Welding rods are essential in metal welding, so you may not find it surprising that welding rods are essential in plastic welding. When welding thermoplastics, always consider what type of plastic welding rod to use. You’ll need to select the right rod for the job to achieve the perfect weld. t. If an incorrect rod is used, the weld won’t be viable. Therefore, it is extremely important to always choose the right type of rod.
Choosing the correct type of plastic welding rod
Choosing the correct plastic welding rod has to do with the type of plastic you want to weld. You must use the same welding rod as your plastic material (for example, HDPE to HDPE).
First, you’ll need to check the identification mark on the plastic parts you’re using. In most cases, a marking will be displayed on the bottom or the back of plastics.
If a marking isn’t available, the next step is to perform a quick weld test. Does the welding rod remain firmly attached to the base material once it has cooled? If so, this indicates a successful plastic material match. If a solid bond isn’t established, the welding rod will not hold the joining part.
It’s also possible to go with a burn test. This can be done by taking a small plastic piece and exposing it to an open flame. A lighter or match will do the job. Then it’s a case of identifying the plastic material based on the characteristics it displays. For instance, melted polypropylene (PP) drips in the same way as a candle, generates no smoke, and smells like burnt oil.
The right temperature matters
It is important to reach the correct temperature for the plastic you’re welding. The good news is that with an applicable heatgun, the temperature can be adjusted to match the melting point of your plastic.
For the majority of plastics, a temperature between 464°F (240°C) and 518°F (270°C) will be suitable for reaching the required heat needed to complete the weld. However, a higher temperature is necessary when it comes to technical materials (plastics often used in industrial applications) . For instance, nylon plastic (PA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) need higher temperatures.
Remember to try and avoid going above 572°F (300°C) as this can cause various problems. The plastics you’re working on will oxidize, thus causing damage to the molecular structure. The result: the durability of the weld seam is unreliable. Furthermore, in certain situations, the production of harmful gasses may occur.
Additional points to remember
Even if you have the right type of plastic welding rod, own a suitable heatgun, and know the right temperature to use, your weld may need some improvement. Fortunately, there are other points to keep in mind.
Always ensure you work in a clean, well-ventilated area. Debris can cause a poor weld, and a well-ventilated area will help diminish the fumes that may occur due to plastic melting. A calm and patient approach is also vital when welding. After all, time is required for the plastics to melt. But if a mistake does occur, keep in mind that a weld can be melted again and reworked if needed.,.
The plastic welding process can be very enjoyable, and by using the right type of welding rod, you’ll be well on your way to a great weld. However, if you have questions about choosing a plastic welding rod or how to use it, our team is here to help. Give us a call or drop us a line, and one of our heatgun experts will be glad to help you out!