The Army's BN Maint 1/5 FA maintenance group stationed in Iraq relies on Esab plasma-cutting equipment for armoring military vehicles.
As head of his battalion's maintenance team in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Mason is constantly challenged to find better ways to get things done, such as armoring vehicles. Obviously, he can't run out to the nearest welding distributor or supply store, so he needs reliable and effective equipment, especially when it comes to plasma cutters.
Sargeant Mason uses an Esab PCM-875 plasma-cutting package purchased by the Army to cut vehicle doors for armor reinforcement. The portable system cuts up to 7 /8 in. and severs 1 1 /4 in. using ordinary shop air. It features variable output from 15 to 60 amp and comes with everything needed to get cutting, including a PT-27 torch that is repairable and uses long-life consumables.
"We have been armoring our vehicles since the day we got here and have used an oxy-fuel torch to cut steel," explains Sergeant Mason. "Since receiving the Esab plasma cutter, we have tripled the number of doors we do per day."
Since safety gear and other equipment is sometimes in short supply for Sergeant Mason and his welders, Esab also put together a care-package currently on its way to Iraq. It includes plasma nozzles, helmets, welding caps and dew rags, shirts, gloves, training materials, and other items.
Esab Welding & Cutting Products
Florence, S.C.
esabna.com
