They feature inverter technology and digital controls to improve productivity, boost quality and simplify training.
Rustler enables users to weld with wire diameters from 0.6 to 1.6 mm using the short circuit, globular and spray transfer processes, satisfying process requirements for thin and thick metals.
The Rustler EM 280C PRO offers a MIG welding output of 280A at 40% duty cycle and the Rustler EM 350C PRO offers a welding output of 350A at 40% duty cycle. The Rustler EM 350C PRO Synergic also provides a 350A output and adds the benefits of synergy control, which saves set-up time, promotes consistency and helps less experienced welders produce optimal welds.
With its modern inverter design that improves welding results and operator comfort, Rustler also meets EU Ecodesign Directives and offers customers an energy efficiency of 86% to lower utility bills. Rustler replaces ESAB’s Origo Mig Compact welding power sources, one of the most successful MIG products in Europe for the last two decades.
Rustler’s operator interface features two 14-segment digital displays on the front panel and advanced control functions such as spot welding mode, gas pre- and post-flow, creep start, wire burnback control, crater fill, 2T/4T trigger control and Arc Dynamics (a control to fine tune arc characteristics for a crisp/stiff arc when welding carbon steel or a smooth/soft arc when welding stainless steel). Users can also program, store and recall five sets of parameters using Quick Job buttons on the front of the machine.
“Rustler inverters combine simple, intuitive controls and reliable operation for small fabricators and welding fleets,” says Bartosz Kutarba, global product manager – light industrial equipment, ESAB. “With Rustler’s excellent arc characteristics, fabricators can weld with a stable arc and minimal spatter to further improve productivity. These welders also offer an MMA (SMAW) output, which provides the flexibility to weld different types of base materials and satisfy procedures that specify the MMA process.”
Rustler users include those in general and industrial fabrication, structural steel fabrication, repair and maintenance applications who want a compact, integrated system that offers easy mobility around a shop environment. The machines are assembled at ESAB’s facility in Opole, Poland.
Rustler features a four-wheel drive feeding mechanism (strengthened gears from sintered steel that last longer than most of available mechanisms on the market) to deliver precision arc starts and stops and steady feeding performance with wire diameters from 0.6 to 1.6 mm; it accepts 200 and 300 mm wire spools. Torch options include the ESAB PSF 315 torch (with cable length options of 3, 4 or 5 m) or the ESAB Exeor 315 R4 torch for remote control capabilities.
“ESAB also created a more user-friendly machine,” says Kutarba. “Welding operators will appreciate such conveniences as a storage box on top of the unit, a torch rest to keep the torch off the floor, cable and PPE hangers for better organization and two handles to easily manoeuvre the system around the shop.” Rustler machines weigh 54 to 61 kg depending on the model, or about 40% less than the comparable Origo Mig.
Synergic Control, available with the Rustler EM 350C PRO Synergic, lets fabricators weld most common base materials with factory-optimized arc programs for carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and self-shielded flux cored wires. After welders set the wire type, wire diameter and shielding gas mix, Rustler automatically sets and maintains optimized welding parameters throughout the entire range of material thicknesses, eliminating the guess-work associated with traditional controls. To weld faster or “hotter,” simply increase wire feed feed. To weld slower or “cooler,” decrease wire feed speed.