LEISTER has introduced a new hand tool to its comprehensive range of plastic welding equipment; the TRIAC AT (Advanced Tool). The new heat gun is a direct replacement of teh former TRIAC PID digital, ane the new unit continues the digital functionality and ability to handle even the most challenging climatic conditions with its constant temperature ajustment provided by the PID built into the new TRIAC AT. Additionally the new heat gun, purposefully developed for welding plastic membranes and materials of all kinds also has the ability for the operator to adjust the speed of the inbuilt blower seperately from the temperature control. This added function gives the operator maximum control over the parameters he wishes to set, enabling a whole range of different materials and conditions to be considered.

For more information abouty the TRIAC AT please contact Welwyn Tool Group Ltd on 01707 331111 or email: info@welwyntoolgroup.co.uk.   

Tere are 2 types of unit you can buy that carry the reliability of LEISTER – the Triac BT comes as a kit with differtent nozzles included, or there is a new style of pistol grip heat gun coming onto the market in January 2011 called the LEISTER SONORA – it is an ideal heat gun for jobs such as car vehicle body wrapping or car repairs, cable shrink assemblies or other uses in the electronics industry – it can even be used as a paint stripper if needed – very versatile !

This is straight forward enough to carry out, but first you need to check the type of plastic that the tank is made from. Usually it would be a type of polyethelene such as High Density (HDPE) but worth checking first as you will need to get the correct welding rod for the job. Firstly the split will need to be prepared ready for welding and this is achieved by using a Dremel fitted with a rotary burr tool. The burr is used to gouge a 'v' shape indentation along the length of the split, effectively creating an area to be filled using the welding rod. Using a hand tool such as the Triac fitted with a speed welding 3mm nozzle (assuming we are using 3mm round profile rod), the heat gun is set to the correct temperature for the material (approx 300 degrees). When ready the rod is passed through the aperture of the nozzle and applied with pressure to the start of the split, and drawn along the length until all exposed area is covered.

To see this in action you can view a video demonstrating the welding techniques used here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2pQKPxZMd0

De-horning cattle using acids used to be a barbaric affair, however LEISTER developed a method of enabling farmers and stock owners to quarterise and stop the growth of horns on young calves by using the GHIBLI hand held hot air heat gun. When used with the specially developed de-horning nozzle the GHIBLI becomes instantly adapted for this very specialised application, necessary amongst the cattle breeding community.

This was a problem faced by many diy enthusiasts before March this year when Leister introduced a complete plastic welding kit based on a new heat gun developed using the same technology as its trade tool work horse, the TRIAC. The new TRIAC BT kit has been introduced to give the diy/semi professional an alternative choice in buying a purpose built tool with the nozzle tips specifically for detailed welding, rather than a heat gun adapted from the paint stripper market.

The best method for fixing a tank suitable for holding chemicals or fluids is to plastic weld the damaged area. Plastic welding the crack creates a direct material to material join which is much stronger and will last much longer than introducing a third party substance such as a glue or bonding agent. The same principles as welding metals apply to plastic welding and the result will last for as long as the main structure (if done correctly). A basic video showing the methods used in welding rigid plastic materials can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2pQKPxZMd0