TROY, Ohio. September 10, 2009-Hobart Brothers has developed a revolutionary new metal-cored welding wire designed to maximize performance and increase productivity on high-volume robotic welding applications, especially those for heavy equipment manufacturing. The new Matrix™ wire from the company’s Tri-Mark^®brand is a first of its kind in the industry—a proprietarily manufactured product formulated specifically to provide uncompromised arc starting and wire feeding consistency. The exacting nature of this proprietary manufacturing process ensures that Matrix performs the very same—time and again—regardless of the application.

Matrix’s reliable arc starting and excellent wire feedability are the result of a Hobart Brothers’ exclusive technology. This special technology has also been shown to extend the life of robotic gun liners and to eliminate buildup at the drive rolls. Each of these features reduces downtime for maintenance and post-weld activities, and ensures greater overall welding productivity. Testing also shows Matrix creates a consistent weld bead shape, offers excellent crack resistance and minimizes silicon island formation. Combined, these attributes make it an excellent choice for heavy equipment and similar manufacturing.

“We are definitely excited about Matrix,” says Steve Barhorst, general manager, heavy equipment division, Hobart Brothers. “Our engineers closely control and monitor every variable of the manufacturing process, guaranteeing that our customers receive the most consistent and the highest performance robotic welding wire in the marketplace.”

Hobart Brothers created Matrix in response to a growing industry demand for a welding wire that could provide better performance and minimize downtime on robotic welding applications. Field tests have shown the wire offers precise arc starts and smooth wire feeding, along with excellent seam tracking and touch sensing.

Matrix metal-cored wire is available on 33-lb. plastic spools that are precision layer wound to support consistent wire feeding, and each spool ships in a heat-sealed, VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) impregnated bag to protect against contaminants. Hobart Brothers also offers the Matrix wire in its exclusive 750-lb. X-Pak drum. For additional protection, the fiber drum is sealed with a rubber gasket and the inside portion is impregnated with VCI.

Hobart Brothers is dedicated to the highest level of Performance Welding™. For product specification sheets or to learn more about Hobart Brothers products, visit hobartbrothers.com, email hobart@hobartbrothers.com, call 1-800-424-1543, fax 1-800-541-6607, or write Hobart Brothers Company, 101 Trade Square East, Troy, OH 45373.

Hobart Brothers Company of Troy, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of welding filler metals marketed under the brand names Hobart, Tri-Mark, McKay and Corex. Hobart Brothers Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. based in Glenview, Ill. ITW is a multinational manufacturer of a diversified range of value-adding and short-lead-time industrial products and equipment.