The best soldering irons for brazing polypropylene pipes in 2020

No house is complete without polypropylene pipes. They are used for plumbing and heating. This distribution is made possible by a simple installation. However, in order to weld them correctly, a special device is required. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you an overview of high-quality soldering irons for PP pipes in 2020.

What is important to know?

Before going to the store and choosing a specific model, it is important to know some of the nuances that will help you make the right choice. Particular attention is paid to the design features of the device. Indeed, there are dozens of models on the shelves that may not suit the user. Therefore, it is important to consider each parameter.

Welding methods for PP pipes

Elements can be connected both using threaded fittings, which is used by most, and using an electrofusion welding machine. Docking and socketing methods are also used.

In addition, the main thing is to take into account that there is a big difference between soldering products up to 63 mm. Since products with a diameter up to this value are connected by a socket, that is, the finished edge enters a special hole. In this way, a high tightness coefficient is ensured.

To connect devices with a diameter over 60 mm, a docking device is used. However, due to its high cost, it is used by large construction companies; this unit is not intended for an ordinary user.

Electrofusion welding is used to ensure a secure fixation of polyethylene pipes. For this, special couplings with integrated elements are used. The big advantage is that no additional deburring of the machined ends is required. However, the cost of such a device reaches 65,000 rubles, which is an unaffordable luxury for some.

Soldering iron design

In terms of external design, most of the units for socket welding look the same, the only difference is the shape of the heater, which is made in 2 variations: straight or cylindrical.

So, a flat heater is a metal plate, the shape of which is more like a cone. Depending on the weight of this element, the optimum temperature for operation is maintained. To fix the pipe nozzles, use the special bolts included in the kit. Such soldering irons are oversized, so they fall easily, it is advisable to put a special material on the floor that will be resistant to temperature.

The advantage of soldering irons, the base of which is a cylinder, is that they are more compact than previous models. To install the selected accessory, a detachable clamp is used, which is fastened with clamping screws. Although the device is compact, it is a big problem to work with it alone, it is better to get a stable stand.

Due to the fact that the design of such devices is as simple as possible, the cost ranges from 3000 rubles. It also depends on the configuration and manufacturer.

Device device

Regardless of the fact that the design features of some types differ in detail, the main elements of each device are unchanged:

• A body made mainly of metal;
• Electric heater;
• Device for adjusting temperature parameters;
• Pipe nozzles;
• Fixing stand.

A common material for the manufacture of the case is metal, since if the device is made of plastic, then due to the high exposure to temperatures, the parts will become fragile and break.

The heating and ready indication is different for each device. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions before use so as not to get confused.

An electric heater is a metal plate and sometimes a cylindrical rod. Often its dimensions depend on the power and the number of fixed attachments.

In models where the heater is presented in the form of a plate, there are several places for nozzles. It is important to remember that the more holes there are, the higher the power and cost of the product. Therefore, it must be considered before purchasing.

The temperature controller is equipped with a round knob, activating it, the user sets the required value. To notify a person about the current state of the device, a light indication is used (usually of green and red). So, when heating occurs, a red diode on the device lights up, and at the end - a green one.

The nozzles for a standard electric heater are cylindrical. The working name of these elements is mandrel, sleeve.

The main requirement for working nozzles for a welding device is a flat base that does not contain roughness and burrs. Because the heating rate and maintaining the set value will depend on this.

For safety, some attachments are equipped with a non-stick coating. This is necessary so that the layer being melted does not stick. The kit contains several attachments designed for a specific diameter. So, for cylindrical types, a clamp-shaped nozzle is actively used.

In order for the devices to be fixed as tightly as possible, it is important to use a special stand, which can be universal for a particular model. The only difference between them lies in the shape, so there are: cross, rectangular and U-shaped. Models designed to fix most devices are called universal. They are used by people who have several welding machines. Custom ones are designed to fit one model from a specific manufacturer and will not fit others. The main advantage is compactness. The difference between the two is weight.

The external design of the stands may vary, but it is important that these devices have high stability. This is the only way the user will be able to protect himself from unforeseen circumstances.

Principle of operation

The work of soldering irons for PP products occurs due to softening of the material, by means of thermal action and further connection. The selected pipe with a socket is fixed in the mandrel, and the cut pipe is placed in the prepared hole of the sleeve. The whole process takes as long as indicated in the instructions for a particular soldering iron. Upon completion, the products are removed and connected.

When performing this work, it is important to remember that the pipes must be heated evenly, because this is the only way to achieve a high-quality soldering.

Features of soldering irons

Before choosing the required device, it is important to familiarize yourself with the contents and main technical characteristics of a particular device.

It is worth remembering that the following factors are responsible for durability and high functionality:

• Heating element power;
• The quality of the nozzles;
• Where the equipment was manufactured;
• What price segment is it in.

Most welding machines come with some auxiliary tools, from a screwdriver to a tape measure. It is necessary to pay attention to this if a person prefers to order a product through an online store.

How much power is consumed

Some users on the Internet and amateurs argue that this parameter should be at least ten times the size of the product. That is, if the product has a diameter of more than 63 mm, then the recommended power is not less than 650 W. But this approach is impractical, so there is no point in paying attention to it. Since 79% of soldering irons consume more than 1 kW and at the same time show high efficiency. It is also important to remember that most of the products offered in stores have a power of 800 W (minimum value) to 2 kW (maximum). For this reason, regardless of the model chosen, the user will have enough power for installing a home plumbing system.

Soldering irons, which are equipped with a perfect heating element and have a power 1.5-2 times higher than the previous value, just pick up the set temperature faster. Otherwise, they are practically similar to their less powerful counterparts.

It is also important to remember that the power of the equipment does not significantly affect the final cost of the product. Therefore, when considering this parameter, a person, first of all, takes into account electrical safety. Since not every wiring is designed for 4 kW. Therefore, experts recommend buying a two-kilowatt soldering iron, it will last for a long time. However, if a person is scared to purchase equipment of such power, and he does not want to buy with a minimum value, then the best option is a device with an electrical energy consumption of 1.2 kW.

Types of attachments

This element is always present in the device kit. Due to the shape of the heater, they can be made in two versions. For flat electric heaters, products are used that are closed from a certain place on the cylinder. Fastening occurs from both sides.

The fixing is carried out by means of bolts. This design is more efficient, due to the fact that the surface of the element has greater contact, due to which heating occurs in a couple of minutes and evenly. Also, the speed is affected by the number of nozzles on the rod of the heating element.

Dorns and sleeves are made of metal and coated with Teflon, which prevents the plastic from sticking.

It is also important to remember that regardless of the simplicity of the nozzle design, this element is fragile and requires careful maintenance. In addition, in cheap devices covered with a thin layer of Teflon, there is a rapid erasure, making the device useless. Therefore, it is important to buy products only from trusted companies that have proven themselves. Because a visual inspection of the thickness will not give the desired results.

Several standard diameters are included as standard. Also, some equipment are sold with a mandrel and a sleeve of a larger diameter up to 60 mm.

It is important to consider that good tips are expensive. Therefore, when a person sees a dozen elements in a set, but at the same time the cost is record low, it is worth knowing that most likely there is a small thickness of the protective layer. It is better to purchase the minimum number of devices, and then buy them in addition if necessary.

Which company is better?

Due to the fact that no user is able to assess the external condition by the appearance of the soldering iron, it is important to know the best manufacturers that have been in demand among professionals for decades and have excellent equipment.

One of the best representatives in this area is Candan, which produces devices with an acceptable price-quality ratio, MEGEON, Enkor, Rothenberger and others. Most experts recommend buying products from German manufacturers. Their devices will last longer, but the price is ten times higher.

Rating of quality soldering irons for polypropylene pipes

CANDAN CM-01

A xiphoid flare soldering iron will fit most pipes. The maximum power is 1.5 kW, so the device is suitable for use in apartments and country houses with conventional wiring.The maximum heating temperature reaches 320 degrees.

Power is supplied from a 220 V network. Thanks to this option, a person can weld pipes up to a diameter of 75 mm. The set includes 4 nozzles, where the minimum value is 20 mm, the maximum value is 40 mm. The Teflon coating is of good thickness and will not deteriorate after a couple of uses.

The user's kit includes a convenient tape measure, pipe cutter and screwdriver. Of course, the quality is poor. The weight of the device is 7 kg.

The average cost is 2500 rubles.

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ROWELD P 63 T / P

An excellent device from a German manufacturer that will simplify the socket welding process to a minimum. The non-stick coating will serve a person for several years of trouble-free operation. For convenience, there is a light indication that notifies the user about the current state of the device. Supports work with PP pipes from 20 to 63 mm.

The average cost is 23,000 rubles.

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SPECIAL PTP-1000

Russian xiphoid device designed for independent installation work. Due to its low power (980 W), the device can be used safely under any conditions. There is a convenient temperature regulator (maximum value - 300 degrees).

The device operates on a home network of 220 V. Supports work with almost all pipes no more than 63 mm. A big plus is the 6 attachments that come with the kit. There is also one auxiliary tool - a screwdriver and that's it.

The average cost is 2190 rubles.

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MEGEON 98100

This model is designed for people who need a powerful device, but with low power. Indeed, here it is equal to 600 W, while the maximum operating temperature reaches 280 degrees. Powered by a standard 220 V electrical network.

It is important to know that this machine is designed for socket welding of pipes whose diameter does not exceed 32 mm. It can also be used at minus -20 degrees.

The average cost is 1600 rubles.

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DIOLD ASPT-4

This device is in demand for every amateur. Thanks to him, you can weld quickly and efficiently. Moreover, its power is 1.5 kW, and the maximum temperature value reaches 300 degrees. This device will allow you to connect pipes with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm, which makes it a good companion when installing a plumbing system.

The set contains 6 attachments, a tape measure, a screwdriver and gloves. The device should be operated only in a positive temperature of 15 degrees, otherwise a malfunction may occur. 1 year warranty.

The average cost is 2700 rubles.

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Output

The considered devices will become good companions for any repair and, if properly used, will last for more than a year. If you have experience of using soldering irons for polypropylene pipes described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.