Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. added a new Caterpillar Turbocharged C1.5T diesel engine as an option to its Big Blue 350 PipePro engine-driven welder/AC generator. The new engine is a liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, EPA Tier 4 Interim model that offers improved altitude compensation, which is critical for transmission pipeline welders who regularly work in high-altitude environments. At 24.7 horsepower and 1,800 rpm, the new engine is quiet and fuel efficient, saving operators as much as 50% in fuel use compared to older models at 3,600 rpm, according to the company.

The Big Blue 350 PipePro provides 20 to 400 amps for both DC Stick (325 amps at 100% duty cycle) and DC TIG welding, 14 to 40 volts for MIG and Flux-Cored welding (350 amps at 100% duty cycle) and 12,000 watt peak/10,000 watts continuous auxiliary generator power for running tools on-site. Built for the harsh elements encountered in pipeline welding, the machine is also designed for structural steel, construction, fabrication and MRO applications.

The Big Blue 350 PipePro features Infinite Arc Control that allows arc characteristics to be tailored to specific applications in Stick, MIG and Flux-Cored welding. Overall arc quality is improved, Stick flaring issues are eliminated, and MIG/Flux-Cored controls have been enhanced and simplified to optimize the machine for wire welding. This is critical as many transmission pipelines are transitioning to high-strength steels where Flux-Cored welding provides optimal performance. The machine is also available as part of the “Big Blue 350 PipePro System”: a complete package for Flux-Cored welding in transmission pipeline applications that also features wireless remote controls and a SuitCase X-TREME 8 HD voltage-sensing wire feeder from Miller; Hobart Brothers Fabshield 79T8 self-shielded, flux-cored tubular wire; and a Bernard PipePro Dura-Flux gun.

The machine also features the Miller “Vault” — two halves of aluminum casing sealed together — to protect the machine’s circuit board from dirt, moisture and heat and ensure consistent operation, including unwavering arc consistency and generator power. The machine also features a 24.4-horsepower Mitsubishi engine as an option that similarly lowers rpm to 1,850 (compared to 3,600 rpm), reduces noise and lowers fuel use by as much as 50 percent compared to other units.

The machine is also available in an optional stainless steel package, and all models come standard with a LINE-X-coated top cover for added durability and reliability. It’s smaller than previous models (56-inch depth) to optimize truck space. The machine meets all Tier 4 Interim requirements for 2013 (is not affected by Tier 4 Final) and is designed to operate for more than 10,000 hours before the first basic overhaul.

The Big Blue 350 PipePro welder/generator’s rated outputs are tested and verified at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Miller’s industrial engine drives are subjected to airborne dust and sand, humidity, corrosion, temperature extremes, shaking, vibration and continuous use as part of the rigorous testing process to ensure optimal performance in all conditions. Additional features include an engine temperature gauge, digital preset weld meters, output contactor control, automatic idle and Miller’s Auto Remote Sense (ARS) that detects if a remote control is plugged into the 14-pin receptacle, eliminating confusion of a remote/panel switch.