Blog

Welding aluminium presents unique challenges due to its high thermal conductivity, oxide layer, and lower melting point. This guide outlines key MIG welding techniques for aluminium, including proper material preparation, wire and gas selection, and process control. It also introduces the Strata AdvanceMig315C MIG Welder, a robust, high-performance solution tailored for professionals working with aluminium in demanding workshop conditions.

Find out the key differences between AC and DC TIG welding, covering how polarity, arc behaviour, and heat distribution affect weld quality and material suitability. It breaks down DCEN and DCEP modes, explains the role of AC in cleaning aluminium oxide, and highlights how features like AC balance control, frequency adjustment, and pulse TIG mode improve results. It also compares two TIG welders—Strata EziTig200DCi and EziTig200ACDCi—as practical examples for welding steel, stainless, and aluminium. The post helps professionals choose the right welding inverter for their workshop needs.

From 21 July to 31 August 2025, Proline Industrial is offering a $300 consumables credit with every purchase of an AdvanceCut80 or AdvanceCut125 plasma cutter. This exclusive deal is your opportunity to maximise value while upgrading your cutting setup. The credit comes as a one-time use discount code, delivered by email at the end of the week in which you purchase your cutter. It can be redeemed on a wide range of plasma consumables — including nozzles, electrodes, tips, and torches — and is valid for 12 months from the issue date. Whether you're a workshop professional or heavy-duty fabricator, this limited-time offer gives you the freedom to restock on the essentials you need, exactly when you need them.

This guide explains the five types of dust masks and respirators used in New Zealand's industrial environments—from basic face coverings to high-performance powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). It outlines each type's features, applications, and limitations, helping professionals in welding, construction, engineering, and manufacturing make informed choices for respiratory protection. Product examples are included to illustrate practical solutions for different job-site conditions.

This blog post offers a practical overview of the different respirator standards—P1, P2, P3, N95, KN95, and TH3—used across New Zealand industrial worksites. It explains what each rating means, when to use them, and how to ensure proper fit and seal for adequate protection. It compares disposable masks, reusable filters, and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). It highlights certified product solutions, including the Esko P2 Valved Mask, Promax P3 Welding Filter, and Optrel Swiss Air PAPR Kit. The guide is tailored to help welders, engineers, and business owners select the proper respiratory protection for their work environment.

This blog post compares two popular air compressors from Proline Industrial: the Remington RAS1500 1.5HP Direct Drive Silent Oil-less Compressor and the Remington RA4000BD 2.75HP Belt Drive Compressor. Aimed at welders, engineers, workshop operators, and business owners, the article explains key differences in compressor types, outlines performance factors like airflow, tank size, duty cycle, and noise, and helps readers match each model to specific job needs. It concludes with expert advice on selecting the right compressor for home, trade, or workshop use, ensuring efficient, reliable air power for any task.

This blog post addresses the serious health risks of welding fumes, now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. It outlines the harmful components of welding fumes, current WorkSafe NZ exposure standards, and the importance of biological health monitoring for welders. The article also explains how engineering controls and PPE offer adequate protection, particularly the Optrel Swiss Air PAPR Multi Use Respiratory System & Clearmaxx Grinding Helmet Kit. Designed for New Zealand's industrial workforce, the post encourages welders, engineers, and workshop managers to adopt better safety practices and invest in advanced respiratory protection solutions.

Diesel contamination, commonly known as the "diesel bug," can quietly damage fuel systems through microbial growth caused by water in fuel tanks. This blog explains how bacteria, fungi, and yeast thrive in diesel environments, leading to clogged filters, engine failure, and costly downtime. It compares traditional reactive treatments, such as biocides and tank cleaning, with a modern, preventative solution—Liquid Engineering Fuel Set. The product is highlighted as a safe, effective, and economical fuel conditioner that removes water, reconditions fuel, and prevents microbial contamination. Readers learn how Fuel Set improves fuel economy, extends engine life, and simplifies maintenance across various applications, from marine and agriculture to generators and transport fleets. The blog encourages workshop owners, engineers, and diesel operators to adopt a proactive approach to fuel system care, positioning Fuel Set as a first defence against diesel fuel degradation.

This blog post introduces laser welding as a modern, efficient alternative to traditional MIG and TIG methods. It explains how laser welding works, its benefits—speed, precision, and minimal post-processing—and where it fits within various industries. The article covers key differences between welding methods, highlights operational and safety advantages, and uses the Strata SLR5000 as a practical example of how handheld laser welders are now accessible to New Zealand workshops. It aims to educate and guide business owners, engineers, and welders on how adopting laser technology can improve productivity and quality in metal fabrication.