170924-010 - Thermal Arc .045 V-Knurled Bottom Drive Roll for Fabricator 252i

Genuine Thermal Arc Replacement Drive Roll

The Thermal Arc 170924-010 Bottom Drive Roll is a critical component designed specifically for the wire feed mechanism of the Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i multiprocess welder. Engineered with precision, this drive roll features a V-Knurled groove tailored for .045-inch (1.2 mm) flux-cored welding wires. Unlike standard V-groove rolls used for solid wires or U-groove rolls for aluminum, the knurled texture provides the necessary "bite" or traction required to feed softer, tubular flux-cored wires consistently without crushing the wire or causing feed interruptions.

Wire feeding issues are among the most common downtime causes in welding operations. Using the correct drive roll geometry is essential for stable arc performance. This specific roll is designed for the bottom position in the feed assembly. In many wire feed systems, the bottom roll is the primary driver, geared directly to the motor, while the top roll acts as an idler or pressure roll. Ensuring your bottom drive roll is in good condition and matched to your wire diameter is paramount for achieving high-quality welds, especially when working with flux-cored wires which can be prone to bird-nesting if fed improperly.

This is a genuine OEM part from Thermal Arc (often associated with ESAB/Tweco brands), ensuring perfect fitment and longevity. Generic or mismatched drive rolls can lead to wire shaving, erratic feeding speeds, and premature wear on the wire liner and contact tip. By installing the 170924-010, you restore the factory-specified performance of your Fabricator 252i.

Key Technical Features:

• Groove Geometry: V-Knurled (Serrated) for maximum grip on flux-cored wires.
• Wire Compatibility: Optimized for .045" (1.2mm) diameter wire.
• Machine Compatibility: Exclusively for the Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i.
• Installation Position: Bottom drive gear slot.

When switching processes from MIG (solid wire) to Flux-Cored, changing your drive rolls is a mandatory step. Attempting to push flux-cored wire with smooth V-groove rolls often requires excessive tension to prevent slipping, which deforms the wire. This V-Knurled roll allows for lower tension settings while maintaining positive feed, preserving the wire's roundness and flux integrity.