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In large welding facilities, and in environments that house multiple welding stations, reels provide a safe and organized way to protect welding hoses and cables from damage and wear. In both arc welding and gas welding applications, reels are a necessary safety component due to the potentially dangerous exposure of materials if a hose or cable is flattened or damaged.
For each customer, it is imperative to recommend a welding reel that
is most appropriate for each application. Once you have an understanding
of the application, you are in a position to make a recommendation. Here
are some points to consider.
The Function
Have the customer fully explain the welding operation and the materials
involved. This determines the type of reel that can be used safely
with materials within the hose as well as what type of lubrication
must be used on the reel. |
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If it is a gas welding application, there are certain components
of the reel that must be designed for various types of gas. In particular,
the hose attached to the reel must specify that it is compatible with
gases such as oxyacetylene, propane or M.A.P.P. |
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The type of reel lubrication is a factor in instances where the
lubricant and gas have the potential for explosion, i.e., a gas welding
reel for acetylene cannot be lubricated with petroleum-based grease.
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| Ask the customer about their expectation of the reel
in terms of maximum amps and voltage that the reel cable is to withstand.
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In welding applications, these are usually at significantly high
levels. Therefore, it is important to take into account maximum current
and voltage to ensure the rotary device will safely withstand them
and operate properly. |
Identify the actual size of the cable or hose, as its size subsequently
determines the reel design. If a reel manufacturer does not offer a standard
size reel that accommodates the size of the hose or cable, a customized
design may be necessary for the application.
| Determine the type of rewind mechanism. |
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Welding reels should offer a variety of rewind mechanisms, including
manual, power or spring. Within these categories there are options
such as electric, compressed air or hydraulic power. When investigating
the entire operation, offer these various options, and, based on the
specific application and the user's preference, determine the type
of rewind mechanism that is most appropriate. |
The Environment
Identify the specific surroundings of a reel. |
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Welding environments often are overcrowded with equipment and may
include potential hazards such as flammable or toxic chemicals as
well as electrical shock dangers. For this reason, it is critical
to have a detailed description of the environment to provide the customer
with a reel that not only is safe, but also prevents injury to the
user. |
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Fully understanding the environment also will give you a better
idea of where the reels should be properly installed. To avoid welding
operations from occurring directly on the shop floor, it is critical
to place the reels near the workstation. Arc welding performed on
a concrete floor can generate enough heat to cause steam build-up
in the floor, which may create an explosion. Installing the reel near
a proper workstation encourages the user to weld in a safe environment,
thus preventing injury. |
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The reels may need to be restricted in size (narrower, shorter,
etc.), or installed in a non-traditional method (wall-mounted) due
to space restrictions. Finding a reel manufacturer that can customize
reels is critical in order to provide a reel that safely meets the
customer's needs. |
The Maintenance
Ensure ease of maintenance. |
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Welding and gas reels that require a minimal amount of upkeep are
important to customers. Some simple elements to look for include whether
the chain is tight and lubed, and if ball bearings are permanently
sealed, thus extending the life of the reel. |
This checklist provides you with questions to be answered by your customer
prior to selecting a reel. After you have determined what product is most
appropriate, express your needs to your reel manufacturer and have them
verify that they can provide the product you need, and at a price your
customer is willing to pay.
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