How to choose the right machine for welding polypropylene pipes
In modern water supply systems, polypropylene pipes are most often used. The reason is that their thermophysical properties are ideal for circulating hot water.
Advice. When the appliance is plugged in, an odor and light smoke may be emitted. Do not worry, the heating element is insulated and if the device is in good condition, the smell will quickly disappear.
Installation of the system is available to an experienced builder and a young owner of the house, especially since pipes can be joined in three simple ways:
- gluing;
- connection with couplings;
- soldering welding.
The device for welding polypropylene pipes will help to assemble a water supply system in a short time
If the first methods require additional consumables, couplings and fittings, then the latter method is more economical. If you have a welding machine, you can master a simple welding technology in 5 minutes. This means that the installation of the entire water supply system will not take much time.
Classification of welding machines. Choosing the Right Model
Welding machines are capable of creating inseparable joints that are no different from a single pipe. The soldering iron raises the temperature of the two joints to be joined and with a slight pressure a seam is formed. When cooling, it is no longer possible to break the joint. This type of welding is called contact-butt welding and 2 units are capable of performing it:
- a mechanical device for welding is considered professional. Such a device is used for joining pipes of large diameter and is used when a force is needed when joining;
- manual welding machine is suitable for home repairs and work with pipes with a diameter of up to 125 mm.
Despite the fact that the mechanical apparatus is a more powerful device, builders often use the manual version. It is easier to carry it with you, making repairs in different places.
When choosing a suitable model, you need to pay attention to important characteristics:
- manufacturing company,
- device power,
- assortment and variety of necessary nozzles.
Analysis of manufacturers of welding machines. Reviews of masters
A factor that must be considered when buying is the quality of the welding machine. Professionals are sure that the final result and durability of the plumbing or sewer system largely depend on the brand of the soldering iron.
- Czech devices for the installation of polypropylene pipes, such as Daitron, are distinguished by their functionality and excellent quality of parts and nozzles.
- Soldering irons from Turkey are a good alternative to Czech ones. The danger of such a purchase lies in the existence of low-grade devices created by unknown manufacturers. Main Turkish brands: Candan, Kalde, Valtec. They have earned good reviews from users for their service life (from 3 years) and the best value for money.
- If the country of origin China is indicated on the box, do not be afraid. Yes, devices made in Chinese factories are cheaper and of lower quality. But there are also factories where the local population works under the guidance of specialists from other countries. Thanks to joint production in Russia, quite competitive soldering irons from China, for example, Energomash and Sturm, are supplied.
Feedback from builders regarding the brand of the welding machine is ambiguous. Everyone praises the Czech instrument, however, they complain about the high cost of the product. Before purchasing a “Turk”, it is advised to check all the components and nozzles well. But about the "Chinese" they respond both extremely negatively and quite positively.
Power of the machine for welding polypropylene pipes
Soldering irons are divided into devices of different capacities, so when buying, you need to know several features of the device.
If you need to solder plastic pipes with a diameter of 16 to 75 mm, then a device with a power of up to 0.85 kW is ideal.
For installation of any system using bulk pipes from 90 to 125 mm. you can’t do without a powerful welding machine of 1.5 kW.
The more attachments, the better?
Any of the above companies offer different sets of nozzles. To decide which ones are worth buying, you need to consider the configuration options that are most common:
- A simple machine for welding with one additional element - a wrench for nozzles. Suitable for domestic use and work with 1-2 pipe diameters.
- In the first place in popularity is a convenient suitcase, which stores a set of the device and 4 additional elements. These are nozzles in sizes: 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm. If desired, nozzles sold separately can be purchased in addition.
- Another option is a complete set, in which the device itself, all nozzles and tools for welding are present.
Attention! Masters advise not to chase the maximum set, but to purchase an average option. The fact is that most often engineering communications are assembled from 4 types of polypropylene pipes, which means that only 4 nozzles are needed for the device. The most popular sizes are 16, 32, 50 and 110 mm. By the way, nozzles for manual and mechanical soldering irons differ only in quantity.
The welding machine for polypropylene pipes is useful for any work related to the installation of engineering networks. When choosing a device, you first need to know what diameter pipes are planned for installation and buy a soldering iron of the appropriate power. Judging by the recommendations of the owners, the best option would be a welding machine with four main nozzles.
