There’s no understating the importance of plastic welding rods. When you are binding together two separate plastic pieces together, these rods help massively with the process. Think of it like applying a layer of glue to the binding area. When plastic welding rods are used correctly, they allow you to achieve maximum weld strength.
Which is why it is important you select the right plastic welding rod for your project. We only sell welding rods that are made with the highest-grade resin materials. The result: you get the best industrial welding rods on the market today. With a wide range of materials and diameters available, you’ll be able to purchase the exact rods you need.
Welding Rods for Plastic Welding
SKU#: Plastic Welding Rods
In the event that an item may not be in stock, items could require a lead time to fulfill your order. We will advise via phone or email in this instance.
Rods for Plastic Welding
Plastic welding rods are necessary to bind together two pieces of plastic that are separate from one another. Selecting the right welding rods is imperative for a successful weld that delivers a strong joint. At Heatgun.com, we provide the best plastic welder rods on the market, manufactured to the highest standard and available in a wide range of materials, sizes, and colors.
Shop our wide range of high-quality Welding Rods
If you’re searching for plastic welding rods, you have landed in the right place. We stock a wide range of welding rods with different plastic types, dimensions, weights, and colors. By offering this diverse choice, it ensures you are able to find the right welding rod for the job. The variety of plastic rod materials we stock covers the following options:
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- HMW HDPE (High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene)
Say you are in the market for a PVC welding rod. Not only do you have to select this PVC to match up with the plastic components you’re working on, but you also have to decide on other factors. One such factor is the dimensions of your plastic welding rod. These dimensions start from 3mm round and go all the way up to 7mm. Selecting the right rod diameter is necessary for achieving the strongest possible welds.
Another point to consider is the weight of your welding rods. From a 5lbs coil to a 30lbs spool, you can decide on the length of the rods you need depending on your project. This allows you to maximize your budget. With a selection of colors to pick from, you can also get rods that match up with your plastic components, helping to avoid a post-painting session after the weld is completed.
The importance of picking the right plastic welder rods
For a weld to be successful, you must select the right plastic welding rod for the job. For example, say you have purchased a PVC welding rod. However, you have a problem as your two plastic components are made with PP. Ultimately, it’s impossible to mix different plastic materials, which means you cannot match PVC with PP. You must use PP welding rods when you have PP components – no exceptions. Aside from material, another important factor to consider is the welding rod’s size. When you select the correct diameter for your welding rod, this helps to maximize the strength of your welds. Below are the rod diameters we offer:
- 3mm round (1/8 inch)
- 4mm round (5/32 inch)
- 5mm round (3/16 inch)
- 5.7mm profile
- 7mm profile
Additionally, we supply different weight options to match up with your manufacturing needs. You are able to buy our welding rods in the following coils,
- 5lbs coil spools
- 10lbs coil spools
- 30lbs coil spools
Please choose the one which is the best fit for your project size.
Do you require assistance with identifying the right plastic welding rod for your project? A welding rod kit is one way to solve the issue. This kit includes the four main plastic materials used. Then, it’s a case of testing these materials against your plastic components and seeing which one binds as expected.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with our expert sales and customer service teams. They will be able to point you in the right direction, whether you need help with the plastic type, dimensions, or any other aspect. Can’t find the right color for your welding rods? This is another reason to contact us, as we can put together a bespoke order that matches up perfectly with your needs.
PVC plastic and PVC rods: What to know and how to choose
The durability and flexibility of PVC plastic rods make it an essential material for welders. It’s also a fascinating material that has almost endless applications. That’s why PVC plastic is used all around us, from our homes and workplaces to our vehicles, healthcare facilities, waste management facilities, and even in your shower curtains and children’s toys. Knowing a little more about the uses and advantages of PVC and PVC rods highlights just how valuable a material it is.
What is PVC plastic?
One of the most utilized plastics in the world, PVC is a man-made polymer solid. Most commonly referred to as PVC, polyvinyl chloride is made by creating a chemical synthesis reaction allowing PVC to be manufactured into a huge range of products that are used across many industries. A rigid material, PVC is chemically non-reactive, which means it can be safely heat-formed, solvent-cemented, or welded using a PVC rod. First synthesized in 1872 and made commercially available in the 1920s, modern PVC comes in two forms - rigid/unplasticized uPVC or more flexible regular PVC which is much softer.
What is PVC used for?
PVC is incredibly versatile, which allows for a high number of applications and uses. From a wide range of industries to consumers and infrastructures, PVC is being used in more ways than you might think. You’ll will find PVC being used in:
- Water plumbing/pipes: In terms of quantity and weight mass, plumbing and pipes are the biggest applications of PVC in the world. It’s because PVC is non-toxic and easy to mold into the desired length that has led the material to be the single most valuable plastic for water delivery.
- Waste handling: Its high abrasion resistance, flexibility, strength, ability to fight corrosion and rust, and its resistance to mycobacterial growth make PVC and PVC rods ideal for use in the waste sector. Found in the form of PVC pipes that take wastewater and waste products where they need to go, PVC is very commonly found in sewage handling, waste control, and waste venting.
- Handling and delivery of chemicals: PVC is particularly well-suited to handle chemicals, partly due to its chlorine content. That makes it very resistant to hydrogen-based acids such as hydrochloric acid. It’s also resistant to degradation, fire, and chemical attacks. PVC plumbing is very common for chemical handling and also in production processes, transfers, and chemical delivery.
- Construction and infrastructure: PVC and PVC rods are low-cost, and that makes the material a fantastic alternative to wood, which is why building infrastructure is one of the most regular uses of PVC today. From air ventilation to window frames and heating systems, there is often more PVC in your home and workspace than you might think. PVC is used in building infrastructure because it is resistant to mold and algae, is long-lasting enough that PVC pipes and window sidings will often last longer than the property itself, and it helps to protect properties from even extreme temperature changes.
- Cable insulation and coatings: The wires in your electrical appliances, the components that they use, and the electrical cables that deliver power to your home will all commonly be coated or layered with PVC. This is a safety feature that is intended to make using and repairing these appliances safer and can help prevent overheating and short-circuiting.
- Healthcare: PVC is an inert, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic material, and that’s why the medical sector uses so much of it. From blood bags to drug delivery systems, the healthcare sector has greatly benefited from the versatility and reliability of PVC.
- PVC molded products: PVC is an incredibly versatile material, and it is used in clothes, footwear, toys, shower curtains, and many other unique purposes. That’s because PVC is endlessly manipulatable, meaning that there are few limits to where and how it can be used. As 3D printers that use PVC become more common, even more of the everyday objects that surround us will likely be made of PVC.
Is PVC environmentally friendly?
Every product made with PVC is 100% recyclable. Not only that, but PVC can be recycled using either of the three main recycling techniques (mechanical, chemical, and feedstock).
What is the difference between PVC and polypropylene?
There are chemical differences between PVC and polypropylene. PVC is more brittle until plasticizers are added, whereas polypropylene is more naturally flexible. PVC can also be dissolved with certain chemicals such as MEK and acetone, while polypropylene is impervious to even converted acids. However, it is very difficult to burn polypropylene. PVC is much easier to burn, although it does release toxic smoke that can be harmful to humans.
What are the advantages of a PVC rod?
As well as the hardness and the mechanical properties of PVC, welding with a PVC rod also brings additional advantages, which include:
- Electrical insulation
- High resistance to chemicals
- Highly resistant to moisture, mold, and algae
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Very easily bondable
- Low-cost
- Welding using PVC rods is fast and effective
PVC is one of the most versatile and commonly used plastics in the world and is ideal for welding. Choosing the right PVC rods for your welding job is critical. If you need any help choosing PVC rods or have questions on how to weld them, contact Heatgun.com today. Our trained team of specialists can be contacted via our contact page or by phone at 1-800-241-4628
High Density Polyethylene Plastic (HDPE): What to know
Ever wonder what exactly is high density polyethylene, also known as HDPE? Below, you’ll learn what HDPE is and how using an HDPE rod for welding plastics is a lot safer, easier, and more resilient than other plastic welding materials.
What is HDPE?
High density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used plastics in the US. It can be found everywhere from milk jugs and plastic bags to office products, car parts, and plastic furniture. Not only does HDPE plastic have many positive properties that make it suitable for a wide range of uses, but it is also a simple plastic to use in welding. An HDPE rod can be used very easily for welding plastics together and contains no harmful emissions, making it both easy and safe to use in many different ways. High density polyethylene is everywhere and is popular for a huge range of purposes.
What is HDPE used for?
High density polyethylene plastic is found in food storage containers, marine products, pipes, toys, and indoor and outdoor signage. Various industries use high density polyethylene, including resorts, hotels, education facilities, retail, and public venues, to name just a few. The most common uses for HDPE are:
- Plastic bottles: HDPE won't leach into the contents of a bottle, making it ideal for single-use and disposable products.
- Toys: This is due to HDPE being resistant to UV rays, meaning that toys are more resilient and long-lasting.
- Chemical containers: Both formed HDPE and the HDPE rod that you use for welding are chemical-resistant, so it's an excellent choice for containers designed for harsh chemicals. These include antifreeze, motor oil, cleaning products, and even shampoo and the recycling bins themselves.
- Pipes: Able to withstand most chemical interactions, HDPE is used regularly for indoor and outdoor pipe systems.
The Benefits of HDPE
A gallon of milk can be safely contained in a jug made of HDPE that weighs just two ounces. It's a remarkably lightweight and cost effective yet incredibly strong material, and that's made it indispensable to the automotive industry. High density polyethylene is impact resistant too, so toys and industrial equipment alike can be put through their paces. Being weather-resistant means that it can be used wherever needed, and it resists mildew, mold, and insects. The fact that it can be molded into any shape or size, combined with the ease of using an HDPE rod for welding, makes high density polyethylene a highly valued material that can be used to replace heavier materials.
Is HDPE hazardous?
The good news is that HDPE is not harmful when it's in its final form. Once it's been molded, it can be used and reused, and the FDA has approved the plastic for food containers. The problem is that not all HDPE is food-safe because the manufacturing process has some minor risks that need to be avoided. The dust (or resin) produced when manufacturing HDPE can irritate the eyes, and the fumes can also be dangerous for your eyes. However, basic safety measures reduce those risks, and HDPE remains one of the safest, most flexible, and most general-purpose plastics in use today.
Is HDPE eco-friendly?
Yes, HDPE is eco-friendly. HDPE plastics rarely end up at landfills because it is one of the world's easiest plastic polymers to recycle. Quick and easy to process and then reuse, the vast majority of recycling centers in the US will accept HDPE products.
Is HDPE BPA-free?
Yes, HDPE is BPA-free. Both BPA and HDPE are derived from the same product: petroleum. The difference is that while BPA can be dangerous to humans (except in trace amounts), HDPE is completely safe and BPA-free. At Heatgun.com, our HDPE welding rod selection remains BPA-free, and FDA approved, meaning that they are suitable for a wider range of industries.
How to weld HDPE?
In both home and industrial settings, welding with HDPE rods is a very straightforward process. In most cases, it's an easy process of heating your HDPE rod and then fusing it with your other part. To weld using an HDPE rod:
- Heat the HDPE rod and the part you are attaching it to.
- Clean the components using rubbing alcohol.
- Use your heat gun to heat the two sections that are to be joined together until the HDPE is pliable and soft (don't touch it because it will be very hot and can stick to your skin).
- Press the two pieces together until they fuse. Leave in place for at least three minutes, and then apply pressure for around ten minutes.
As the HDPE cools, the two pieces will fuse together, and you can move onto your next task.
Being able to weld using HDPE rods means being able to work in a variety of industries and is a valuable skill to learn. If you have any questions about using an HDPE rod or the techniques used to create better welds, contact our team using our contact page or call us at 1-800-241-4628
Polypropylene and PP Welding Rods: What to know
Polypropylene (PP) has commercial and industrial applications and can even be found all around you at home and work. Due to its flexibility, a polypropylene welding rod is a particularly valuable product that has an extensive range of uses and benefits.
What is Polypropylene?
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer resin, with the chemical designation of C3H6. It is an extremely versatile plastic and is ideally suited for welding. A polypropylene rod used for welding can be used very extensively, and it's longer lasting and safer to use than many of the alternatives. First made in 1951, it didn't take long for PP to become a commercial product, and it is now one of the most commonly produced plastics across the planet. For welders, a PP welding rod has almost limitless applications, many of which you may not have considered.
What is Polypropylene Used For?
Polypropylene is an incredibly versatile plastic. Not only can you find it being used as the plastic parts in an incredible range of products from toys to cars, but you can also find polypropylene used in:
- Carpeting
- Food containers and recyclable storage
- Paper
- Electrical equipment
- Lab equipment
The reason that polypropylene is so commonly used in the world around us isn't just because of its versatility. It also comes with some serious benefits and advantages over other plastic types.
Benefits of polypropylene
There are several benefits to using polypropylene, especially when it comes to welding. All of the products that use polypropylene, including PP welding rods, enjoy the same benefits and advantages. The high melting point of 320°F means that PP has a lot of value in the food sector, where foods can be heated up safely. It can also be customized, and manufacturers can even dye it in the color of their choice. Even different layers and complexity of the dyes used does not degrade the integrity of PP (hence its high level of use in carpets and rugs). Additionally, PP and a polypropylene rod also have the following advantages:
- Zero water absorption
- No mold
- No bacterial deterioration
- Elastic can be added for a more flexible plastic
- Low likelihood of shattering
- Lightweight
- Flexible
Is Polypropylene Safe and BPA-free?
Yes, PP is safe and BPA-free. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics. The problem with BPA is that it can leach into water and food supplies, and there are health risks that are not yet fully understood. The FDA has said that trace amounts of BPA are not dangerous, but too much of it may cause long and short-term health issues. Those worries led to the development of BPA-free plastics, of which polypropylene is one. PP is also safe because it is less flammable than wool (useful in clothes and carpets). The FDA and the EPA alike both classify PP as a safe plastic to use.
Is Polypropylene Eco-Friendly?
Yes, PP is eco-friendly. Plastic is used all around us, and we are trying to limit that use as much as possible. However, polypropylene is not a single-use plastic, and the EPA lists it as a much safer choice than other plastic types. That's because PP is 100% recyclable, and that recycled plastic can be used in an almost endless number of ways. There is little in the way of chemical toxicity either, making it safe to burn or to break down using chemical processing.
How do you weld PP?
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic, which means that it is heated up, melted, and then reshaped. Using Heatgun.com PP rods to perform a fusion weld is an incredibly easy process, and one of the easier types of plastic weld that you can do. A polypropylene welding rod from Heatgun.com is natural in color or clear until you mix it with the base material you're welding it to. That weld will then become the color of that base material.
The steps to welding with a polypropylene welding rod are very straightforward:
- Clean the surfaces to be welded together
- Align the damage
- Melt in the V-Groove
- Melt in the PP welding rod
You can then decide whether to add a reinforcing mesh, but this is more for specialist applications. If you're sanding down your weld, the result may look a little rough or fuzzy afterwards. You can get rid of that look by using a heat gun to soften the plastics, but be careful not to overheat so warping is prevented.
With its almost limitless number of uses, learning to weld using PP welding rods from Hot Air Tools has never been easier. Whether you're an expert welder with years of experience or a beginner learning to weld plastics for the first time, the team at Heatgun.com can help. Contact us today using our contact page or give us a call at 1-800-241-4628
What are Plastic Welding Rods?
Plastic welding rods, also known as thermoplastic welding rods, are either round or triangular cross-sections that are used to bind two separate pieces of plastics together.
What are the best welding rods?
Choosing the right welding rod is crucial. Heatgun.com plastic welding rods are of the highest quality and manufactured using premium-grade resin. To get a strong seal and the best quality weld when welding plastic make sure you buy the best welding rods.
What types of plastic welding rods should I buy?
The type of plastic you are welding with will determine the type of rod you'll need to buy. We offer a variety of plastic welding rods for varying plastic types. You'll want to ensure you match the welding rod to the material you’re welding for the strongest weld. For example, HDPE to HDPE or PVC to PVC. We offer a variety of welding rod types: HDPE, PVC, POLYPROPYLENE, HMW HDPE. In addition to the welding rod type, we offer varying sizes and colors. When you order your plastic welding rod you have the option to purchase welding rods in your choice of 5-pound coils, 10 or 30-pound spools, plus color choices include white, gray, natural, and black.
What are the most important things about plastic welding rods?
Two very important things about plastic welding rods are knowing which one is best for your project and knowing how to use them. Make sure your plastic welding rod matches the material you’re welding and that it’s the right size and color. The wrong plastic welding rod will mean the difference between a strong, high-quality weld and a weak, poor quality weld.
Can someone help me choose the right plastic welding rod?
If you’re unsure of what plastic welding rod you need, our plastic welding product specialists can help you. And if you need more than the welding rod, we have many plastic welding kits to get you started on your project. There is a difference between a standard plastic welder that will process heat and one that melts the welding rod inside the gun, and the best choice for you depends on your project’s size. Our product specialists can assist with this choice also, as we want to make sure that you have the right tools for a high-quality result.
How do I get the best weld?
To get the best weld with your plastic welding tool and rod follow the listed 5-tips for a good weld: scrub, use a tacking nozzle, trim, 45-degree Angle, and feed the welding rod.
- Begin by scrubbing the joining faces of your joining materials to ensure there are no contaminants that may affect the finished weld. Remember, it is essential to weld like-plastic with like-plastic, and your welding rod should be of like-plastic to get a stronger, more consistent weld.
- Use a tacking nozzle, run your welding torch along the weld line; this will prevent the plastics from moving as you do your actual welding.
- Trim your welding rod to the right length, which should be a few inches longer than your total weld length.
- Insert the welding rod into the welder’s speed nozzle. Hold your welder at a 45-degree angle and touch the edge of the nozzle to the plastic.
- As you weld your joint, feed the welding rod as you go (this can be tricky to get right and may take some practice). Remember, to improve the weld’s strength, add extra lines of welding on either side of the joint.
What are plastic welding rods used for?
Plastic welding rods are a binding solution when two separate plastic components are joined together. Think of plastic welder rods as glue. When these rods are used, they produce the bond that ensures the two plastic components come together and become one. While combining two plastic pieces without a rod is possible, the latter supplies the added strength and stability you need when welding.How do you use a plastic welding rod?
You need an applicable hot air tool to use plastic welding rods. The tool brings the necessary heat to melt the rod and the plastic components you want to bring together. Doing so places them into a liquid state – a necessity when attempting to form a bond. To ensure the plastic welding rod remains in the right place, the tool’s nozzle keeps it in line as heat is distributed across the joint.
What type of plastic cannot be welded?
There are certain plastics that are unsuitable for welding. These fall under one specific category: thermoset. A thermoset plastic is one that can’t be reshaped or reheated once it has been formed. As a result, if you apply heat to this plastic type, it won’t cause it to melt and turn into a liquid state. The only potential change that can happen is if you burn the thermoset plastic.
