2017 - Volume #BFS, Issue #17, Page #82
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First-Of-Its-Kind Welder Uses Water And Alcohol, Not Gas
MIG, TIG and stick welders are all good ways to work with steel but once you try the new Multiplaz 3500, you might never go back to them. Not much larger than an old-time radio, all it needs is 110 or 220v current, water and alcohol. It can weld, solder, braze, and harden steel, aluminum, copper, cast iron, bronze and other metals. It’ll also cut any metal, including high-alloy and stainless steel, as well as ceramic tiles, quartz glass, bricks, and concrete.Carmen Gentile, a Canadian dealer from Ottawa says, “This machine is it. I literally fell in love with welding all over again.” Gentile has fallen so hard for the machine that he is planning a plasma arc school to bring the trades back to Canada.
Gentile also states, “Multiplaz is welding Part 2 Clean Air metallurgy welding. Welding Part 1 was to just keep welding and look forward to dying.” Gentile has posted multiple welding feats on the Multiplaz Facebook site, including welding aluminum in a -40 degree F snowstorm.
Patricia Lewis-Hansen, CEO of Multiplaz North America states, “The speed of MIG because it is spool and continuous gas fed is ideal for JIT production. Multiplaz is hand-fed, needs 3 ounces fuel every 20-30 minutes, making Multiplaz ideal for repairs and maintenance. The Multiplaz system comes with two torches, one for cutting and the other for welding. Plasma Cutting features are 3/16” on 110v or 3/8” on 220 with additional depth for severage-only cuts.
Plasma welding can weld all metals on 110v, but can weld faster on 220v. Mode 1 setting allows lower current processes of brazing, soldering and gas welds, while Mode 2 allows TIG type welds with the arc.
Multiplaz offers the 220 adaptor which allows you to weld both 110 or 220v working off of two 110/115v, 20 amp outlets, featuring small pigtail adjustors. Multiplaz is 100% duty cycle and works on a 4000 watt continuous generator.
Multiplaz has not pursued traditional gas and welding supply distribution retail outlets since 2014. These retail stores depend heavily on gas revenues and tank rentals. The entrenched relationships formed over decades have forced Multiplaz to look at private dealers who can actually weld and show the tool’s unique capabilities. Lewis-Hansen states effectively January 2017 Multiplaz will be offering a dealer friendly program that will allow dealers to start marketing the Multiplaz tool with less initial cash outlay. “New Multiplaz dealers can get on board for 60% less upfront capital, with a 6 – 9 month final payout on the entire program. This allows confident resellers to presell equipment and have more control on their cash. Also the new pricing is allowing dealers to make a better margin. The only real requirement Multiplaz needs are capable representatives who can weld, and who have a comfort level learning new plasma arc technology. This tool is unlike any other in the world, and enjoys the prestige of clean air, and overall clean welding, cutting and overall fabrication methods.”
Multiplaz 3500 has been marketed in North America since January 2011 at an introductory price of $1995 and in August of 2016 raised its retail price to $2495.
In past years, large mines in South Africa have begun to use the welder for savings on cost, transportation and safety. Additionally, Multiplaz reports that the welder has been contracted for use and sales within the Bridgestone Tire operations in South Africa. Lewis-Hansen believes Bridgestone Centers are a great fit whereby potential buyers can see it work on the spot and receive training. The US government, including the U.S. military have purchased and are actively using the units. Other governments worldwide are also using Muliplaz.
Originally developed by a Russian physicist who worked on the space program, Multiplaz creates its own vapor from the carbon in the alcohol interacting with the electric arc. Because it doesn’t use inert gases, it can be used in unventilated areas. It can even be used in the dark because the tip illuminates the work area.
“Plumbers love it because they don’t have to purge the lines. They simply shut the water off and work,” says Lewis-Hansen. “If low heat is needed, they can switch the welding torch to Mode 1 and turn the current up or down as they need more or less heat. For high heat, switch to Mode 2 and utilize the arc. At 14,400 degrees focused in a tight beam, it’s the hottest welder on the market.” Multiplaz users report it can replace welders, gas torches, plasma cutters, nibble shears, scissors, electric jigsaws and more.
For the complete portability package, Multiplaz comes in its own carry pouch the size of a large gym bag. “Don’t let its size fool you,” says Lewis-Hansen. “It’s a very capable machine, do not look at the cost alone and not the value. Those who have looked at the alternatives for what it can do tell us it’s worth every penny.”
An instructional DVD has been developed for users. For a look at what the Multiplaz can do, check out the video at FARMSHOW.com.
Multiplaz has received numerous industry awards. However Lewis-Hansen states, that the farm and ranch market are our number #1 adopters of the product. Multiplaz received the 2013 SEMA Global Media Award and the Top Ten Product award at the Tulare World Farm Show. Both awards are premier industry trade events in the world.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Multiplaz, LLC, 31200 Landau Blvd., Suite 607, Cathedral City, Calif., 92234 (ph 760-346-8552; toll free 855 314-5551 www.multiplaz.com).
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