45V65 - ESAB HW-26 Replacement TIG Torch Body 75 Degree

Technical Overview of the ESAB 45V65 HW-26 Torch Body

The ESAB 45V65 is a premium replacement torch body designed specifically for the HW-26 series of air-cooled TIG torches, often referred to under the Heliarc brand lineage. This component serves as the central structural and electrical hub of the welding torch, connecting the power cable to the front-end consumables. Engineered to meet strict industrial standards, the 45V65 body is constructed from high-conductivity copper alloys, ensuring minimal resistance and efficient heat dissipation during operation. The body is encased in a high-dielectric silicone rubber molding, which provides essential electrical insulation and protects the welder from high-frequency current leakage while offering resistance to impact and heat degradation.

This specific model features a fixed 75-degree head angle. This geometry is the industry standard for general-purpose fabrication, offering a versatile balance between electrode accessibility and operator wrist comfort. The 75-degree angle allows the welder to maintain a proper push angle on flat and horizontal joints without excessive strain. As an air-cooled component, the HW-26 body relies on the shielding gas flow and ambient air to dissipate heat; it is rated for approximately 200 amperes on DC current and 150 amperes on AC current at a 60% duty cycle. This makes it suitable for medium-to-heavy duty welding applications where water cooling is not available or necessary.

The 45V65 is designed for compatibility with the vast ecosystem of 26-series consumables. It accepts standard 10N series collets and collet bodies, as well as standard ceramic cups and gas lenses. The rear of the torch body features standard threading to accept long, medium, and short back caps (57Y02, 57Y04, etc.), allowing for configuration changes based on joint access requirements. The base of the body connects to standard air-cooled power cables (typically via a 5/8-18 RH thread connection within the handle assembly). This part is a direct OEM replacement for ESAB systems but is also dimensionally interchangeable with most WP-26 or SR-26 style torch systems found in the industrial MRO market.