FAQs | TOUGH GUN I.C.E. Conversion

Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading Your Robotic MIG Gun with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. Technology

Tregaskiss has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about upgrading your existing TOUGH GUN® robotic air-cooled MIG gun to a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E.® technology:

1. I think TOUGH GUN I.C.E. components will create accessibility problems. What are my options?
2. What happens to a water-cooled MIG gun when the water is shut off? What about with a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology?
3. If the water supply to a water-cooled MIG gun is shut off, what components do I have to replace? What about with a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology?
4. What are the key advantages of TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology over TOUGH GUN robotic water-cooled products?
5. I have an existing Tregaskiss® “special” water-cooled setup. What do I do for a replacement?
6. What is the difference between Tregaskiss MIG gun mounting arms that have the prefix ‘AS’ rather than ‘WS’?
7. Can I use a water-cooled mounting arm with an air-cooled MIG gun or a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology?

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1. I think TOUGH GUN I.C.E. components will create accessibility problems. What are my options?
   If you have already reviewed the 2D setup drawings we have made accessible on the technical conversion information webpage and you still believe you will have challenges with your welding process, your best resource is your local Tregaskiss representative. You can also contact our Technical Services department by email or by phone at 1-855-MIGWELD (644-9353), option #3. Assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
2. What happens to a water-cooled MIG gun when the water is shut off? What about with a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology?
   Circular Mils (cmils) of copper make all the difference. Water-cooled power cables are comprised of copper cable bundle that is surrounded by a rubber hose, and water runs through the hose to keel the copper cable bundle cool. When the water shuts off, the cooling effect of the water is lost and the copper is quickly overcome by the welding current. The air-cooled unicable used in TOUGH GUN I.C.E. systems has nearly four times the amount of copper when compared with the water-cooled power cable, which means that the air-cooled cable has a much higher current-carrying capacity than the water-cooled power cable
3. If the water supply to a water-cooled MIG gun is shut off, what components do I have to replace? What about with a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology?
   With a typical water source failure, replacing the cable bundle or power cable, the neck and the consumables is required for both the keyed water-cooled (KWC) and the quick-change water-cooled (QCWC) products. It will only be necessary to replace the neck and the consumables on a robotic MIG guns equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology.
4. What are the key advantages of TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology over Tregaskiss® robotic water-cooled products?

There are several key advantages:
• Stronger necks;
• A lower total cost of ownership; and
• The consumables advantage.

TOUGH GUN I.C.E. necks are more durable than water-cooled necks. Water-cooled necks use solder connections that combine brass and copper to form water chambers within the neck, whereas air-cooled necks use solid wall copper rather than a two-piece construction.

Repairs are generally less expensive and faster to complete with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. components. If TOUGH GUN I.C.E. components fail, the cost of replacement is often much less expensive than replacing the components of a water-cooled MIG gun, and replacement of the neck and water lines is faster and less expensive than replacing a complete water-cooled cable bundle or entire MIG gun.

MIG guns equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology use the same TOUGH LOCK® consumables as those used on nearly all of our TOUGH GUN MIG gun product offering.

5. I have an existing Tregaskiss “special” water-cooled setup. What do I do for a replacement?
   If you are willing to try a standard robotic setup, please review the 2D drawings on the technical conversion information webpage. If you still prefer a “special” TOUGH GUN I.C.E. product for your application, please contact your local Tregaskiss representative and we will be happy to help you find the right product.
6. What is the difference between Tregaskiss MIG gun mounting arms that have the prefix ‘AS’ rather than ‘WS’?
   The prefix ‘AS’ indicates a standard water-cooled mounting arm whereas ‘WS’ indicates a “special” mounting arm.
7. Can I use a water-cooled mounting arm with an air-cooled MIG gun or a model equipped with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. technology?
   No. When converting from your water-cooled model to an air-cooled model, the tool center point (TCP) changes because of the differing neck dimensions. A new mounting arm (or special neck) is therefore required.