Advantages of Machining Plastic Linoleum Floors

Time-saving and hence economic solutions are called for when it comes to welding plastic and linoleum floors. The working time required plays a crucial role, even for smaller floor surfaces. Mechanical applications have a decisive advantage in comparison to processing by hand: the working time is shortened by up to 70 percent when using machines!

Always the right device 
 The workflow when welding a plastic or linoleum floor requires four steps: firstly, the groove is milled at the joints of the laid-out plates or rolls using a grooving machine. A welding rod is then laid in the groove using the hot-air welding machine. This joins the two elements firmly and permanently. The projecting part of the welded rod is then “pulled out” to about 2 mm above the floor covering by hand using the trimmer and spatula (crescent knife). This step avoids causing damage to the welding rod during the subsequent “planing”, while also preventing the rod from being pulled out of the groove. Lastly, the projecting welding rod is “planed” fully to the height of the covering using the spatula. The result is a perfectly joined plastic floor that is not only technically flawless but also looks great. Leister provides corresponding equipment for all four steps required when laying a plastic or linoleum floor: the GROOVER grooving machine, the UNIFLOOR E hot-air welding machine and the spatula and trimmer for removing the projecting welding rod.

The milling quality counts 
 The GROOVER grooving machine mills to a uniform depth thanks to its three-point support. This is the most important requirement for a subsequent neat weld. The extra-powerful motor of the GROOVER ensures an even startup, while the adjustable guide roller guarantees an accurate course. It runs at up to 18,500 cycles and is adjustable in two stages. Depending on the required joint form and welding rod adapted to this, corresponding milling blade shapes can be selected for the GROOVER. Even milling close to the edge is possible thanks to its small dimensions. Users also appreciate the integrated auxiliary fan and dust bag. These allow dust-free, clean working.

Fast and reliable welding 
UNIFLOOR E is the name given to the sturdy and resilient hot-air welding machine for welding plastic and linoleum floors. It comes with “close loop” technology. That means the selected hot air temperature is measured and automatically controlled via a probe. The welding speed is constantly controlled. This and the infinitely adjustable air volume ensure uniform and flawless welding results. An important prerequisite for this is that the welding rod and floor covering are made from the same base material. The removable welding rod de-reeler guides the rod into the preheated groove. As soon as the set welding temperature is reached, the hot-air nozzle can be swivelled in and the UNIFLOOR E starts up automatically. It welds at up to 7.5 m/minute exactly over the milled groove without the need for manual guidance and direction correction. If the machine encounters a wall, the integrated wall switch-off device will automatically stop the unit. An important guarantee for reproducible welding settings and results is the digital display. All three relevant parameters – speed, air volume and welding temperature – can easily be monitored on this. A specially produced, moulded nozzle with an extremely narrow air slit is available for the difficult to machine PUR (polyurethane) surfaces of PVC floors. With this, the air jet is directed accurately onto the groove and inserted welding rod, but not onto the heat-sensitive PUR surface.

Useful accessories 
 With the TRIAC PID, TRIAC ST and TRIAC BT, Leister offers manual welding units which have proven themselves over and over again for use on areas that are difficult to access such as floor bases. Like the UNIFLOOR E, the TRIAC PID comes with “close loop” technology. This achieves reproducible results particularly with tricky floor coverings. Leister’s quality push-fit nozzles can easily be changed to suit different requirements. Leister spatula (crescent knife) and trimmer as well as the cutter round off Leister’s complete portfolio for the easy and neat machining of plastic and linoleum floors.

Worldwide presence 
 With its sturdy and durable devices, Leister not only guarantees high-quality, flawless results. The longstanding Swiss company also ensures reliable and rapid service thanks to its international, close knit network of over 120 sales and service partners.

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Author: Christophe von Arx, Leister Process Technologies
Photos: Leister