Pulsed DC TIG/MMA inverter receives Red Dot Award

“We would like to thank the Red Dot Award judges, who recognised that the Renegade design focused on solving customer problems through mechanical and electrical design innovations,” said Martin Freibergs, Business Product Manager, ESAB.

“Our voice-of-customer process enabled us to build a machine that not only looks very different from traditional welding machines but also addresses many of their shortcomings. Renegade’s innovations can be summarised as portability, power and performance” (see Renegade product overview video from FABTECH 2017).

For the 2018 Red Dot Awards, designers and manufacturers from 59 countries submitted more than 6,300 objects to the competition. True to the motto 'In search of good design and innovation', a jury comprising roughly 40 members assessed the products individually based on the original.

The strict judging criteria, which include level of innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics and durability, provide a frame of reference which the jurors then complement with their own expertise.

Portability, power and performance
The Renegade ET 300iP features an extreme power-to-weight ratio in a compact format, weighs 17kg, measures 460mm by 200mm by 320mm and runs 300A at 40% duty cycle with mains and welding cables up to 100m and has excellent multi-voltage capabilities.

It connects to 230V 1-phase power and 230V to 480V 3-phase power (both ­±10 percent) with auto-sensing functionality and no rewiring required. A compact format, multi-handle design and integrated cable management system make it easy to carry and bring to any job site.

Renegade features a composite housing that can withstand extreme impact and drops better than any other machine on the market. The handles are constructed and positioned to protect connectors and the panel from rough welding environments.

“Compact power and multi-voltage capabilities provide an advantage in applications where welding machines are used for both shop and field fabrication,” said Freibergs. “Typical applications are pre-fabrication assembly work and field installation in the pipe, petrochemical, shipyard, offshore, construction, repair and maintenance applications.”

For shop use, Renegade ET 300iP converts from a water-cooled system to an air-cooled portable system in minutes, and conversion does not require tools. In terms of fleet management for larger companies and rental businesses, Renegade simplifies acquisition and maintenance, as a single machine can meet many application and location needs.

Advanced controls
Renegade has a pulse TIG frequency of up to 999 pulses per second (PPS) and a peak pulse width (or duration) adjustable between 10 and 90%. Stainless steel fabricators and those working with thin metals or other heat sensitive applications use pulsed TIG to reduce heat input, narrow the weld profile and increase travel speed. Freibergs provides an excellent overview of the Renegade TIG controls in this video.

Renegade can weld with MMA electrodes up to 6mm and has gouging capabilities with carbons up to 4.8mm diameter, making it the most powerful welder in its weight class. As a next-generation inverter, Renegade’s MMA performance is enhanced by built-in intelligence for optimising starts and stops and controlling arc stability for less spatter.

“Innovation that solves customer problems defines our future,” said Freibergs. “The Renegade ET 300iP is just one unit Renegade family of compact, powerful, high performance welders. This new platform will generate many more new products in the future, driving growth in the welding solution category.”