Fronius VR 5000 Case offers mobile welding wire feed tough enough for salty environments

The VR 5000 Case wire feeder has extra-sturdy plastic housing and skid runners, while extremely rugged strain-relieved connectors make it possible to drag the unit directly by the torch hose pack, and to lift it or let it down from great heights by the interconnecting hose pack. A novel connector concept ensures that the connections do not work loose under such usage. The flame-resistant case is unaffected by dust, moisture, salty air and splash water and its minimised contours help to prevent the unit getting caught, stuck or jammed. The wire feeder's external dimensions, 507 by 200 by 320 mm, allow it to pass comfortably through manholes of up to 350 mm in diameter. The controls in the recessed front panel are also protected from getting damaged. An ergonomically shaped handle, and a weight under 10 kg, make it possible to carry the VR 5000 Case around a job site. Interconnecting hose packs of up to 70 m long (for gas-cooled welding systems) allow a very wide radius of action. A bayonet latch with an inside locking mechanism lets the welder fix and detach the torch hose pack and interconnecting hose pack quickly and securely. Tilt-down side covers are integrated on both sides of the unit, with snap closures that are easy to open and close when wearing gloves. The side-covers provide access to the inside connectors for the hose packs, as well as to the motor plate and wire spool. The VR 5000 Case accommodates a 5 kg spool of 200 mm diameter wire (D 200). A time-saving ComfortWire function inches the wire in unaided after spool change. A four-roller drive ensures constant wire travel when welding. Fronius offers the feeder unit in several different equipment configurations – water or gas-cooled versions, for example – or in a version that lets welders tap into welding knowhow (Steel Transfer Technology) in the form of characteristics (Steel, Steel Root, Steel Dynamic, Steel Prime). An optional gas-flow regulator allows users to set and control the flow of shielding gas precisely directly from the feeder unit. An optional on/off switch prevents unwanted contact ignition during transit. If desired, the VR 5000 Case can also be ordered with an electrode socket at the rear for rod-electrode welding.