Miller Electric Mfg. LLC Releases Cutting-Edge OptX™ 2kW Handheld Laser Welder

Rhea-AI Summary

Miller Electric Mfg. releases the OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder to address the shortage of skilled welders in the US and Canada, boosting productivity up to five to 10 times. The collaboration with IPG Photonics aims to provide cutting-edge technology for welding shops, enhancing worker capacity and productivity.

Positive

• The OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder will help fill the ongoing shortage of skilled welders in the US and Canada, boosting productivity up to five to 10 times.

• The strategic partnership with IPG Photonics aims to provide advanced laser technology for the welding market, enhancing output and productivity.

Negative

• The United States is facing a welder shortage of 330,000 skilled laborers through 2028, which could impact the industry's growth and profitability.

• While the OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder offers productivity benefits, the ongoing labor shortage may still pose challenges for welding shops.

The easy-to-use welder will support welding shops amid the ongoing labor shortage by unlocking the capacity of their workforce and dramatically boosting productivity

APPLETON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, a leading worldwide manufacturer of arc welding products, announces the release of its OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder, cutting-edge technology that will help fill the ongoing shortage of skilled welders across the United States and Canada and dramatically boost productivity up to five to 10 times.

The Miller OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder boosts productivity up to five to 10 times with quick and easy training, faster travel speeds, reduced heat input and the near elimination of pre- and post-weld processing. This cutting-edge technology will help fill the ongoing shortage of skilled welders across the United States and Canada, leading to better, faster production that helps manufacturers confidently meet deadlines and quotas so they can meet their growth and profitability goals. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Our industry’s manufacturers and welders fabricate the products we all rely on every day. They deserve cutting-edge technology and a trusted partner to get the job done,” said Dave Lambert, group president of sales and marketing at Miller. “As the welder shortage continues each day, Miller is proud to offer the OptX 2kW to support busy welding shops, alleviate their labor shortage and deliver to their bottom line.”

Miller developed the OptX 2kW in collaboration with IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: IPGP), a global leader in fiber laser technology. The strategic partnership pairs IPG’s pioneering laser capabilities with Miller’s renowned welding expertise and excellence. The alliance advances laser technologies for the handheld welding market, which urgently needs a product that can help expand worker capacity amid the ongoing labor shortage.

It’s estimated that the United States is suffering a welder shortage of 330,000 skilled laborers through 2028, an average of 85,200 jobs to be filled annually. The OptX 2kW will help close the productivity gap with:

• Quick and easy training for both new and seasoned welders to drive output and productivity
• Faster travel speeds and reduced heat input
• The near elimination of pre- and post-weld processing

The OptX 2kW is best suited for:

• Precision welding applications with tight fit-up with minimal gaps where high productivity is needed but automations are too costly
• Industries including precision sheet metal, HVAC and aerospace
• Sheet metal applications up to 5/16-in. material thickness
• Metals including:
  • Steel and stainless steel
  • Aluminum
  • Galvanized
  • Titanium
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Mild steel
  • Dissimilar metals (e.g., stainless steel to copper)

The OptX 2kW is now available through Miller distributors. To see if it’s the right fit for your operation, learn more at www.millerwelds.com/optx today.

About Miller Electric

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller® brand arc welding products and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW). For more information, visit MillerWelds.com, call 1-800-4-A-Miller (800-426-4553), email info@millerwelds.com, fax 877-327-8132, or write to Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.

About IPG Photonics Corporation

IPG Photonics Corporation is the leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers used primarily in materials processing and other diverse applications. The Company’s mission is to develop innovative laser solutions making the world a better place. IPG accomplishes this mission by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with other types of lasers and non-laser tools, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease costs. IPG is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts and has more than 30 facilities worldwide. For more information, visit www.IPGPhotonics.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240430921742/en/

Hiebing

Holly Marley-Henschen

hmarleyhenschen@hiebing.com

608.256.6357

Source: Miller Electric Mfg. LLC

FAQ

How will the OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder boost productivity?

The OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder will boost productivity up to five to 10 times.

Which company collaborated with Miller Electric Mfg. to develop the OptX™ 2kW?

Miller collaborated with IPG Photonics (NASDAQ: IPGP) to develop the OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder.

What industries is the OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder best suited for?

The OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder is best suited for precision welding applications in industries such as precision sheet metal, HVAC, and aerospace.

Where can the OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder be purchased?

The OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder is available through Miller distributors. Learn more at www.millerwelds.com/optx.