877-327-8132 or write to Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.
With headquarters in Appleton, Wis., Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller and Hobart brand arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller Electric is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.
