Miller MigMatic 175 MIG Welder

If you’re starting your Welding adventure, then take a serious look at the Miller MigMatic 175 MIG Welder.

Effective January 2024 Miller Welding discontinued the MigMatic 175,  Check out the Miller MPi 220P mig welder.

Why are transformer based welding machines no longer being manufactured?

There has been a manufacture and import of transformer-based welders into the UK and EU, effective from 1st January 2024, is a significant regulatory change in the welding industry. This ban is part of a broader initiative to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes, including welding.

The key aspects of this change stem from EU regulations introduced in January 2021, focusing on the ecodesign requirements of welding equipment. These regulations are aimed at addressing the environmental impact of welding, particularly in terms of energy consumption. Welding is an energy-intensive process, and the regulations estimate that by 2030, the annual final energy consumption directly related to welding equipment could exceed 6 TWh. This consumption is equivalent to around 2.4 million tonnes of CO2. The regulations cover three main areas: energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and information requirements.

Regarding energy efficiency, welding equipment must comply with specific power source efficiency and idle state power consumption limits. The resource efficiency requirements focus on the availability of spare parts for a minimum of 10 years after the production of the unit. This ensures that the welding equipment remains operable and efficient for a longer period, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.

Long-term, adhering to these regulations is expected to bring tangible benefits in terms of energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions. The new ecodesign measures are projected to save an average of 1.09 TWh or 0.27 Mt CO2 equivalent annually by 2030, which is beneficial for both businesses and the environment.

The 2021 EU Ecodesign regulations also made amendments to Regulation 548/2014 on transformer losses, further tightening requirements for load-losses and no-load-losses on energy-related products. The European Commission estimates that 2.9% of all energy generated in the EU and the UK is wasted through transformer losses, amounting to approximately 93.4 TWh annually. The new design regulations aim to reduce these energy losses, saving on average 16 TWh annually and preventing about 3.7 Mt CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.

For businesses and manufacturers, these regulations mean that any new transformers purchased must meet the Tier 2 standard, unless they are bought from existing stock. This change is crucial for ensuring that welding equipment is eco-friendly and compliant with EU regulations.

The ban on transformer-based welders is a significant step towards more sustainable industrial practices, aligning with broader environmental goals set by the EU and UK. For more detailed information on the new regulations and their implications for the welding industry, it’s recommended to refer to the full breakdown of the EU requirements regarding eco-friendly welding equipment, available on the official EU regulation website.