Dura-Flux Gun and SuitCase Feeders - A Perfect Match
Bernard and Miller Electric Mfg. Co. have teamed up to create a complete self-shielded flux-cored welding solution for heavy construction, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing and rental applications.

For a limited time, the new Dura-Flux gun will come standard with the purcahse of a Miller SuitCase 12RC or a SuitCase 12VS X-TREME wire feeder. The gun's inclusion comes at no additional charge, a $400 value.

Together, the package represents the pinnacle of operator comfort and unflinching toughness.

The Dura-Flux features a non-metallic trigger that absorbs less heat than a metal trigger and a trigger guard that is smaller and more maneuverable than competitors' awkward and bulky heat shields.

The Dura-Flux is rated to 350 amps at 100 percent duty cycle and accepts flux-core wire up to 3/32-in. It comes standard with Bernard's long-lasting Centerfire™ contact tips.

Click here to learn more about the integration of the Dura-Flux gun with Miller wire feeders.

Online Troubleshooting Resouorces
Is your electrode not feeding properly? Contact tip burning back? Or maybe it’s an erratic arc or erratic wire feed?

Whatever the problem, Bernard has you covered. Click here for an extensive list of the most common gun-related MIG welding problems, their causes and their solutions.

Did you know ...
You can locate your nearest Bernard distributor on the Bernard Web site. Click here to locate your distributor now.

Built To Last: Bernard MIG guns and consumables reduce cost, improve quality for terminal truck and trailer manufacturer

Stanardizing on Bernard Centerfire consumables saved Tico Manufacturing, Inc. over $2,000 per month in parts and labor savings, plus it improved the quality of their welds.

The people at Tico Manufacturing, Inc. know a few things about the importance of durability. The terminal trucks and trailers they build at their Ridgeland, SC facility load and unload shipping cargo weighing up to 300,000 pounds or more in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

"Our trucks are made to sustain enormous weight loads and provide continuous service in very, very brutal environments." explained Production Coordinator Clark Daring.

Needless to say, the quality of the welds that go into their products and the quality of their welding equipment is of utmost importance.

Although initially skeptical, Daring took the advice of his welding supplier and agreed to give the Bernard Centerfire system a try. A two week trial with his top welder eliminated any doubts, and, using the Centerfire conversion parts, Tico converted all of its 20 welding stations, and three different brands of MIG guns, to Centerfire consumables. The difference was immediate.

Using the Centerfire system has saved the company roughly 47 man-hours per month in time spent changing contact tips. With an average industry labor cost of $35 per hour, that equals approximately $1,645 in labor savings every month.

Plus, Tico now uses around 40 contact tips per month instead of about 960 per month, for a savings of roughly $560 per month.

After their success with the Centerfire system, Tico converted all of its MIG guns to Bernard Q-Guns, without a single problem to date, Daring said.

Living up to the conditions of a shipyard, Tico knows the importance of durability and reduced downtime. With Bernard's MIG products, they carried those principles over to their manufacturing operations. Click here to read the full story of how Tico converted their welding operations to Bernard and how much time and money they saved.

Air- vs. Water-Cooled: You Decide

Deciding between a water-cooled and an air-cooled MIG gun system can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of your welding operation.

There are several considerations to make when deciding whether to purchase a water- or air-cooled system.

Cost. Water-cooled guns are more expensive than air-cooled guns because they require a separate radiator cooling system and they have higher operating and maintenance costs.

Gun weight and operator comfort. Water-cooled systems offer a more flexible cable, lighter weight, and smaller size than an air-cooled system, which in turn can increase operator comfort when compared to the similar-amperage air-cooled gun.

Work site location. Due to the amount and weight of the parts and equipment, air-cooled guns are more practical for outdoor work sites because they require fewer parts and water-cooled guns are generally better suited for shop use.

Amperage Requirements. As a general rule, air-cooled MIG guns are better for low to medium-amperage applications, 50 – 400 amps, and water-cooled guns are better for applications requiring 300 – 600 amps.

Weighing these variables when investigating a MIG welding system can help you determine which equipment will help you optimize your welding performance.