Welders worldwide know that Fronius International supplies premium-quality welding equipment and products, and welders in North America are learning it, too, as the group increases its market presence here. Infrastructure spending may provide that opportunity, notably because of the new TransSteel packages Fronius introduced recently.

Welding steel efficiently — such as in engineering mechanical systems, building and construction, pipelines, cranes, rolling stock and container construction, or shipyards — is demanding on both the welder and the equipment.

Researchers at Fronius recognized the problem and developed a comprehensive package called steel transfer technology, based on digitized inverter power sources and introduced in September. In MAG and MMA welding, users of the TransSteel 3500 and TransSteel 5000 inverter power sources benefit by being able to concentrate better on their tasks than on the equipment.

“The intuitive functions and innovative wire-feed system are ideally suited to steel welding,” according to Fronius. “Its robust, compact design and low weight enables the TransSteel to offer immediate benefits in terms of greater portability in the assembly hall or on the building site.” TransSteel products are reportedly easy-to-use, sturdy and reliable. More important, their welding capabilities are top notch: The central control unit ensures a reliable process and reproducible welding results, even when process fluctuations occur.

A particular innovation here is the TransSteel approach to wire feeding, which leads to greater efficiencies in the steel transfer technology system. This sturdy but lightweight module that features a hose pack, torch, and display unit, ensures that the filler wire advances reliably. Its ‘comfort wire’ function handles wire threading automatically.

A portable wire-feed unit can be detached for relocating to difficult-to-access sites where the welding is needed. The welding parameters remain stable, regardless of the position of the hose pack, Fronius reports.

TransSteel's ignition-control feature prevents drops from forming at start-up. Three arc types are offered: the standard arc; “steel root,” with a fine, soft arc for root runs or filling wide gaps; and “steel dynamic,” with a very hard, stable spray arc suitable for components that demand a strong joint.

The Fronius System Connector (FSC) is suitable for manual and robotic applications and gas- or water-cooled systems. Because there is just one connector used for all media, users don't need to use external control plugs. The ergonomically designed torch can be changed quickly and safely using a lever.

Finally, TransSteel devices are designed and built for long and continuous service, and Fronius indicates the products are designed to be adaptable to future technological developments.