Bernard and Tregaskiss to Showcase MIG Welding Solutions at FABTECH 2023

BEECHER, Ill./WINDSOR, Ontario. (June 1, 2023) — Bernard and Tregaskiss will attend FABTECH in Chicago, Sept. 11-14, sharing booth B23027 with Miller Electric Mfg. LLC and Hobart Brothers LLC. The companies will showcase integrated welding solutions that help improve productivity, reduce costs and deliver high quality.

Bernard will display its AccuLock™ S consumables with dual-locked and conventional liners for semi-automatic welding applications. Tregaskiss will showcase its AccuLock R and AccuLock HDP consumables for robotic applications. These consumables systems are designed to increase consumable life and productivity while decreasing costs.

Also at the booth, Tregaskiss will display its TOUGH GUN® TA3 robotic air-cooled MIG guns as well as TT4E and TT4A nozzle cleaning stations, which automate spatter removal to extend robotic MIG gun and consumable life. Tregaskiss will also display its BA1 cobot air-cooled MIG welding guns, designed for Miller® Copilot™ Collaborative Welding Systems. The cobot gun offers fast, simple installation and consistently delivers high-quality welds. Bernard will feature its BTB semi-automatic air-cooled MIG guns. Operators can customize these guns with multiple handle, trigger and liner options along with fixed or rotatable neck and choice of consumables, using the online configurator. Clean Air™ fume extraction MIG guns also will be featured by Bernard.

Bernard and Tregaskiss representatives will be available to answer questions about the brands’ welding solutions and to provide information on technical and product support.

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Bernard Expands Power Pin Offering for AccuLock S Consumables System

BEECHER, Ill. (November 10, 2020) — Bernard announced that its AccuLock™ S consumables system now includes Lincoln®, Tweco® #4 and Tweco #5 power pins. These are in addition to the power pins for Miller® equipment previously available.

All power pins are configurable options for the company’s BTB semi-automatic air-cooled MIG guns using the online configurator.

The AccuLock S consumable system addresses errors in liner trimming by locking and concentrically aligning the liner between the contact tip and power pin — no fasteners required. This system provides a flawless wire feeding path to minimize downtime associated with issues like burnbacks and birdnesting. Installing and replacing the liner is an error-proof process that requires no measuring. Users simply load the liner and trim it flush with the power pin.

Contact tips in the AccuLock S consumables system last two to three times longer due to optimized wire feeding. The contact tips also simplify inventory as part of a common consumable platform; they share the same contact tip with Tregaskiss® AccuLock R consumables.

The AccuLock S consumables system requires all AccuLock components: contact tip, diffuser, nozzle, liner, neck insulator, power pin and power pin cap.

AccuLock R Consumables Now Available on Fixed Automatic and Robotic Water-Cooled MIG Guns

WINDSOR, Ontario (October 27, 2020) – Tregaskiss announced its fixed automatic MIG guns and robotic water-cooled MIG guns are now available with AccuLock™ R consumables. This consumable system has been designed to increase contact tip life and virtually eliminate cross-threading issues, leading to a reduction in both planned and unplanned downtime for changeover.

AccuLock R consumables are compatible with the Tregaskiss MA1 fixed automatic air-cooled MIG gun, as well as the Tregaskiss MW1 and AW2 fixed automatic water-cooled guns for hard tooling automation applications. They are also available on the Tregaskiss 600-amp robotic water-cooled MIG gun, which is designed to improve productivity on demanding applications, such as welding thick plate or running prolonged duty cycles. Customers currently using TOUGH LOCK® consumables on their 600-amp robotic water-cooled gun can convert to AccuLock R consumables with no impact on Tool Center Point (TCP).

The consumables, including contact tips, gas diffusers and nozzles, are an option to select when customizing any of the guns using the Tregaskiss online configurators.

AccuLock R contact tips feature coarse threads that are responsible for virtually eliminating cross-threading, along with a long contact tip tail. The tail concentrically aligns inside the diffuser before engaging to ensure quick and accurate contact tip replacement, reducing time spent troubleshooting.

The AccuLock R contact tip has an increased mass at the front of the tip; plus, 60% of the tip is buried in the diffuser so it is protected from the arc’s heat. Tapered mating surfaces provide excellent electrical conductivity and also keep the consumables locked in place.

Bernard and Tregaskiss Release New MIG Welding Guns & Consumables Catalog

BEECHER, Ill./WINDSOR, Ontario. (August 4, 2020) — Bernard and Tregaskiss have announced the availability of a joint MIG Welding Guns & Consumables catalog.

The 46-page, full-color catalog includes a consumable comparison chart to compare contact tip, nozzle and diffuser types across the brands’ available consumables offerings, along with a consumables and MIG gun series compatibility chart to guide users in their selection.

The catalog offers easy-to-read key features and part numbers for its products and is organized by product category, first highlighting the brands’ exclusive AccuLock™ S and AccuLock R Consumables — both designed to reduce downtime and improve welding performance.

Also included in the catalog are product details and configurator overviews for customizing Bernard® Semi-Automatic MIG Guns, Tregaskiss® Robotic MIG Guns, Clean Air™ Guns and more. Tregaskiss Fixed Automatic MIG Guns for hard tooling applications are also featured.

Each page includes website QuickLinks with URLs users can visit to learn more about a specific product, plus service and support contact numbers and directions to explore online resources, such as videos and product configurators.

The catalog can be downloaded as a PDF or ordered as a printed copy at Tregaskiss.com/literature.

Bernard Expands AccuLock S Consumables System 

BEECHER, Ill. February 19, 2020 – Bernard has expanded its AccuLock™ S consumables system to include additional diffuser and nozzle types and sizes, as well as new contact tip options.

The large AccuLock S consumables offering now features a new slip-on diffuser, along with a copper 3/8-inch bore tapered nozzle.

Bernard has also added two new diffusers that allow small AccuLock S consumables to be installed easily, including thread-on and slip-on versions — plus compatible brass and copper nozzles with 5/8- and 1/2-inch bores and brass nozzles with 3/8-inch bores. A variety of tip recesses are available within the selection of nozzles.

In the case of the small or large AccuLock S consumable offering, the same nozzle can install onto either a thread-on or slip-on diffuser.

New tapered ‘TT’ series contact tips (0.350-inch O.D.) are available to accommodate wire diameters ranging from 0.023 to 1/16 inch and are compatible with both small and large AccuLock S diffusers and nozzles. The ‘TT’ series contact tips pair with tapered-profile nozzles to provide the same tip recess and better weld joint access. Like other contact tips in the system, the ‘TT’ series contact tips feature coarse threads that easily mate with the gas diffuser to reduce the risk of cross-threading and to speed replacement.

The AccuLock S consumables, introduced in early 2019, were designed to reduce downtime, troubleshooting and rework associated with errors in liner trim length and erratic wire feeding. The system concentrically aligns the liner with the power pin and contact tip, locking it in place for a flawless wire feeding path. Welders don’t need to measure the liner during installation or replacement — they simply cut the liner flush with the back of the power pin for perfect liner trimming, every time.

In addition to contact tips, nozzles and gas diffusers, the AccuLock S consumables require an AccuLock S-specific liner, power pin and power pin cap.

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AccuLock R Series Consumables Increase Throughput and Efficiency

WINDSOR, Ontario (November 14, 2019) – Tregaskiss has designed its new AccuLock™ R consumables system to virtually eliminate cross-threading issues and offers AccuLock HDP contact tips as an option within the series to extend tip life by 10 times or more in certain pulsed welding applications.

The consumables can help to reduce both unplanned and planned downtime in robotic MIG welding applications. By increasing efficiency, AccuLock R consumables help companies achieve annual cost reduction and throughput goals — with minimal risk or effort. They are ideal for applications in the automotive, fabrication and manufacturing industries.

For companies challenged with a shortage of experienced welding operators, reducing the need for replacement of the AccuLock R consumables means fewer human interactions within the welding cell and fewer opportunities for errors during installation. The coarse threads on the contact tip are responsible for virtually eliminating the risk of cross-threading and a long contact tip tail concentrically aligns within the diffuser prior to thread engagement, ensuring quick, accurate replacement. Eliminating cross-threading issues allows companies to spend less time troubleshooting and more time focused on weld quality and productivity initiatives.
AccuLock R consumables feature an enhanced contact tip-to-diffuser design. The contact tip features increased mass at the front and 60% of the tip is buried in the diffuser, protected from the heat of the welding arc, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Tapered mating surfaces ensure optimal electrical conductivity, while also keeping the consumables locked in place.

The Tregaskiss® AccuLock R and Bernard® AccuLock S consumables share a common contact tip available for welding wire sizes ranging from 0.023 to 1/8 inch. This common consumables platform™ simplifies inventory and reduces the chance of mistakes during changeover.

The consumables are compatible with front-loading QUICK LOAD® liners from Tregaskiss, as well as TOUGH GUN® CA3 and TA3 robotic MIG guns and Tregaskiss air-cooled fixed automation MIG guns. Current users of Tregaskiss® TOUGH LOCK® consumables or other contact tips and diffusers can, in most cases, easily change to AccuLock R consumables without affecting the tool center point (TCP) or needing to reprogram the robot.

Tregaskiss Updates Robotic MIG Gun and Reamer Configurators

WINDSOR, Ontario (August 20, 2019) – Tregaskiss has updated the online configurators for its TOUGH GUN® CA3 robotic air-cooled MIG gun, TOUGH GUN TA3 robotic air-cooled MIG gun and the TOUGH GUN TT3 reamer robotic nozzle cleaning station with improved functionality. The new mobile-friendly configurators allow users to quickly and easily customize their robotic MIG guns and reamer for their exact application. 

Designed for high-volume production environments, the 385-amp TOUGH GUN CA3 robotic air-cooled MIG gun is engineered for precision, durability, accuracy and repeatability. The TOUGH GUN TA3 robotic MIG gun minimizes downtime and improves welding performance on today’s through-arm robotic welding systems, while the TOUGH GUN TT3 and TT3 (Ethernet) reamer helps extend the life of robotic MIG guns and consumables and operates reliably in even the harshest welding environments.

In addition to features previously offered on the configurators, including reverse part number lookups and step-by-step product customization, the new versions provide access to expanded resources. These include a detailed summary of the configured gun or reamer, downloadable exploded view diagrams, an expanded replacement parts list with diagram, and other valuable takeaways like spec sheets and owner’s manuals.

When the configurations for the TOUGH GUN CA3 and TOUGH GUN TA3 Robotic MIG Guns or TOUGH GUN TT3 Reamer are complete, the user receives a part number and parts list, and has the option to print, save in PDF format or email results. There is also the option to find contact information for a local distributor to order products from, or the user can request more information from a Customer Service representative.

To access the newly updated online configurators, visit Tregaskiss.com/ConfigureMyGun.

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Bernard and Tregaskiss to Showcase Consumable and Gun Solutions at FABTECH 2019

BEECHER, Ill./WINDSOR Ontario. (July 18, 2019) – Bernard and Tregaskiss will attend FABTECH 2019 in Chicago at McCormick Place, November 11 to 14. The companies will be in booth B23054.

In addition to showcasing AccuLock™ consumables for semi-automatic and robotic welding applications, the companies will also participate in live welding demonstrations. As part of those demonstrations, the Bernard® AccuLock S consumables will be paired with Bernard semi-automatic MIG guns, power sources from Miller Electric Mfg. LLC and filler metals from Hobart in a shared area with these brands.

Both Bernard and Tregaskiss will have representatives available to answer questions about semi-automatic and robotic MIG gun and consumable solutions and provide information on the companies’ technical and product support.

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Bernard Updates Online Configurators with Expanded Capabilities

BEECHER, Ill. April 9, 2019 – Bernard has launched new versions of its BTB semi-automatic air-cooled MIG gun and Clean Air™ fume extraction gun online configurators. These mobile-friendly configurators make it easy for users to customize an industrial-duty welding gun to match their application or preferences — improving comfort and overall welding performance. Configuring a gun to users’ exact specifications can help reduce fatigue and stress, making them more productive and helping them gain high quality welds. 

Users can still take advantage of the configurator features offered previously, including reverse part number lookups — now with extended functionality and additional resources available. These online configurators let customers choose the specifications of their gun, including cable type and length, amperage, handle and trigger type, neck type, neck angle and length, contact tip, wire size, power pin and liner. Plus, the new Bernard^® AccuLock S consumables are now available for selection in the BTB semi-automatic air-cooled MIG gun configurator.

Once the configuration is complete, users receive a part number and a detailed summary of their results. In addition, users now have access to new exploded view diagrams of the welding gun and consumables, product spec sheets and an owner’s manual, as well as other relevant online resources and literature.

Users can choose to print the results of their gun configuration, download them in PDF format and save them for later, or share via email, and can request more information from a Bernard representative directly on the site. They can also take the part number to their local distributor to order their gun.

Learn more or access these online configurators now.

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MIG Gun Consumable System Simplifies Installation, Offers Flawless Wire Feeding

BEECHER, Ill. March 6, 2019 – Bernard has introduced its new AccuLock™ S consumables system. Building on proven MIG gun consumable technology, Bernard has added advanced design features. These features ensure higher productivity and optimized wire feeding, while also simplifying installation and maintenance. The system includes a contact tip, nozzle, gas diffuser, liner, and power pin and power pin cap. 

“AccuLock S consumables represent a revolutionary improvement for users of industrial MIG guns,” says Linda Ray, Vice President and General Manager. “These MIG gun consumables work together, as a complete system, improving performance and minimizing — if not eliminating — the most common gun maintenance issues.”

About the MIG Gun Consumable System

The AccuLock S consumables are designed to solve issues associated with poor wire feeding in semi-automatic MIG welding such as bird-nesting, burnback and erratic arc. The system locks in place and concentrically aligns the liner with the power pin and contact tip. This allows for a flawless wire feeding path with no gaps or misalignments. Additionally, this does not require liner measuring during installation or replacement. Welders simply cut the liner flush with the back of the power pin for perfect liner trimming — every time. Combined, these features decrease the risk of improper installation. Moreover, this decreases the possibility of costly downtime to address poor weld quality or liner replacement.

Adding to the ease of installation, the contact tips feature coarse threads that easily mate with the gas diffuser, lessening the chance of cross-threading and speeding contact tip replacement.

By design, the Acculock S MIG gun consumables reduce heat buildup, improving product life. Sixty percent of the contact tip is buried in the gas diffuser to protect it from heat damage. The shielding gas helps cool the contact tip tail. The tapered design of the consumables tightly lock conductive parts together to minimize electrical resistance and further reduce heat buildup.

As a complement to the AccuLock S MIG gun consumables system, AccuLock MDX™ consumables launched with the new Miller® MDX MIG guns in February 2019. AccuLock R consumables for robotic welding applications will release under the Tregaskiss® brand name later in 2019.

AccuLock Consumables With Miller MDX Guns Offer Flawless Wire Feeding

APPLETON, Wis. (February 6, 2019) — Miller Electric Mfg. LLC has introduced its new MDX™ series MIG guns. Designed with operator comfort in mind, these MIG guns feature a durable and ergonomic handle with a rubber overmolding for improved grip, while the addition of a ball and socket handle swivel reduces fatigue.

AccuLock™ series consumables add to the performance of the gun, providing a flawless wire feed path. The front-loading liner locks in place (no need for set screws) and aligns concentrically with both the contact tip and power pin to optimize wire feeding. Error-proof liner trimming, with no measuring required, reduces burnbacks, bird-nesting and erratic arc caused by liners that are too short, minimizing downtime for troubleshooting or rework.

The MDX series includes three models: MDX-100, MDX-250 and MDX-250 EZ-Select™. These guns are all compatible with Miller AccuLock MDX series consumables, and the MDX-250 and MDX-250 EZ-Select guns are also compatible with Bernard AccuLock S consumables. Both AccuLock series feature tapered connections between the contact tip, gas diffuser and neck to maximize electrical conductivity for longer product life. Coarse thread on the contact tips speeds replacement by mating easily with the gas diffuser and lessens the risk of cross-threading.

Bernard® AccuLock S consumables are an excellent upgrade to increase durability and consumable life when welding with MDX-250 or MDX-250 EZ-Select guns in heavier industrial environments. They also simplify consumable inventory for operations using a mix of Miller MDX and Bernard MIG guns.

Miller offers conversion parts to retrofit older style Miller MIGmatic M-Series guns with AccuLock MDX and AccuLock S consumables. M-Series consumables will not be compatible on the new MDX series MIG guns.

Gun compatibility and capabilities

The MDX series guns will be made available on multiple Miller power sources.

The MDX-100 is rated at 100 amps. It pairs with the following:

• Millermatic® 141
• Millermatic 211Multimatic® 215
• Multimatic 220 AC/DC

The MDX-250 contains increased copper in the cable, is pulse welding capable, and can be used with CV waveforms. It is compatible with the following:

• Millermatic 212 Auto-Set™
• Millermatic 252
• Millermatic 255
• Multimatic 200
• Multimatic 255

The MDX-250 EZ-Select gun features trigger program select that allows the user to select up to four weld programs by tapping the MIG gun trigger, saving time for walking to the machine to make changes. To help avoid errors, the gun features LED lights on the handle to indicate the weld program that is currently selected. It works with the following:

• Millermatic 255
• Multimatic 255

For more information, visit MillerWelds.com/mdx.

Tregaskiss Expands Robotic MIG Welding Gun Offering

WINDSOR, Ontario. September 11, 2018 — Tregaskiss has expanded its TOUGH GUN® TA3 robotic air-cooled MIG gun offering to include configurations for additional through-arm style robot models in the marketplace. These include: 

• FANUC® 100iD
• KUKA® KR6 R1820HW, KR8 R1420HW, KR8 R1620HW and KR8 R2100HW
• Yaskawa® Motoman® AR1440, AR1720 and AR2100

In addition to being fully customizable according to robot make and model, most TOUGH GUN TA3 robotic MIG guns can be configured with the desired solid or clutch mount/wire brake/air blast combinations, neck, nozzles, contact tips and more at Tregaskiss.com/ConfigureMyGun.

The guns have been designed with precision and reliability in mind and feature the unique low-stress robotic (LSR) unicable, which incorporates a rotating power connection for stress-free rotation that helps extend the life of the cable. A specially engineered neck clamp improves the consistency and durability of the clamping force, while a wide selection of standard necks expands the tool center point (TCP) options and variety of working envelopes.

The TOUGH GUN TA3 robotic air-cooled MIG guns are compatible with Tregaskiss® consumables and with the QUICK LOAD™ liner AutoLength™ system — a system that helps rectify wire feeding and quality issues associated with incorrect liner length. Housed inside the power pin, the spring-loaded module applies constant forward pressure on the liner, keeping it seated properly in the retaining head and allowing up to one-inch forgiveness if the liner is too short.

Fume Extraction Gun Offering Expands, Adds Improved Features

BEECHER, Ill., April 3, 2018 – Bernard has announced changes to its fume extraction gun offering. Effective immediately, Bernard® FILTAIR™ fume extraction MIG guns are transitioning to the Bernard Clean Air™ brand name and will become Bernard Clean Air curved handle series fume extraction MIG guns. In addition, several upgrades have been made to the former FILTAIR fume extraction guns.

“This transition offers improved functionality, performance and ease of maintenance to our fume extraction guns — to bring flexibility and value to users,” said Jerome Parker, product manager, Bernard.

Designed to produce a cleaner, more compliant work environment, Clean Air fume extraction guns are ideal for large weldments and confined space welding applications, and they range in models from 300 to 600 amps. The name change was made due to feature and performance similarities between the two gun offerings.

In addition, several upgrades from the Clean Air gun line are now available for the former FILTAIR gun models, including:

• Reduced overall weight, stemming from the eliminated need for a protective cover thanks to a new high-performance, crush- and snag-resistant extraction hose.

• Adjustable nozzle shroud with a front vacuum chamber that adjusts to one of four positions for optimized fume capture, gas flow and weld access.

• Additional neck options of 30-, 45- and 60-degrees are now available for the curved handle model.

• Inclusion in the Clean Air gun online configurator with expanded options. The curved handle guns are now available with Centerfire™, Quik Tip™ and TOUGH LOCK® consumables and are compatible with QUICK LOAD® liners and the QUICK LOAD liner AutoLength™ system.

Along with the name change, the FILTAIR gun part numbers have been converted to Clean Air gun part numbers for a seamless transition. Legacy products can be identified from updated products by visible changes in neck and shroud color. The fume extraction components that previously were chrome now have a black finish.

Learn more about Clean Air fume extraction MIG guns, or configure you gun today.

New Robotic Water-Cooled MIG Guns Offer Lower Total Cost of Ownership

WINDSOR, Ontario. November 27, 2017 — Tregaskiss has introduced two new robotic water-cooled MIG guns that offer superior cooling power for longer gun and consumable life, in addition to zero gas loss for a lower total cost of ownership.

Tregaskiss® by DINSE™ CWD robotic water-cooled MIG guns are designed for conventional robots, while TWD robotic water-cooled MIG guns are for through-arm robots. Both guns are available as part of the five-year Master Distribution Agreement between Tregaskiss and DINSE GmbH announced in September 2017.

The new robotic water-cooled guns are available in a variety of amperages ranging from 350 to 600 amps at 100 percent duty cycle. Designed with a dedicated gas line that runs from the back of the guns directly to the gas diffuser, the guns deliver cost savings since shielding gas has zero opportunity to escape.

The guns also use a unique dual-circuit cooling system that runs the length of the front end, providing more effective cooling and lower operating temperatures. This feature results in longer MIG gun and consumable life, as well as less downtime for consumable changeover. Cooler operating temperatures also reduce the amount of spatter that adheres to the nozzle, saving time and money in cleanup, extending nozzle life and lowering overall consumable costs.

CWD and TWD Robotic Water-Cooled MIG Guns are available in clutch and solid mount models, with a variety of mounting arm and neck options to achieve Tool Center Point (TCP). They also include integrated air blast and a simple liner design, with one end pre-dressed at the factory to minimize the opportunity for operator variation in liner trimming.