As the welding industry eyes a more sustainable, energy-efficient future, Fronius South Africa and its exclusive local distributor, Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.), will be showcasing three innovative welding systems at Electra Mining Africa (EMA) 2026 – each designed to set new benchmarks in performance, precision and energy efficiency.

Electra Mining Africa 2026 places sustainability, decarbonisation and energy innovation at the heart of its agenda and Fronius, a global leader in welding technology, is well positioned to contribute to this. The company's EMA 2026 stand will feature three flagship offerings which reflect next-generation, energy-efficient welding: Fronius Ignis (including the new battery-powered Ignis Battery), Fortis and Velo.

B.E.D. has been the exclusive distributor of Fronius welding technology in South Africa for many years. The partnership has proven central to extending Fronius's reach across the country's key industrial sectors, from mining and fabrication to agriculture and renewable energy.

"Electra Mining Africa is always an important platform for us, but this year feels particularly significant. The three technologies we are showcasing at the Fronius stand – Ignis, Fortis and Velo - each represent a meaningful step forward in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and precision,” says Mike Giltrow, B.E.D.’s CEO: “We are really excited to demonstrate what these machines can do in the hands of South African welders across every sector!"

Ignis and Ignis Battery: mobile MMA welding, redefined

The Fronius Ignis MMA (manual metal arc) welding system has long been a favourite for mobile applications across the construction, agriculture, repair and maintenance sectors: prized for its compact form, robust build and ability to deliver consistent arc performance.

Available in 150 A, 180 A and 250 A configurations, the Ignis range incorporates intelligent welding functions including hotstart for easier electrode ignition, softstart for stable arc initiation, anti-stick to prevent electrode burn-out, and MMA Pulse for improved out-of-position welding results. Integrated power factor correction (PFC) technology ensures high energy efficiency and minimal grid interference, a consideration that resonates strongly with EMA 2026's sustainability theme.

The latest addition to the Ignis range - Ignis Battery - represents the improved next generation of Fronius's very popular AccuPocket battery welder, and takes mobile welding to an entirely new level. Launched in South Africa earlier this year, it delivers up to 150 amps of welding power from a 750 W lithium-ion battery and can be fully recharged in an hour.

"With Ignis Battery, welders are no longer tethered to a power source. Whether it is a quick repair or a permanent fix, the job can be done right there in the field,” explains Edrich van der Walt, Welding Specialist, Fronius South Africa.

Fortis: next-generation manual MIG/MAG welding

Fronius Fortis represents a new chapter in manual MIG/MAG welding, and is built for the demands of modern fabrication environments where output quality, operational efficiency and ease of use are non-negotiable. Engineered as a next-generation platform, Fortis combines advanced inverter technology with an intuitive user interface, enabling welders to achieve high-quality results consistently across a range of materials and applications.

Designed to serve industries where precision and productivity go hand-in-hand, including steel fabrication, construction, and general engineering, Fortis is a fitting showcase piece for EMA 2026's audience of industrial decision-makers looking to invest in durable, future-ready welding technology.

"Fortis is a machine that reflects where the industry is heading: not only in terms of welding performance, but in terms of sustainability. Built of 53% recycled aluminium, and engineered to save energy, it is a compelling choice for sustainability- and productivity-conscious companies," says Van der Walt.

Velo: precision MIG/MAG welding

Completing the EMA 2026 showcase is the Fronius Velo, an innovative velocity assistant addressing one of the most persistent challenges in manual MIG/MAG welding: maintaining consistent torch speed and distance across long weld seams.

By providing real-time guidance to the welder, the Velo enables uniform, reproducible welds even on complex or extended passes. The result is measurably better seam quality, reduced rework, and welding speeds that can be as much as doubled compared to conventional manual MIG/MAG processes. Compatible with Fronius Standard, LSC, Pulse, PMC and CMT welding processes, Velo can also be retrofitted onto existing TPS/i and iWave systems.

The technology benefits experienced welders by reducing the physical strain on long production runs and for apprentices, it shortens the learning curve significantly, producing high-quality results sooner.

A partnership built on innovation

Together, Ignis and Ignis Battery, Fortis and Velo reflect the forward-thinking vision which Fronius and B.E.D. share: equipping South African industry with advanced welding technology, aligned with the sustainability and efficiency imperatives of 2026 and beyond.