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

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.
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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

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

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

Advantages

• Greater portability
• Greater manoeuvrability
• Lower cost

Disadvantages

• Slower welding speed
• Greater reliance on skill of operators

Automatic Tools

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