Plastic plumbing has come into our everyday life for a long time. An invariable attribute of the repair of the Soviet housing stock, along with metal-plastic windows, became a water pipe made of poly propylene pipes.
Advantages polypropylene water pipe before steel pipes are obvious:
- Cheapness and wide choose materials;
- Simplicity of work on marking and assembling the most intricate and complex options pipe routing;
- Environmental friendliness, resistance of the material to corrosion and salt deposits on the walls of polypropylene communications.
Those who have encountered the tedious and time-consuming procedure of installing water pipes from metal pipes, can be appreciated simple technique connecting plastic using a special soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
If the time has come to renovate the apartment, the problem of replacing the water supply with plastic communications, depending on the availability of desire, money and free time, can be solved:
- Hiring a craftsman and a friend who has experience working with a device for soldering propylene pipes, who can help assemble the pieces marked and cut into a single whole using a soldering iron plastic pipes;
- Transferring the issue of turnkey repairs to a team of repairmen without any desire to understand the intricacies of assembly and soldering plastic assemblies;
- Doing all the work yourself.
The simplicity of assembling the soldering of plastic is so captivating that it is difficult to resist the temptation and solve the problem of plumbing in no other way than to choose and buy a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
The amount of money spent on purchasing the tool will be less than the cost of the specialist’s services, but provided that you really understand how to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes. Essentially, the soldering iron for propylene parts and connecting fittings is a heating element with thermomechanical or electrical system heating control and indication. The heater has two attachments mounted on it, allowing you to simultaneously heat with a soldering iron. outer surface pipes and inner surface fitting. Heating lasts on average about 5 s, the parts are connected with slight manual pressure to set and form a strong connection within 2-3 s. If parts are overheated or connected lopsidedly, some of the molten plastic may get inside the pipe, and as a result, the flow area decreases.
Important ! Doing it yourself most soldering and assembly work, you are able to personally control the quality of soldering joints of polypropylene pipes.
For innovators and DIY enthusiasts, you can assemble a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes with your own hands. The strength and durability of the soldering depends on the perfection of the soldering iron and how high-quality the polypropylene pipes are.
What is good about a DIY soldering iron?
The operating principle of the soldering iron is simple and uses the principle of adhesion of the soldered surfaces of polypropylene parts heated to the softening temperature. There is not always a need to rewire or resolder half of the wiring water supply networks in the house. Sometimes you need to work with a soldering iron to make two or three connections. In this case, a homemade, do-it-yourself mini-soldering iron for polypropylene pipes from a handy heater can help out.
For someone with experience working with electrical wiring and using plumbing skills, making a small amateur version of a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is a matter of two hours.
Usually, water pipes laid in channels and hidden from prying eyes by screens and decor, so you don’t have to worry about beauty and aesthetic appearance. Another thing is important - incorrect temperature adjustment and overheating of the pipe or fitting material, even under slight force, will lead to defects. In soldering, the first and main issue remains the quality of the connection of parts.
If, when working with a homemade soldering iron, you may fall slightly short of world standards appearance- no problem, for amateur cases this is allowed.
To assemble a homemade propylene pipe soldering iron you will need:
- The heating element is the soleplate of a regular electric iron, preferably in the form of a closed aluminum block with a thermostat and an electric cord with a plug;
- soldering iron attachments for polypropylene pipes and fittings of the required size for your pipes;
- nickel-plated M8 bolt-nut for attaching nozzles to the heater;
- digital multimeter with external thermocouple thermometer;
- a clamp or other fastening that allows you to securely fix the soldering iron on a utility surface.
In addition to temperature, the speed or power of heating the surface of the parts being joined is important. If you heat a polypropylene fitting or pipe for a long enough time, the parts will lose their shape and geometric dimensions under the influence of temperature.
Therefore, to quickly melt a surface with a diameter of 15-30 mm, a power of 700 - 900 W is required, which approximately corresponds to maximum power iron heater.
We assemble a homemade product for propylene couplings:
- At a distance of 30-40 m from the nose of the aluminum sole we drill through hole with a diameter of 8 mm and using a screw and nut we connect the nozzles for the pipe and fitting to the base of the heater;
- We install the iron handle on the heater sole so that it does not limit access to the attached attachments;
- We connect the wiring to the contacts of the iron heater;
- We turn it on and use a multimeter, a digital thermometer and a regulator on the iron to set the temperature to 265 o C.
We use a clamp to fix a homemade soldering iron of polypropylene pipes, which will allow you to solder parts yourself, without an assistant; the handle can also be made to suit you for the greatest convenience and minimal risk of getting burned.
Which soldering iron is better for polypropylene pipes
It has always been believed that the best tool is a professional option, designed for long-term use and with high parameters for soldering propylene pipes. Professional soldering iron for polyethylene pipes assumes:
- The use of materials for nozzles that are resistant to prolonged heating, with high thermal conductivity, and that do not stick to the heated surface of the polypropylene part; as a rule, brass or copper nozzles coated with Teflon or carbon are used;
- Easy and convenient change of nozzles on the heater flange; the kit includes a set for the main pipe sizes - from 16 to 160 mm;
- The metallized surface of the nozzles gives a high heating rate of polypropylene parts;
- The presence of a heater power supply stabilizer and automatic temperature regulation allows you to keep the soldering iron hot for as long as desired without the risk of failure of the heating element.
Mandatory attributes of professional models of soldering irons are an easily removable stand and a case for storing and carrying the device with accessories.
For your information ! For original models of soldering irons, unlike fakes, markings and information about the model are applied typographically to the body or to a metal substrate plate tightly sealed into the plastic. On fakes, the marking is pasted in the form of a metallized label and is easily separated from the soldering iron body.
For example, the widely known version of the soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is dytron or ditron - as you like. He is highly praised for his reliability and ease of use, unpretentiousness and robust construction. When soldering propylene parts, time passes by seconds; you have to quickly set up, drop or even throw the pin on the stand, and this practically does not affect its performance. There are three models in the DYTRON line:
- With a power of 850 W, the most popular in apartment renovations, it is used for polypropylene pipes with a diameter of up to 36 mm;
- Power 1200 W - for polypropylene pipes with a diameter of up to 160 mm;
- With a rod-shaped heater with a power of 650 W.
The soldering iron comes with a key for changing nozzles, which can be from 3 to 12 in a set, scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes, building level, gloves and stand. Despite all the advantages, it is worth noting one negative point - the clearly overpriced soldering iron.
Important ! Such devices are designed for many hours of operation, but in any case, they require careful care. non-stick coating on the nozzles. Teflon is very sensitive to scratches and chips, so you should not use hard or metal objects other than rags for cleaning.
But even specialists involved in soldering water pipes do not always strive to buy a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes in an expensive professional version. Many of the budget models, assembled from Chinese or Turkish components, work just as well as branded models.
Let’s take, for example, a typical repairman’s workhorse—the Soyuz soldering iron for polypropylene pipes:
- High heater power - up to 2 kW;
- The kit includes six standard nozzles with a diameter from 20 to 63 mm;
- In addition, the soldering iron is equipped with a hexagon wrench for changing the working tool, a stand for the device and a case.
The length of the power cord is only 130 cm, which is clearly not enough for work. But this size is typical for budget models, while professional soldering irons have a full 2.5-3.5 m. The Soyuz is equipped with a two-mode push-button heating control system and two color indicators - green and red, the latter lights up when the heating is turned on automatically.
The soldering iron is equipped with everything necessary for successful soldering of polypropylene pipes, so it is difficult to say whether it is worth overpaying for additional accessories, as is the case with expensive soldering iron models.
Often, when operating household plumbing systems made of polypropylene, there is a need to repair or expand them, which is impossible without special soldering equipment. As a tool suitable for these purposes, purchased devices of a special design are usually used, the high cost of which forces users to think about making them themselves.
This approach is good not only because it allows you to save significant money and not waste time learning how to work with unfamiliar equipment. Thanks to self-production it is possible to study all the intricacies of handling such devices, which ultimately affects the quality of soldering of polypropylene and other plastic pipes.
In the case when a decision is made to make a soldering iron for pipes with your own hands, this can be done by using the old spare parts remaining on the farm. One of the most common options for making it from improvised means involves using an old electric iron for these purposes.
To implement this project you will need the following components and spare parts:
- an old iron designed for a power of at least 800 watts;
- duralumin plate of suitable size;
- steel slats from an old children's construction set;
- wires, a toggle switch, an unnecessary handle from a disassembled drill or grinder to make it convenient to hold the soldering iron.
A soldering iron for iron pipes works on the same principle as a factory-made specialized product. The spiral (heating element) heats up, transfers heat to the sole and the nozzle inserted into it. This allows you to melt polypropylene pipes and solder them. The temperature on a homemade soldering iron is set to the maximum (should be 260-265 ℃). Having prepared all these parts and materials, you can begin assembly.
First, the casing is removed from the iron, which allows access to its insides. Then the working part of the sole is cut off using a grinder, and in its place, a duralumin plate cut to the shape of the base is attached with an existing bolt. Next, you need to assemble a box from the spare parts of the designer and securely fasten it to the sole.
A toggle switch and a grinder handle are fixed to the elements of the box, after which one end of the power cable is connected to the switch. The second conductor, together with the outlet from the toggle switch, is connected to the heating coil through asbestos tubes.
Nozzles for fixing on polypropylene pipes will have to be purchased separately. If desired, you can connect a socket with a light bulb in parallel to the power circuit, the current through which must be limited by means of a quenching resistor. In order to do this simple design It will take a minimum of time to do it yourself.
With heating regulator
To control the heating temperature of a homemade soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, install a thermocouple. To assemble a device equipped with a heating regulator for the working sole, additional parts and spare parts will be required, namely:
- thermostat, thermocouple and two tips;
- dial indicator with a special scale (with “zero” and two sectors);
- insulated conductors with a length of at least one meter each;
- asbestos wool.
Even before starting work, you should contact a turner and ask him to make two tips of a special shape (for the fitting and for the heater outlet). The dimensions of these tips are selected based on the diameter of the tube prepared for assembly.
The procedure for assembling a soldering iron for polypropylene with a thermostat with your own hands looks like this:
- First, the casing is removed from the iron, after which the temperature regulator is removed from its sole, as well as all unnecessary details and wiring. After such disassembly, you should be left with a clean ironing plate.
- Then, using a drill, holes with a diameter of about 6 millimeters are drilled in the tips, after which they are bolted to the body, cleared of foreign parts (from the “nose” side). On the opposite side of the base, holes are drilled in it with a diameter suitable for mounting the thermocouple housing.
- Wires about one meter long are soldered to the thermocouple. Following this, the same conductors are used to connect the heating coil. All these wires are led out through a hole in the handle of the iron. It itself is attached directly to the casing.
- At the final stage of work, the space between the casing and the slab is filled with asbestos material (wool), which acts as a heat insulator. Upon completion of this operation, the casing is returned to its place, resulting in a housing with two pairs of conductors brought out.
These wires are connected to the power plug and the thermostat according to a circuit that allows you to set a given value for the melting temperature of polypropylene (255-265°).
Thermostat circuit and printed circuit board
Industrial designs with paired nozzles
For the manufacture of thermal nozzles for industrial soldering irons, special materials are used that conduct heat well (copper, aluminum alloys and the like).
On the outside, they are coated with a special layer that prevents polypropylene from burning (Teflon is most often used for these purposes).
Known samples of nozzles for soldering propylene pipes differ both in their shape and in the method of attachment to the heater, which can be various designs. In this case, preference is usually given to products that allow the installation of paired nozzles (or several pairs of them at once).
The capabilities of such a device are significantly expanded, since it becomes universal in its technical parameters.
The working dimensions of soldering iron nozzles (their diameters) must correspond to the same indicator for polypropylene pipes and have values from 16 to 110 millimeters.
Special nozzles with sizes from 20 to 32 millimeters must be included in the kit of any soldering iron that belongs to the category of semi-professional devices. Specialized models of soldering fixtures can be equipped with a large number paired nozzles, the size range of which has been expanded to 63 millimeters.
Plastic plumbing has come into our everyday life for a long time. An invariable attribute of the renovation of the Soviet housing stock, along with metal-plastic windows, was a water supply system made of polypropylene pipes.
The advantages of polypropylene water supply over steel pipes are obvious:
- Cheapness and wide selection of materials;
- Simplicity of work on marking and assembling the most intricate and complex pipe routing options;
- Environmental friendliness, resistance of the material to corrosion and salt deposits on the walls of polypropylene communications.
Those who have encountered the tedious and time-consuming procedure of installing a water supply system from metal pipes can appreciate the simple technique of joining plastic using a special soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
If the time has come to renovate the apartment, the problem of replacing the water supply with plastic communications, depending on the availability of desire, money and free time, can be solved:
- Hiring a craftsman and a friend who has experience working with a device for soldering propylene pipes, who can help assemble pieces of plastic pipes marked and cut into a single whole using a soldering iron;
- Transferring the issue of turnkey repairs to a team of repairmen without any desire to understand the intricacies of assembling and soldering plastic components;
- Doing all the work yourself.
The simplicity of assembling the soldering of plastic is so captivating that it is difficult to resist the temptation and solve the problem of plumbing in no other way than to choose and buy a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
The amount of money spent on purchasing the tool will be less than the cost of the specialist’s services, but provided that you really understand how to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes. Essentially, a soldering iron for propylene parts and connecting fittings is a heating element with a thermomechanical or electrical heating control and indication system. Two nozzles are mounted on the heater, allowing you to simultaneously heat the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the fitting with a soldering iron. Heating lasts on average about 5 s, the parts are connected with slight manual pressure to set and form a strong connection within 2-3 s. If parts are overheated or connected lopsidedly, some of the molten plastic may get inside the pipe, and as a result, the flow area decreases.
Important! By performing most of the soldering and assembly work yourself, you are able to personally control the quality of soldering of polypropylene pipe joints.
For innovators and DIY enthusiasts, you can assemble a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes with your own hands. The strength and durability of the soldering depends on the perfection of the soldering iron and how high-quality the polypropylene pipes are.
What is good about a DIY soldering iron?
The operating principle of the soldering iron is simple and uses the principle of adhesion of the soldered surfaces of polypropylene parts heated to the softening temperature. There is not always a need to re-wire or re-solder half of the water supply wiring in the house. Sometimes you need to work with a soldering iron to make two or three connections. In this case, a homemade, do-it-yourself mini-soldering iron for polypropylene pipes from a handy heater can help out.
For a person with experience working with electrical wiring and plumbing skills, making a small amateur version of a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is a matter of two hours.
As a rule, water pipes are laid in channels and hidden from prying eyes with screens and decor, so you don’t have to worry about beauty and aesthetic appearance. Another thing is important - incorrect temperature adjustment and overheating of the pipe or fitting material, even under slight force, will lead to defects. In soldering, the first and main issue remains the quality of the connection of parts.
If, when working with a homemade soldering iron, you may slightly fall short of world standards of appearance, it doesn’t matter; for amateur cases, this is acceptable.
To assemble a homemade propylene pipe soldering iron you will need:
- The heating element is the soleplate of a regular electric iron, preferably in the form of a closed aluminum block with a thermostat and an electric cord with a plug;
- soldering iron attachments for polypropylene pipes and fittings of the required size for your pipes;
- nickel-plated M8 bolt-nut for attaching nozzles to the heater;
- digital multimeter with external thermocouple thermometer;
- a clamp or other fastening that allows you to securely fix the soldering iron on a utility surface.
In addition to temperature, the speed or power of heating the surface of the parts being joined is important. If you heat a polypropylene fitting or pipe for a long enough time, the parts will lose their shape and geometric dimensions under the influence of temperature.
Therefore, to quickly melt a surface with a diameter of 15-30 mm, a power of 700 - 900 W is required, which approximately corresponds to the maximum power of the iron heater.
We assemble a homemade product for propylene couplings:
- At a distance of 30-40 m from the nose of the aluminum sole, we drill a through hole with a diameter of 8 mm and, using a screw and nut, connect the nozzles for the pipe and fitting to the base of the heater;
- We install the iron handle on the heater sole so that it does not limit access to the attached attachments;
- We connect the wiring to the contacts of the iron heater;
- We turn it on and use a multimeter, a digital thermometer and a regulator on the iron to set the temperature to 265°C.
We use a clamp to fix a homemade soldering iron of polypropylene pipes, which will allow you to solder parts yourself, without an assistant; the handle can also be made to suit you for the greatest convenience and minimal risk of getting burned.
Which soldering iron is better for polypropylene pipes
It has always been believed that the best tool is a professional version, designed for long-term use and with high parameters for soldering propylene pipes. A professional soldering iron for polyethylene pipes requires:
- The use of materials for nozzles that are resistant to prolonged heating, with high thermal conductivity, and that do not stick to the heated surface of the polypropylene part; as a rule, brass or copper nozzles coated with Teflon or carbon are used;
- Easy and convenient change of nozzles on the heater flange, the kit includes a set for the main pipe sizes - from 16 to 160 mm;
- The metallized surface of the nozzles gives a high heating rate of polypropylene parts;
- The presence of a heater power supply stabilizer and automatic temperature regulation allows you to keep the soldering iron hot for as long as desired without the risk of failure of the heating element.
Mandatory attributes of professional models of soldering irons are an easily removable stand and a case for storing and carrying the device with accessories.
For example, the widely known version of the soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is dytron or ditron - as you like. It is highly rated for its reliability and ease of use, unpretentiousness and robust construction. When soldering propylene parts, time passes by seconds; you have to quickly set up, drop or even throw the pin on the stand, and this practically does not affect its performance. There are three models in the DYTRON line:
- With a power of 850 W, the most popular in apartment renovations, it is used for polypropylene pipes with a diameter of up to 36 mm;
- Power 1200 W – for polypropylene pipes with a diameter of up to 160 mm;
- With a rod-shaped heater with a power of 650 W.
The soldering iron comes with a key for changing tips, which can be from 3 to 12 in a set, scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes, a building level, gloves and a stand. Despite all the advantages, it is worth noting one negative point - the clearly overpriced soldering iron.
Important! Such devices are designed for many hours of operation, but in any case, they require careful care of the non-stick coating on the nozzles. Teflon is very sensitive to scratches and chips, so you should not use hard or metal objects other than rags for cleaning.
But even specialists involved in soldering water pipes do not always strive to buy a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes in an expensive professional version. Many of the budget models, assembled from Chinese or Turkish components, work just as well as branded models.
Let's take, for example, a typical repairman's workhorse - the Soyuz soldering iron for polypropylene pipes:
- High heater power – up to 2 kW;
- The kit includes six standard nozzles with a diameter from 20 to 63 mm;
- In addition, the soldering iron is equipped with a hex key for changing the working tool, a stand for the device and a case.
The length of the power cord is only 130 cm, which is clearly not enough for work. But this size is typical for budget models, while professional soldering irons have a full 2.5-3.5 m. "Soyuz" is equipped with a two-mode push-button heating control system and two color indicators - green and red, the latter lights up when the heating is turned on automatically.
The soldering iron is equipped with everything necessary for successful soldering of polypropylene pipes, so it is difficult to say whether it is worth overpaying for additional accessories, as is the case with expensive models of soldering irons.
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Soldering iron for polypropylene pipes: instructions on how to use an electric soldering iron, what caliber of soldering nozzles to use, how to choose a soldering iron among manufacturers
Soldering iron for polypropylene pipes: instructions for use
Factory or even homemade soldering iron for polypropylene pipes - an almost irreplaceable thing if you decide to replace the pipelines in your apartment yourself.
The use of soldering equipment allows you to quickly and reliably connect polypropylene pipes, ensuring the tightness of such a connection.
Working principle of a pipe soldering iron
The device that we most often call a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, from a technical point of view, is correctly called a “Apparatus for contact welding pipes with a heated tool."
Soldering iron for polypropylene pipes
Principle of operation of this device simple enough:
- The soldering iron is connected to the mains
- Soldering iron nozzles for polypropylene pipes are installed in special sockets, the diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the pipes being connected
- We put the pipe sections to be welded onto nozzles, which gradually heat up
- Remove the pipes heated until the polypropylene begins to melt from the nozzles and join them together.
Thus, a soldering iron for soldering polypropylene pipes allows you to quickly create a reliable and hermetically sealed (though one-piece, i.e. permanent) connection of pipes.
At the same time, the cost of soldering irons and ease of operation allow you to use soldering irons for polypropylene pipes yourself, without involving outside specialists.
As you can see, a soldering iron for polypropylene is very useful tool. And so that you do not make a mistake when choosing a soldering iron, below we provide several recommendations for selecting models.
Key parameters that determine the choice of soldering machine will be:
- Soldering iron power
- Availability of replaceable nozzles (as well as their range)
- Manufacturer country
Soldering iron power for polypropylene pipes
The first - and, perhaps, key characteristic soldering iron is its power. The power of a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes determines the maximum diameter of the pipe that the soldering iron can weld.
Moreover, the greater the power, the larger pipes you can weld with a soldering iron. For example, a cobra soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, with a power of 1.5 kW, allows you to weld polypropylene pipes. the diameter of which ranges from 20 to 50 mm, and the more powerful energy machine (1700 W) makes it possible to connect pipes up to 63 mm in diameter.
This dependence is not linear, i.e. The high power of a soldering iron does not always mean that it is suitable for working with pipes large diameter.
For example, a Ditron soldering iron (model TraceWeld PROFI blue), with a “modest” power of 850 W, is capable of high-quality welding of pipes with a diameter of up to 63 mm, which other models of soldering irons whose power is significantly higher (for example, fora or already mentioned here) are not capable of Cobra).
Another aspect that is affected by the power of a soldering iron is the speed of operation - the more powerful the device, the faster you can connect pipes (less time it takes to warm up).
And here you need to choose: if you need to make only a few connections, then the low-power caliber SVA-750T (750 W) is quite suitable. And if you need to solder a lot, then it is better to take a model with more power, for example Valtec 1500 W.
Quite often they say that when choosing an electric soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, its required power can be calculated by multiplying the maximum diameter of the pipe being welded by 10. This rule is partly true, but only partly - it must be used with caution.
We indicated above the reasons why it is necessary to select a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes by analyzing all the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Soldering iron attachments
When selecting a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes in accordance with the specified needs, it is very important to take into account the presence of various nozzles included in the soldering iron kit. If you purchase a soldering iron equipped with various attachments, it will be much easier for you to weld polypropylene pipes of different diameters.
Another advantage (though it is more relevant for professionals who weld a large number of pipes regularly) is the possibility of parallel installation of several nozzles. This opportunity is provided, for example, by the candan soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
Teflon coated tips
When purchasing a soldering machine, also pay attention to the coating of the nozzles. The most functional are soldering nozzles with Teflon coating, as well as nozzles coated with metallized Teflon.
Such nozzles not only heat up more evenly, but also last much longer. The already mentioned soldering irons candan, dytron and others are equipped with Teflon-coated nozzles.
Equipment
In addition to the soldering iron itself and nozzles, the soldering machine may also include additional tools and accessories, ranging from scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes to special gloves that will protect your hands from burns when welding polypropylene pipes with your own hands: advice from the experts.
Most manufacturers pack soldering irons in special carrying cases - plastic or metal.
Manufacturer country
An important role is also played by the fact where the polypropylene pipe soldering iron you have chosen is manufactured.
And although today the “pedigree” of a soldering iron is not so important (globalization, after all), some patterns in geography are still present:
- Czech soldering irons for polypropylene pipes rightfully occupy a leading place in the informal rating of these devices. Despite not the lowest cost, Czech soldering irons (such as Daytron, which has been mentioned many times today) are in steady demand. So if the quality of the instrument comes first for you, the Czech Republic has no alternatives.
- Turkish soldering irons are in some way a compromise option. Turkey produces both excellent models that can outshine other Czech ones - and models of frankly low quality.
That is why, having decided to purchase a Turkish soldering iron, you need to be very careful when choosing specific model by reading reviews online.
Soldering iron ENERGOMASH (STURM)
Chinese soldering irons occupy a separate niche in this market. On the one hand, China was and remains China, on its permanent features: democratic and completely affordable price and unpredictable quality. On the other hand, in fact, many European and domestic (if you believe the sticker) soldering irons are also produced at the production facilities of the Middle Kingdom - and quality control at such enterprises ensures the output of quite competitive products.
Such devices include the Energomash soldering iron for polypropylene pipes (it is also produced under another brand – sturm).
- Well, completely different are homemade soldering irons for polypropylene, made by “traditional craftsmen” using a variety of technical solutions (most often - spirals from irons). Such devices operate unpredictably, so we will not take the liberty of recommending their use. And from the point of view of electrical safety, such homemade products are most often flawed (to put it mildly!)
In fact, the modern electrical equipment market demonstrates a fairly direct relationship between “soldering iron price and quality.” Thus, if you purchase an inexpensive Chinese device, then, most likely, it will not last long for you.
But if you plan to work with pipes for quite a long time, then it is better to immediately purchase a more expensive soldering iron - polypropylene pipes will be easier to weld, and the weld will be more reliable. Moreover, the range of soldering irons for polypropylene pipes, available in construction supermarkets and online stores, allows you to choose a model for almost any requirement and “for any budget.”
Guided by the above considerations, you can choose the best soldering iron for polypropylene pipes: the instructions for such a device, included in the kit or available on the manufacturer’s website, will allow you to choose optimal mode work. And literally after a couple of attempts, you will be able to efficiently connect the pipes in your apartment when replacing them!
More information
Polypropylene pipes, due to their low cost and ease of connection, are used by many owners when installing water supply in an apartment or house. There are many tools for soldering pipes, but not everyone can afford them, so I made a soldering iron from an old electric iron.
On the “sole” from the iron (heating element) (photo 1, item 1) in advance drilled hole Using a bolt on both sides, I secured the heating element for the outer (7) and inner (see photo 2) diameters of the pipes. The heat-insulating casing (photo 1, item 2) and the temperature controller module (3), mounted on a textolite plate (4), were connected to the heating element and installed on a stand (5). PTFE insulators (6) were placed between the casing and the plate.
The aluminum stand securely holds the structure, and the protruding part of the textolite plate is freely inserted into its groove (8) and easily removed, which allows you to conveniently store the device. Wooden handle I attached it to the textolite with self-tapping screws. The temperature controller module was assembled according to the diagram...
When installing a water pipeline, I turn on the soldering iron and set the desired temperature. I insert 25 mm diameter pipes into the heating element on both sides for no more than 5 seconds, take them out and solder them together, connecting the heated ends.
Diagram of a homemade soldering iron for plastic pipes
1. Variable 500 kOhm (R 1)
2. Resistor 4.7 kOhm 0.5 w (R2)
3. Resistor 1 mOhm, 0.25 w(R3)
4. Dinistor DB-3(VS 1)
5. Triac TS 25-4 (VS 2)
6. Thermal electric heater 1000w(T3H)
7. Capacitor 0.1 uF, 400 v(C 1)
8. Neon lamp HL 1 (network indicator)
The temperature controller is mounted in aluminum housing measuring 130x60x90 mm on a board made of foil fiberglass. The control knob is located outside and has divisions. When the device is turned on, the red lamp lights up.
DIY soldering iron for plastic pipes - photo
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Pipes and fittings made of polypropylene can be said to be in trend today. They are used for indoor plumbing and heating wiring and networks inside houses and apartments. The popularity of this material is primarily due to the ease of working with it. Unlike metal pipes, they do not need to be bent with a pipe bender, threaded, or welded. All the labor intensity of this profession became a thing of the past with the advent of such material as polypropylene.
The main tool for working with polypropylene products is an electric soldering iron or iron. In the factory kit it is equipped with sleeve attachments for soldering pipes and fittings of standard diameters. They can also be purchased separately. But there are times when, for some reason, a factory soldering iron is not available and there is no way to buy it, and of all the parts, only welding attachments are available. This is where a homemade plumbing soldering iron comes in handy.
This homemade product is one of those “blow, spit, and do the job.” You can literally assemble it on your knees from an old iron and a wooden block. With such a homemade heater you will definitely save the situation and cope with soldering polypropylene pipes. And now we’ll show you how to do it.
What you need to assemble a soldering iron
- An old iron with a working heating sole;
- Wooden block, approximate cross-section 40x50 mm, length 40-50 cm;
- Four self-tapping screws, 3x14-16 mm;
- Sleeve attachments for a plumbing soldering iron with a clamping bolt;
- Power cable with plug;
- Electrical tape, 45 mm self-tapping screws.
Assembling a homemade soldering iron for polypropylene pipes
First of all, we disassemble the household iron, disconnecting the soleplate from the thermostats. We won't need the rest of the iron anymore.
Next we prepare wooden block. If necessary, it can be sawn, planed, or simply cleaned emery wheel, as the author of the homemade product did (photo).
To secure the bar, we drill several holes on the sole of the iron, in an area free from the heating element. The diameter of the drill should be less than the width of the screw head.
We insert the block adjusted to the cross-section into the groove of the sole, and attach it to several screws using a screwdriver and a Phillips bit.
There are bolts at the end of the heater contact group. We drill slot holes for them on both sides of the block, and unfold the contacts with pliers to connect them.
We press the contact plates with several self-tapping screws - press washers.
Not far from the end of the sole, we drill a hole for the clamping bolt for the sleeves. Now you can attach several paired welding attachments. We place them on the clamping bolt and tighten them with a hex wrench.
All that remains is to connect the power cable to the contact group, and wrap the contact area on the handle with electrical tape.
The soldering iron is ready for use. Such a device can be used for soldering polypropylene pipes and fittings, making plumbing or heating wiring.
