BEECHER, Ill., August 11, 2006—To simplify the ordering, stocking, tracking and usage of several brands of consumables, Bernard® offers conversion adapters and gas diffusers that fit its Centerfire™ contact tips and nozzles to all major MIG gun brands. By standardizing with Bernard Centerfire consumables, companies can reduce overhead associated with ordering and shipping, while decreasing overall inventory. Bernard Centerfire also reduces administrative and management costs created by stocking several brands of MIG welding consumables.

Using Bernard Centerfire conversion adapters and/or gas diffusers, companies only need to stock one style of contact tip for each size. With only one brand of consumable, there is also less chance a welder will accidentally grab the wrong tip and make a return trip to the tool crib, reducing operator downtime and associated labor costs.

The adapters and/or gas diffusers connect Bernard Centerfire consumables to all major MIG gun brands such as Binzel®, Lincoln®, Miller®, OXO®, Tregaskiss® and Tweco®. Bernard Centerfire offers a variety of nozzle orifice sizes that range from ½-in. to ¾-in. diameter. Brass or copper tapered nozzles are also available in large or small sizes for precise welding on any application. Contact tips accommodate wire from .023-in. to 1/8-in. diameter. The broad selection of nozzles and contact tips gives companies the flexibility to meet their exact welding specifications and requirements.

Converting to Bernard Centerfire consumables provides the added benefit of standardizing on the pinnacle of quality in welding diffusers, tips and nozzles. The unique “Drop-in” contact tips change over without tools and are quicker to replace after burn backs for reduced down time. They also increase electrical conductivity and heat transfer for superior weld performance. The nozzles come with built-in spatter shields that protect the gas diffusers and facilitate smoother, less turbulent gas flow for better weld quality. Together, Centerfire reduces costs by extending consumable life by up to three times compared to competing brands.

For more information about the conversion adapters and gas diffusers or the Centerfire series, visit www.bernardwelds.com. Located in Beecher, Ill., Bernard Welding Equipment manufactures premium GMAW (MIG) welding guns, consumables, accessories and manual arc products. For over 50 years Bernard has been an innovator in heavy-duty MIG welding and a proven contributor to improved welding productivity. Bernard Welding Equipment is a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.

###