Machine for welding polypropylene pipes: ranking of the best 2022

Welding machines for polypropylene pipes are used in the installation of water mains. An inexpensive model is suitable for welding at home, and a professional soldering iron is recommended for master plumbers who carry out a large volume of installation work.

Machine for welding polypropylene pipes

In this review, we presented a rating of high-quality machines for welding plastic pipes, based on their characteristics and taking into account user reviews. The question of how to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes based on their characteristics and your needs is also covered in detail.

What parameters are the main ones for choosing a welding machine?

The main elements of the machine for welding polypropylene pipes are a heater and a matrix . They are responsible for heating and connecting structural elements to each other, resulting in a high-quality seam.

Criteria for choosing a tool for welding plastic pipes:

1. Power - from 600 to 2000 W. Affects the level of performance, in particular the heating rate of polypropylene (depending on the diameter of the product). The higher the indicator, the faster the welding occurs.
2. Nozzles (their number and size) - affects the width of the range of diameters of polypropylene pipes that can be connected.
3. Temperature adjustment - different manufacturers of polypropylene pipes have different melting temperatures of the material (can vary from 220 to 260 degrees Celsius), and the degree of heating can also be influenced by the ambient temperature (for example, outside in winter). Therefore, it is better to give preference to a device with temperature control.
4. Protective functions - protection against overheating and contamination will protect you from accidental breakdowns.

When choosing a soldering iron, you need to take into account its mobility and safety, as well as the shape of the heating element. It happens:

1. Sword-shaped (iron) - a wide plate resembling a sword, with an attachment fixed on it. This tool is intended for stationary use on a table.

The sword-shaped soldering iron is so called because of the shape of the plate, which transfers temperature to the matrix. In addition, when installing several paired matrices, it is possible to weld polymer pipes with different diameters.

The tool is recommended for stationary use. This soldering iron is convenient for stitching in easily accessible places. It is also possible to install several matrices simultaneously.

Sword welding machines

1. Cylindrical - a heating element in the shape of a cylinder. Recommended for welding in complex PVC pipeline connections. Stationary operation is possible; for this purpose, the kit includes a stand.

The nozzles on such soldering irons are cylindrical in shape, installed at the end, and secured with bolts. Since the distance of the matrix from the beginning of the cylinder has no restrictions, the pipe can be soldered in the most difficult places, for example, near a wall.

It is possible to carry out work on various sections of an open pipeline, and in a hospital.

Cylindrical welding machine

Expensive models are equipped with a thermostat to regulate the heating of the heating element. This is a convenient feature, and it is better to choose a device with a heating regulator.

About standard designs

Holders and heating elements are placed inside. The holder is isolated, which allows you to maintain one position of the tool during operation. The heating element is responsible for the melting process. The design of all welding machines is approximately the same.

If welding of pipes of large diameters is required, devices with a rather complex system are used that allow you to control the soldering process. After all, it is important to ensure that the heating of the structure is not too strong. Otherwise, the tube or coupling may completely melt.

Designs are often equipped with protective functions, with the help of which not only the temperature on the working heating device is regulated, but also the time during which the pipe or fitting melts.

Temperature, along with time, is tied to the thickness of the coupling wall and the diameter of the product.

How to choose the right nozzles

• For soldering irons with lower productivity, you need to choose a smaller diameter of the nozzle. Low-power devices are simply not able to warm up nozzles that are too large. Before purchasing a soldering iron, you need to make sure that these two elements in the kit match each other.
• Experts recommend taking into account your personal needs when choosing. Professional craftsmen need to work with nozzles of both 10 and 110 millimeters. At home, only three options are mainly of interest - 16, 24 and 32 mm. Any home pipeline fits into this size range. It makes no sense to purchase nozzles with a larger diameter.
• The material of manufacture is also important. Teflon coating and good thermal conductivity are the most pressing requirements.

• The more attachments, the better. However, it is worth considering that the price increases as their size increases.

Additional functions and components

The following additional features and components may affect which plastic pipe welding machine you choose.

• Power adjustment . Power adjustment in devices can only be stepped. If you need to install a pipeline with a small cross-section, you can set the power to a minimum, while saving energy. By turning on two heating elements at the same time, you increase the heating rate.
• Temperature adjustment . Typically, devices have smooth temperature control, so you can customize this parameter for a specific type of work.
• Thermostat . The thermostat turns the device on or off when it reaches the required temperature. This saves energy and prevents the device from running constantly. Also, it does not need to be turned off every time the parts are heated. There is a thermostat in all models that have temperature control.
• Pipe cutter . Some manufacturers additionally equip soldering irons for polypropylene with pipe cutters. Using them you can cut the pipe to the length you need. On average, a normal pipe cutter costs 1,500 rubles, but you can save it by purchasing it complete with a welding machine.
• Case . At first glance, this may seem like a small thing, but carrying a soldering iron with all the attachments in a regular bag is not entirely convenient. The metal case is convenient to store and transport the tool, and it will last you longer.

• Home Appliances

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Power overview

Welded devices for polymer pipes come in different capacities, from 600 to 2000 W.

To connect 50 mm and smaller workpieces, standard heaters are used that support a power of 1 kW. For a larger cross-section, you will need a power of 1.7-2 kW.

But this rule does not always work. The market offers us ultra-efficient installations that consume less than 1 kW and are capable of welding pipe blanks with a maximum diameter.

Professionals pay attention to universal tools with maximum power.

Hobbyists are interested in inexpensive devices that can solder at least two or three standard sizes of workpieces.

Power up to 1000 W

A soldering iron with this power is available in both sword-shaped and cylindrical types. The difference between devices up to 1000 W is that they have one heating element, so the matrix heats up slowly and the welding process is long.

The equipment of the devices is directly related to their cost. The simple device has light induction, a toggle switch and a thermostat. Expensive ones have a display that can accurately maintain the required temperature using electronics.

The following models have proven themselves well:

1. Inforce 03-24-01 (Russia) - voltage 1000 W, sword-shaped heater, digital display and electronic regulator.
2. Gigant GPW-1000 - Russian device, mechanical adjustment. Capable of quickly heating to a given degree.
3. Elitech SPT 1000 is a compact device with a cylindrical soldering iron, mechanical adjustment and a metal folding stand.
4. Caliber SVA-1000T (Russia) is a cylindrical heater with three nozzles. There are two diodes - network and temperature.

Power over 1000 W

Devices for stitching polypropylene pipe products with voltages from 1500 to 2000 W have increased productivity. The difference between this equipment is the speed of heating and the speed of stitching, but this does not affect the quality of the seams in any way.

These soldering irons with improved configuration have two heating elements that turn on simultaneously and alternately.

Proven high performance models include:

1. Inforce 03-12-02 - power 1700 W, two switches to set one of three modes (700, 1000, 1700), sword-shaped heater.
2. PATRIOT PW 205 (2000 W) - sword-shaped soldering plate, X-shaped pedestal, there are two toggle switches to adjust the power.
3. Elitech SPT 1500 is a pointed sword-shaped heater that heats up quickly.
4. STURM TW7218 is a powerful cylindrical soldering iron (1800 W), the ability to adjust the temperature level from 0 to 300 degrees.

Classification of soldering irons for PP pipes

If we evaluate the assortment, we can distinguish two main classes of machines for welding plastic pipes: mechanical and manual. The main parameter of separation is productivity and scope of application. In addition, the units are classified according to the welding method into butt and coupling devices. Features of the device and operation of each type are described below.

Powerful mechanical and electro-hydraulic devices

Mechanical and electro-hydraulic devices are used for joining large-diameter pipes (over 5 cm) or in conditions where the alignment of joints requires a significant load.

Complete set of mechanical equipment: support frame, control unit, hydraulic unit, grippers with liners, electric trimmer, disk heating element and dynamometer

Mechanical joining of pipes is carried out in a rigid housing with semicircular moving centralizers. The ends of the products are aligned with an electric trimmer equipped with double-sided knives. The plastic is heated by a powerful heater and the pipes are joined - pressure is applied manually through a lever. The clamping force is monitored by a built-in dynamometer.

The butt welding technique using an appropriate apparatus is recommended for connecting PP pipes whose diameter exceeds 63 cm. The permissible pipe thickness is at least 4 mm.

In butt welding, devices with a disk working element are used, with the help of which the parts to be joined are heated to a viscous consistency. Before heating, the parts to be joined are trimmed to give their cut an exact geometric shape. After preparation, the parts are applied to preheated disks. Then they are connected with a quick movement, maintaining alignment. To allow you to work with pipes of any diameter, the welding machine comes with discs of different sizes.

The coating of the clamps is made of metallized Teflon, which prevents hot plastic from sticking to the working element of the device.

The connection of parts with an electro-hydraulic device for soldering polypropylene pipes is carried out by analogy with a mechanical device. The difference is in the method of creating pressure. The clamping is carried out by an electro-hydraulic drive.

The device is capable of regenerating pressure of about 120 atmospheres - this is enough to weld pipes with a diameter of up to 63 cm. At the same time, the quality of the seam remains high.

Some electro-hydraulic units allow welding of T-shaped plastic structures.

These devices are expensive and are not intended for soldering small cross-section pipes. Therefore, the main scope of their application is industrial enterprises and utilities. The use of mechanical and electro-hydraulic devices in everyday life is unprofitable.

Sword and cylindrical hand models

A manual welding machine is often called a “soldering iron” or “iron”. The compact device is suitable for home and industrial use. The maximum diameter of joined pipes is 125 mm.

Based on the shape of the heating platform, there are two types of “soldering irons”:

• xiphoid;
• cylindrical.

The shapes of welding machines are what gave them popular names: the first option looks like an iron, and the second one looks like an ordinary soldering iron. The platform configuration does not affect the principle, operating procedure and quality of the device. The differences lie in different types of attachments and methods of attaching them.

There are holes on both sides of the flat iron. Depending on the number of “seats”, one or several pairs of nozzles can be used simultaneously. Standard – 1-3 diametrical sizes

For soldering individual heating, two or three sets of nozzles are enough. Models designed for the use of more than 3 diameters belong to the category of professional equipment and cost from 250 USD.

A pair of separate attachments are installed on the “iron”:

• sleeve – heating of the outer surface;
• mandrel - heating and melting the inside of the fitting.

Both attachments are secured with a long screw, which is tightened with a hex wrench.

When using several sets at the same time, small attachments are placed closer to the edge, and large attachments are placed closer to the handle. This is not a mandatory requirement, but a recommendation for more convenient use.

Less popular are sword-shaped varieties with a shortened heater. Model No. 1 (photo below) is highly specialized and designed for the installation of large mandrels and couplings; the power of the heating element allows the soldering of large cross-section PP pipes.

Model 1 is highly specialized. Model 2 is compact, with two nozzles oriented vertically, it is convenient for welding in confined spaces

Devices with a cylindrical heating rod are equipped with attachments similar to a detachable clamp.

Experts highlight a number of advantages of “soldering irons” over “irons”:

• the master independently selects the area where the nozzle is located - there are no specified holes;
• the ability to choose the angle of the pipe relative to the horizontal plane - important when soldering complex components at the installation site of the pipeline;
• increasing operating efficiency by increasing the contact area between the heater and nozzles - faster warming up;
• there is no need to periodically tighten the fastening bolts to prevent axial displacement of the nozzles during welding.

Cylindrical devices are distinguished by their compactness, stable heating temperature and high cost relative to sword-shaped models.

The set of attachments is put on the cylinder, moved to a convenient place, after which the connecting screw is tightened with a hex key. The maximum number of nozzles used is determined by the length of the rod platform

Devices for butt and socket welding

Soldering is performed in two technological ways: butt and coupling. Accordingly, all welding machines can be classified according to this criterion.

How is butt welding performed?

The technology is applicable for pipes of equal diameter with a plastic thickness of 4 mm or more. The main requirements for high-quality soldering are: clear alignment of the joining elements and careful trimming, ensuring a tight fit of the surfaces.

Butt welding machines operate on the following principle:

1. Trimming and processing of pipe ends.
2. Simultaneous heating by disc heating element.
3. Compression of mating parts - pressure is applied strictly along the axis of the pipe.
4. Achieving the diffusion effect is the penetration of molten polymers into the structure of adjacent parts.

After a technological pause, the stage of cooling and final polymerization follows.

Industrial machines operate using this method: mechanical and electro-hydraulic devices. The equipment allows you to achieve the required arrangement of parts and optimal compression force

Features of the coupling solder

The fulfillment of the condition for centering the parts is achieved due to the selected sizes of nozzles and pipes. The unit simultaneously heats the inner walls of the coupling (tee, fitting or adapter) and the outer side of the pipe to the same length.

The heated parts are applied and joined together manually. The ratio of the diameters of the mating elements provides the necessary compression force - for interpenetration and polymerization, it is enough to hold the parts together for some time.

Clutch units include tools that require the use of special attachments. All manual welding machines perform socket or socket joints

When connecting polypropylene pipes using a welding machine, a number of standard actions are performed. As a result of the diffuse connection of plastic components, a durable, sealed pipeline is obtained that can operate without failure under standard load for many decades.

Quality rating by country of origin

There is an unspoken list of quality ratings for manufacturers, which is based solely on real consumer reviews:

1. The first place belongs to Germany;
2. The second is the Czech Republic;
3. Third - Turkey;
4. Russia confidently ranks fourth;
5. China.

Now in more detail about the countries of origin.

• Germany. First of all, these are advanced technologies, the ability to record the process and save information on a flash drive (for monitoring and analyzing the process), much attention is paid to safety and protective functions.
• Czech Republic. The welding apparatus of this country is distinguished by functionality and a high level of quality of elements and attachments.
• Türkiye. This country continues to rank producers. The country's products have become an excellent alternative to Czech goods. But, among the provided models from the Turkish manufacturer you can often find low quality equipment. The most popular models are: Valtec, Kalde and Candan. They have deservedly received a large number of positive reviews, and stand out for their good combination of cost and quality.
• Russia. Recently, domestic manufacturers have begun to introduce high-quality welding machines to the market. At the same time, the equipment of this line is distinguished by its affordable price.
• China. Unfortunately, the products of this manufacturer, due to their low quality, have not received high marks from professionals.

Principle of operation

When deciding which soldering iron to choose for polypropylene pipes, first of all, you need the equipment to allow them to be used quickly and easily. The owner of the welding machine should not feel discomfort during operation and the equipment should not fail at the most unexpected time.

The design of the unit itself is quite simple. The main elements are 3 – body, handle, heating plate.

The operating principle of soldering plastic pipes is based on a diffusion process and consists of the following steps:

• The iron heats the seam, along which welding will subsequently take place.
• After the edges of the pipes are applied to the heating element.
• The ends heated to the required temperature are connected. After cooling, a sealed joint is obtained with excellent elasticity and reliability.

Different types of welding machines are used for soldering pipes; they all have certain features and also differ in functionality and additional accessories.

When choosing a welding machine for soldering plastic pipes, you should give preference to a tool with the maximum configuration Source specinstrumenta.ru

Top 10 manufacturing companies in terms of price/quality ratio

✅ Which soldering iron to buy for polypropylene pipes

1. "Candan". The characteristics of the welding unit from the Turkish manufacturer are distinguished by good technical qualities and reasonable price.
2. "Valtek". The equipment of the Russian-Italian company is famous for its high level of quality and reliability.
3. "REMS". This equipment has many advantages. This company is well known in the power tools market. The most important part of this tool, the heating element, is made from a corrosion-resistant alloy. They also highlight the precise mechanical temperature controller. It functions without errors.
4. "Gerat Weld". This manufacturer presents a line of products that combine the optimal ratio of cost and quality. This powerful and compact device will be an excellent assistant for the home handyman. You can place two types of attachments on the heater of such a device at the same time. The total power of the device is 1500 kilowatts.
5. "Prorab." If you need a device with a low price and low weight, then you won’t find a better option. These devices come with special gloves, a hex wrench, a screwdriver and a tape measure.
6. "Sturm" Under this brand you can purchase a professional welding machine of two types. In the first case, the heating element has the shape of a cylinder, and in the second case it is made in a sword-shaped form.
7. "Aqua Prom". These welders are distinguished by their low cost and extensive equipment. These are powerful devices that make it easy to lay a pipeline, set up a greenhouse, and much more.
8. "Bosch". These tools are called the best option for beginners. Bosch welders are lightweight and reliable tools. A pleasant addition to these mechanisms is their varied configuration, which includes nozzles of different diameters, allowing you to work with pipes of different sections.
9. "Rotorica". This device is an excellent assistant for the home handyman. It is equipped with a digital temperature controller and Teflon coating on the nozzles. When describing these units, it is necessary to note their versatility - they can be used in various working conditions.
10. The top 10 is completed by the Elektromash model. These are tools for performing manual soldering of plastic systems. They allow you to work with polypropylene materials without much effort. The described line of products is distinguished by its low cost.

What is a soldering iron for PP pipes

Polypropylene materials have many advantages, which is why they are in high demand:

• strength;
• light weight;
• long service life;
• low price.

The advantage is simple installation, which eliminates the need to call a specialist, since the installation work can be performed by a person even without experience. The ease of installation is explained by the melting point, which is equal to 250-260 degrees Celsius. Such a plus could not go unnoticed, so a special device was created to work with PPB.

For reference! A soldering iron for propylene pipes is also called a soldering iron for plastic pipes. A tool is used for installing pipelines, or rather connecting them. Also, the tool can be called an iron because of its characteristic shape.

The device has the following design:

• body with handle;
• heating platform;
• stand;
• nozzles of various diameters.

Soldering with such a tool takes place without unnecessary difficulties.

Video description

For a quick review of the Sturm TW-7218, watch this video:

Wester DWM1000A

The product strongly resembles a Rothenberger sword-shaped welding machine. But at the same time, for all the equipment in a case with 6 nozzles with a diameter of 20-63 millimeters, you need to pay 5 times less.

The Wester DWM1000 A pipe soldering machine is practically a copy of the Rothenberger soldering iron Source 24weld.ru

A 1 kW heater warms up quite quickly, and pipe soldering is quite acceptable. The disadvantage of the welding machine is the electronics - namely the temperature controller. By and large, it is quite possible to repair it, but the equipment is definitely not suitable for professional use.

Advantages:

• digital temperature sensor;
• good quality of soldering;
• Comes with 6 nozzles.

Disadvantages : the temperature regulator breaks down quickly.

Video description

What professional builders think about the ELITECH SPT1500 soldering iron, watch the video:

BISON AST-2000

This welding machine is made in a rather original way - a regular piece of profiled pipe is used for mounting on the stand, and the body is a rectangular box. But the unit turned out to be cheap and reliable.

The BISON AST-2000 soldering machine has a fairly simple design, but this does not affect the quality of work in any way Source ytimg.com

It is equipped with 6 nozzles, can be used for pipes with a cross-section of 20-63 millimeters. High-quality Teflon coating, heated pipes can be easily removed. The heater is two-section, quickly reaches the required temperature. Due to its design, the equipment is relatively heavy; when used by weight, your hands get tired quickly.

Advantages:

• reliable soldering;
• fast warm-up;
• high-quality nozzles;
• convenient stand.

Disadvantages: Appearance resembles a homemade design.

Video description

How to choose an original CANDAN soldering iron, watch the video:

DIOLD ASPT-4

Sword-shaped welding machine 1.5 kW. The kit includes a metal case, 6 nozzles with a cross-section of 20-63 mm, gloves, a tape measure, and a pipe cutter. Up to 3 pairs of nozzles can be installed on the heater at the same time; it heats up quite quickly.

The main advantage of the Diold ASPT-4 welding machine is its maximum configuration Source gadgetok.ru

Attention! When purchasing, check the calibration of the temperature setting regulator with a pyrometer.

The stand is made of plastic, it is not attached firmly enough, that is, it needs to be modified. The Chinese pipe cutter included in the kit also does not work effectively. But, in general, this soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is worth the money; with minor shortcomings, it works great.

Advantages:

• high-quality complete nozzles;
• ease of use;
• reliable case with durable fastenings;
• fast heating.

Flaws:

• the pipe cutter included in the kit is not suitable for the job;
• poor quality stand.

Popular vote

Which soldering iron for polypropylene pipes would you choose or recommend?

Rothenberger Roweld P63T

8.06 % ( 5 )

Rothenberger Roweld P40 T

6.45 % ( 4 )

Candan CM-01

9.68 % ( 6 )

Dytron Polys P-4a 650W TraceWeld Solo

14.52 % ( 9 )

Wester DWM 1000A

17.74 % ( 11 )

ELITECH SPT 1500

6.45 % ( 4 )

Wester DWM 1500

4.84 % ( 3 )

Candan CM-03

11.29 % ( 7 )

Resanta ASPT-2000

9.68 % ( 6 )

Resanta ASPT-1000

3.23 % ( 2 )

Elitech SPT 800

3.23 % ( 2 )

Soyuz STS-7220

1.61 % ( 1 )