Page 44 - MetalForming March 2013

Metalformers can boost value-added productivity by taking the time to select the right welding gun for the job. Doing so will help optimize welder comfort and maneuverability, and increase arc-on time.
choice depends on operator prefer- ence. So, metalformers should allow operators to experiment to determine which design best suits him or her.
When possible, a welder may want to consider using a slightly lower- amperage welding gun to gain greater comfort and minimize fatigue and stress on the wrists and hands. Typi- cally, as a welding gun’s amperage decreases so too does the size of the gun handle. As handle size decreases, the equipment becomes lighter and easier to maneuver for longer periods of time. It is important, however, when opting to use a smaller and lighter- weight handle that the gun still meets the application’s requirements for weld- ing amperage and duty cycle. Duty cycle is defined by the equipment’s allowable arc-on time in a 10-min. peri- od when operating at maximum capac- ity. Some welding guns will offer 100- percent-duty cycle, while others are rated 60 percent or below. In many cases, a welding gun rated at 300 A, for example, may suffice for a 400-A appli- cation considering that welders rarely weld continuously enough to exceed the gun’s duty cycle.
In a shop setting, another option to gain greater comfort and productivity
BY ANDY MONK
The term “ergonomics” has become increasingly common in the workplace as companies strive to improve worker safety and efficiency, whether in the office or on the plant floor. At its most basic level, ergonomics refers to the discipline or science of designing equipment and arranging the work environment for optimal worker comfort and produc- tivity. The goals: minimize fatigue, reduce repetitive motion and decrease overall physical and mental stress.
For welders who spend their time maneuvering around difficult weld joints with a gas-metal-arc welding (GMAW ) gun, flux-cored-arc or fume- extraction welding gun, while facing a
Andy Monk is new products manager, Bernard, Beecher, IL: 800/946-2281; www.bernardwelds.com.
hot arc, ergonomics takes on an espe- cially important meaning. A welding gun’s handle, neck and power-cable design can significantly impact how long a welder can function without experiencing fatigue or stress. Also, excessive heat from welding, just like musculoskeletal strain, can contribute negatively to the welder’s health and efficiency.
In the long run, choosing a welding gun that offers optimum comfort and operates at a relatively low temperature can help increase productivity and, ultimately, the profitability of the weld- ing operation, by allowing for greater arc-on time.
Minimize Fatigue with the Right Handle
Welding-gun manufacturers offer handles in curved and straight designs;
42 MetalForming/March 2013
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The Value of Comfort
Select a welding gun that offers optimum comfort and, where required, the ability to complete challenging out-of-position welds. This will minimize straining and reduce the opportunity for fatigue or injury, increasing productivity and, ultimately, the profitability of the welding operation.