Thermal Arc is introducing a new MIG-stick-TIG welding system, its second offering in the new class of multi-process, integrated portable welders. The lightweight Fabricator 252i weighs 66 lb. and has an output range of 5 to 300 amps. Noting that it is also affordable, Thermal Arc said the new system provides three welding processes at price comparable to many MIG-only units.

It’s a machine designed to appeal to welders performing light industrial fabrication and mechanical contractors; or for use in farming or ranching, motorsports, maintenance/repair shops, or light construction work. It’s also a good choice for continuing technical educational and training centers.

Thermal Arc’s Fabricator 252i is a machine designed to appeal to welders performing light industrial fabrication and mechanical contractors; or for use in farming or ranching, motorsports, maintenance/repair shops, or light construction work.

3-in-1 advantages — For welders, the Fabricator 252i makes it possible to select the optimal process for task at hand. For example, the MIG and gas-shielded flux-cored outputs are useful in a workshop, while the stick and self-shielded flux-cored processes are available for outdoor assignments. The DC TIG process capability proves useful across a range of materials (stainless, copper, nickel, bronze, brass alloys), or when the job requires precision control of heat input and weld-bead location.

Using 208-230-V primary power, the Fabricator 252i provides the following outputs:
• MIG/Flux-cored welding: 5 to 300 amps/14 to 30 volts (250A/26.5V @ 40% duty cycle). It will run solid wires from 0.023- to 0.045 in. diameter; flux-cored wires from 0.030- to 0.045 in.; and aluminum wires from 0.030- to 3/64 in. It receives 4-, 8- and 12-in. diameter wire spools.
• Stick welding (DC only): Up to 300 amps (230A/29.2V @ 40% duty cycle), suitable for running stick electrodes up to 0.25-in. diameter.
• TIG welding (DC only): 5 to 300 amps (250A/20V @ 40% duty cycle), suitable for running all common-diameter tungsten electrodes.

The Fabricator 252i is designed with inverter technology to optimize arc performance for all three welding processes. Among the design features:
– MIG inductance control, to improve arc stability and reduce spatter;
MIG spot and stitch welding control, e.g., for setting on/off and dwell time during sheet metal welding;
– 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); and
– Lift TIG for arc starts without high frequency.

Digital meters, a comprehensive set-up chart, and quick-change (no tools) polarity connections enhance the “user-friendliness” of the system. Other design 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.

“The 3-in-1 design approach delivers superior features and value for our customers,” explained Thermal Arc v.p.-Welding Products, David Wilton. “Exceptional arc performance across all three welding processes coupled with lightweight portability means customers no longer need to purchase two or three welders to achieve multi-process capabilities.”

The Fabricator 252i also has power-factor correction, which lowers its primary current draw and allows it to provide full output on a 50-amp circuit. It will tolerate voltage fluctuations from 187 to 276 VAC, so it’s well suited to run off any generator (including PTO-driven units) that supplies at least 8.2 kVA (6.6 kW) of power.

The unit is supplied with a Tweco Spray Master 250-amp MIG gun, Tweco WeldSkill 200 amp stick electrode holder, and Victor Edge regulator. Available accessories include a TIG torch and remote foot control, a hand pendant for remote stick/TIG amperage control, a Tweco 200-amp spool gun for aluminum, single- and dual-cylinder carts for shop mobility and a roll-cage for skidding or carrying in portable applications.