PRODUCT CUTS TIME, LABOR AND SAFETY HAZARDS

China Shanghai  (May 10, 2008) – Recognized as the world’s largest manufacturer of alligator clips, Mueller Electric? is no stranger to production logistics. In fact, it was the need to save time and labor during the manufacturing process when the company developed the idea behind the Mueller Fixture Free Soldering Machine.

“With traditional soldering, one or more of the units to be fixed is soldered with the movement of the solder and the soldering unit being held by the operator,” Cliff Prosek, director of operations for Mueller Electric, said. “The process is not conducive to the high-efficiencies required in manufacturing facilities.”

The Mueller Fixture Free Soldering Machine reverses this premise by completely eliminating the use of fixtures.

The solder feed tube projects horizontally toward the vertical heating tip to create a precise point of contact on the seven- to ten-inch-tall (adjustable) station. The operator of the unit can control the advancement of solder toward the heated solder tip with an electronically controlled foot pedal.  This frees the operator’s hands to hold his work, thus ensuring accuracy and increased productivity.

The product components, like the unit itself, are unique. They offer the flexibility that allows operators to make the most of their time. Some of the components include:

• Temperature Control – The temperature can be viewed as Metric (Celsius) and US standards (Fahrenheit) in five-degree increments.  The dial indicator will flash when climbing temperature and remain steady once it

• ed – The speed dial controls the rate at which the solder moves toward the tip of the heating element. Virtually infinite numbers of speed can be obtained through the use of this dial.

• Span Modes – The unit contains two span modes that control the length of solder dispensed through the solder tip. The operator can choose the Continuous Mode, which allows them to control the span by actuating the foot pedal. Or, they have the option of the Pulse Mode, which actuates the span by depressing the foot pedal. 

• Retract Control – The Retract Control allows the operator to “back up” the solder at the tip. It serves as the only control that works without the use of the foot pedal.

• Tip Adjustment – The tip adjustment is done through the use of a setscrew, which controls the solder tip.

• Height Adjustment – The height adjustment of three inches allows a total range of height between seven to ten inches, while the unit’s vertical range is at 90 degrees from the base of the unit.

• Vertical Swing Adjustment – The vertical adjustment of the unit is 15 degrees up and 45 degrees down. This range of motion allows the user flexibility in the angle of the soldering off the base.

• Horizontal Swing Adjustment – The horizontal swing is 54 degrees from the zero-degree position (total of 108 degrees). This allows the operator to set the unit to any desired degree that performs a “best feel” while soldering.

“This product is revolutionary,” Scott Emerson, President of Mueller Electric, said. “Not only can it dramatically cut time and labor costs, but we believe it also reduces many of the health risks associated with soldering operations.”

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), when lead is used in the soldering process, lead oxide fumes are released. Excessive exposure and/or bodily absorption from these fumes can result in lead poisoning, impaired fertility and damage to the blood and neurological systems.

The Mueller Fixture Free Soldering Machine contains a built-in exhaust fan that pulls the hazardous fumes from the solder tip through the machine and then out the rear of the unit. The fan contains a filter, which can significantly minimize smoke through the rear of the unit. End users can also attach the fan compartment to outside ventilation systems for increased safety measures.

The Mueller Fixture Free Soldering Machine will be available in 110-volt and 220-volt versions to appeal to the majority of the world’s markets. It will also contain a storage compartment to store extra soldering tips, brushes and other accessories.

The unit will be available in two models with additional options such as a light, soldering accessories, lockout temperature controls and three pre-set temperature settings. Additional models will be made with a lock-out option for plant operators.

Mueller Fixture Free Soldering Machine is being protected by world-wide patent at both aspect and functions.

ABOUT MUELLER ELECTRIC

Mueller Electric was founded in 1908 by Ralph S. Mueller, the inventor of the alligator clip. Since then, the Cleveland-based, privately-owned company has held numerous patents on early alligator and electrical test clip designs.

One hundred years later, Mueller still manufactures alligator clips. In addition, the company markets its three core product lines of board to board connectors, electric test clips and test leads/accessories through an extensive international network of authorized distributors.  These distributors maintain inventories of Mueller product pertinent to their respective electronic, electrical, automotive, telecom and industrial markets. The company also sells direct to qualifying manufacturers.

Mueller strives to live up to its distinguished heritage as a pioneer and leader.  Not only could Mueller clips be found on Admiral Byrds early century arctic expeditions, but the company’s pin headers are circling the globe in the International Space Station today.

Mueller invest China manufacturer as a wholly owned enterprises, making all Mueller products and serve to world-wide market.

For more information on Mueller Electric, please visit www.muellerelectric.com., www.muellerchina.cn