Rebel, a multi-process welding system

The Rebel provides an industrial quality arc for MIG, flux-cored, Lift TIG and Stick welding, including excellent performance with difficult-to-weld E6010 electrodes. In fact, ESAB encourages side-by-side weld test comparisons and believes that the Rebel will provide a superior experience for welders of all skill levels.

The Rebel has two operating modes, Basic and Advanced, that make welding easy for beginners or lets those with more experience fine tune parameters. Operators interact with the Rebel using a unique control that combines traditional weld parameter adjustments with the functionality of a smart phone (in fact, the 4.3-inch color display uses the same thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD technology found in smart phones). No other welder combines this level of simplicity, performance and control.

The Rebel accepts 100 and 200 mm diameter wire spools, runs 0.6 to 1.0 mm diameter wires and enables users to run on 230V to 120V primary power. The Rebel weighs 18 kg., measures 584 x 229 x 406 mm and features a five-handle roll cage and unibody construction that integrates the front, back and top panels to provide superior durability for protecting internal components.

When connected to 230V primary, the unit provides a MIG output of 20 to 220 amps, a Stick output of 30 to 180 amps and a TIG output of 5 to 240 amps. Applications include auto repair and restoration, maintenance and repair, mechanical contractors, light construction, farm and agricultural, training facilities and sheet metal/HVAC.

The unit comes ready-to-weld for MIG and TIG welding processes. ESAB includes a professional-grade MXL 200 MIG torch, electrode holder and return cable kits (3 meters), a 4.5 meter gas hose with quick connection to the machine, 200 mm Aristorod 12.50 0.8 mm wire spool and contact tips and drive rolls for wires between 0.6 and 1.0 mm wire.

“The Rebel EMP 215ic is the most incredible go-anywhere, weld-anything machine on the market. Users have to experience this machine to believe just how good it is,” says Martin Freibergs, Product Business Manager – Arc Equipment, ESAB Europe. The Rebel offers outstanding all-process arc performance because we enhanced the control algorithms from our industrial systems such as the Warrior™ and Aristo®, gathered input from real world welders and then incorporated that knowledge into the Rebel design.”

The Smartest Control System

Available on the European market, the Rebel’s interface can be set for 22 different languages. The control display incorporates a built-in user manual with graphics and text to help with weld process set up, such as for connecting the work and ground leads to the correct terminals, as well as for ordering parts. The display lets users select the welding mode, as well as set and control all functions.

With the Rebel’s sMIG (“smart MIG”) function, users begin MIG welding by setting metal thickness and selecting wire diameter. The Rebel will automatically adapt to any popular steel, stainless, chrome-moly or aluminium filler metal/gas combination and provide a stable MIG arc. The sMIG mode enables users to weld thicker or thinner metal by increasing or decreasing wire feed speed, as well as to raise or flatten the bead profile (“crown”) by increasing or decreasing voltage (“trim”). Welders can also adjust inductance to fine tune arc stability and control spatter. As users adjust one parameter, sMIG automatically adjusts others to keep the MIG arc stable.

Using an exclusive, built-in algorithm, sMIG monitors the operator’s technique and continuously adapts the MIG output to provide a stable arc and superior, repeatable welds. “sMIG takes smart to a level never-before-seen in the industry,” says Freibergs. “Experienced welders become productive more quickly, and novice welders start producing quality welds in less time. The sMIG feature takes away the doubt of welding with incorrect settings and so users can focus on good welding torch technique. Rebel gives users confidence to weld anywhere with a ready-to-weld package.”

For those welders who prefer traditional MIG and flux-cored welding, the Rebel enables users to pre-set and adjust wire feed speed and voltage, as well as set run-in (creep start) speed, adjust burn-back control and program timers for spot and stitch welding. When welding, the control shifts to display amperage and voltage.

Because different types of MMA electrodes require different controls, the Rebel lets users optimise performance by selecting from one of two settings: Cellulosic Electrodes (E6010, E6011) or all other Electrodes (E70XX, E308, E309, E316). To further fine tune performance, the Rebel features adjustable arc force and hot start control.

With TIG welding (as well as MIG), users can select either 2T/4T trigger control; 2T for standard operation and 4T to provide a hold function that reduces hand fatigue.

Two Rebel Models

ESAB offers two Rebel models. The full-featured Rebel EMP 215ic offers all of the capabilities noted above. The Rebel EM 215ic provides MIG, sMIG and flux-cored welding outputs and features a more traditional interface with digital meters (coming soon).