Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i 3-in-1 MIG-Stick-TIG Welder
Thermal Arc, a Thermadyne brand leader in arc welding technology, has launched the Fabricator 252i "3-in-1" MIG-Stick-TIG welding system. Weighing 66 lbs. and with an output range of 5- to 300-amps (250 amps at 40% duty cycle), the Fabricator 252i is the second in a new category of welding products: multi-process, fully integrated, portable welders. With an MSRP of $2,509 for the base package, the Fabricator 252i provides three welding processes for the price of competitive MIG-only units.
Unlike other welders, the Fabricator 252i enables users to choose the best process for the application at hand. For example, its MIG and gas-shielded flux cored outputs provide maximum productivity in the shop. The Stick and self-shielded flux cored processes work better in windy and outdoor conditions, as well as on rusty or dirty metal, while the DC TIG process enables users to weld stainless, copper, nickel, bronze or brass alloys or on applications requiring precise control over heat input and weld bead placement.
Thermal Arc designed the Fabricator 252i for light industrial fabrication, mechanical contractors, farm/ranch, motorsports, maintenance/repair, light construction and continuing technical educational and training facilities.
The Fabricator 252i incorporates advanced inverter technology to optimize arc performance for all three welding processes and provide such features such as:
- MIG inductance control to improve arc stability and reduce spatter.
- MIG spot and stitch welding control (techniques commonly used on sheet metal where users set On/Off and dwell time).
- Stick Hot Start to prevent the electrode from sticking.
- Stick Arc Force Control to adjust arc characteristics for all electrodes (including E7018 for structural steel and E6010 for pipe welding).
- LIFT TIG for arc starts without high frequency.
Digital meters, a comprehensive set-up chart and quick-change (no tools) polarity connections make the unit extremely user friendly. Other performance enhancing features include a 10-pin receptacle for MIG welding aluminum with a spool gun, burn back control, run-in speed control and wire sharp to improve MIG arc starts, downslope control to reduce crater cracking when TIG welding, adjustable pre- and post-flow and 4T trigger hold control to reduce hand fatigue on long TIG or MIG welds.