STANMECH Technologies Inc.
  • Home
  • Equipment Supply
    • Flooring
    • Geomembrane
    • Industrial Fabrics
    • Manufacturing
    • Plastic Fabrication
    • Roofing >
      • Distributors
  • Design Services
    • Design Services
    • Cosmetics
    • Deflashing Systems
    • Drying Bottles & Cans
    • Process Heat Systems
    • Shrinking Labels
  • Repair
    • Repair Service
    • Tech Tips
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Case Studies
    • System Design Calculations
    • Whitepapers
  • About
    • About Us
    • Technology Providers
  • Contact

Automatic vs. Manual Welding of Industrial Fabrics: Which is best for your project?

3/25/2019

 
TRIAC AT Welding Banner
You’ve read our article on Industrial Fabrics Joining Methods and selected hot air welding (which carries several advantages), now it’s time to pick which machine is best for the job. Broadly, there are two types of hot air welding tools: automatic and manual. Automatic tools can be further broken down into moving and stationary.

Automatic Tools

Automatic tools are best suited for large projects with straight seams. They enable the operator to work quickly (up to 18 m/min. depending on tool and conditions), and produce an extremely attractive and reliable weld. Once the correct temperature and speed parameters are found, automatic welding removes much of the chance for human error resulting in a more consistent weld; this is especially important when welding tents, tarps, and structures which must be absolutely waterproof.
​
There are two main types of automatic tools—moving and stationary—below are some advantages and disadvantages for each.

Moving Automatic Tools

Leister UNIPLAN Automatic Welder
Leister UNIPLAN Automatic Welder
Advantages 
  • Less operator risk – fewer pinch points
  • Better suited for long welds or large pieces of material
Disadvantages 
  • Requires a workspace dedicated to welding the same size as the material
  • Requires a flat, firm surface under the material, otherwise welds may be inconsistent

Stationary Automatic Tools

Leister HEMTEK Stationary Welder
Leister HEMTEK Stationary Welder
Advantages 
  • Require less space dedicated to welding as material can be bunched or rolled before and after seaming
  • No weld surface requirements
Disadvantages 
  • Large pieces of material can be difficult for the operator to manoeuvre

Manual Tools

Manual tools, also called hand tools, are ideal for short, curvy, or intricate welding projects. They are excellent for beginners, proof-of-concept projects, and low production applications because of their relatively low cost compared to automatic welders. Manual tools rely more on operator skill than automatic tools. The operator controls the speed of the tool and must simultaneously follow the nozzle with a pressure roller to compress the two layers of material together (the pressure is necessary to achieve a solid weld).

Manual Tools

Leister TRIAC ST Hand Tool
Leister TRIAC ST Hand Tool
Advantages
  • Greater portability
  • Greater manoeuvrability
  • Lower cost
Disadvantages
  • Slower welding speed
  • Greater reliance on skill of operators

Automatic Tools

Leister VARIANT T1 Automatic Welder
Leister VARIANT T1 Automatic Welder
Advantages
  • Faster welding speed
  • Straighter seams
  • Less risk of user error
  • More consistent weld
Disadvantages
  • Unable to weld details
  • Higher cost
Give us a call for helping choosing the best suited tool for your project.

Originally published: 9/13/2014

Comments are closed.

    Index by Industry

    Flooring Installation
    Geomembrane Welding
    Industrial Fabrics Welding
    Manufacturing
    Plastic Fabrication
    Roofing

    Browse Newest

    All
    Flooring Installation
    Geomembrane Welding
    Industrial Fabrics Welding
    Manufacturing
    Plastic Fabrication
    Roofing

      Comments & Questions

    Submit
STANMECH Technologies Inc. 
​944 Zelco Drive Burlington ON L7L 4Y3 | 1-888-438-6324 | [email protected]
Terms of Use    Privacy    Terms and Conditions of Sale    Warranty Policies 
Français

Proud Member of:
IAGI Logo
International Association of Geosynthetic Installers
  • Home
  • Equipment Supply
    • Flooring
    • Geomembrane
    • Industrial Fabrics
    • Manufacturing
    • Plastic Fabrication
    • Roofing >
      • Distributors
  • Design Services
    • Design Services
    • Cosmetics
    • Deflashing Systems
    • Drying Bottles & Cans
    • Process Heat Systems
    • Shrinking Labels
  • Repair
    • Repair Service
    • Tech Tips
  • Resources
    • Articles
    • Case Studies
    • System Design Calculations
    • Whitepapers
  • About
    • About Us
    • Technology Providers
  • Contact