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1. If you’re unfamiliar with the UNIPLAN be sure to read the operating manual. You can also check out our article on Welding Industrial Fabrics with the UNIPLAN E.
2. Determine the welding parameters for your material by performing test welds on scrap material. For more information, see our article on Choosing Welding Parameters for Industrial Fabrics.
3. Align the pole parallel to the leading edge of the vinyl and fold the leading edge over the pole to the desired pocket width. This will differ based on the pole diameter, overall length, and fitting preference.
4. Use a small piece of mild adhesive tape to temporarily secure both ends of the folded material; be careful not to place the tape in the path of the welding seam. You may weld with or without the pole inside the pocket.
5. Align the drive and guide wheels of the UNIPLAN on the leading edge of the folded material.
6. Switch on the machine and set your welding parameters as determined in step 2.
7. Swivel the hot air blower into place, sliding the welding nozzle between the two pieces of material. The UNIPLAN will start welding automatically.
8. Guide the welding machine along the seam bypassing the end by 6 inches.
9. To stop the welding machine, use the lever to pull out and raise the welding nozzle.
10. Before shutting off power to the machine, set the air temperature to zero and allow the machine to run without heat for several minutes until the Temperature ACTUAL-value on the display is close to ambient temperature.

​Have questions? Give your Technical Sales Representative a call for help! 

We often get asked by customers what welding speed and temperature they should use for their material. The simplest answer is we don’t know. Each material and environment require a different combination of speed, temperature, and air flow to achieve a good weld.
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Let’s examine each parameter and how they affect the welding process. 

​Materials often have a range of acceptable welding temperatures, speak with the manufacturer of your material to see if they have recommendations for your specific fabric. Use these recommendations as a starting point.
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The ideal temperature depends not only on the material but also the environment. Welding outdoors, in a cold environment, or in the direct sun can all affect the required temperature. Make sure to take into account if conditions change during the course of the project and conduct test welds periodically. 

Why is using the correct tool for the job important? Results.

Using a tool that is undersized for the job will give you unsatisfactory welding results. There are two factors at play: power and weight.
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An under-powered tool will have trouble heating the material sufficiently to achieve a good weld. Sometimes a lack of power can be compensated for by decreasing the speed of the machine but often the result is still an incomplete weld. 

The thicker the fabric the more weight is required to ensure a good weld. Although supplementary weights can be added to machines, adding weight beyond what is recommended by the manufacturer will cause the machine to work harder and break down more often.

Another consideration when selecting the correct tool is speed. If your application requires long, straight welds a machine that is capable of greater speeds is an asset. However, if you are welding short lengths, speed may be less important allowing you to purchase a less expensive machine or if you are welding curved seams a slower machine that allows you to fine-tune as you weld may be more suitable.

For help selecting the correct tool for your material contact your Technical Sales Representative. 

This video outlines how the convert the VARIANT T1 from overlap welding to tape welding using Leister's conversion kit. The correct set-up of the roller guides and welding nozzle are important to ensure high quality welds. 

Have questions? Contact your Technical Sales Representative for help. 

The main difference between a wedge and a hot air welder is the way in which heat is transferred to the material. With a wedge welder, a solid piece of metal—the wedge—is heated electrically and inserted between the two pieces of material. With a hot air welder, air is heated and then delivered between the two pieces of material via a hot air nozzle.

Typically, a hot wedge welder will have two sets of pressure rollers which press the heated material together to ensure a strong weld. Hot air welders typically press the material between a single pressure roller and the work surface. This makes wedge welders better suited for working on soft or moderately uneven surfaces as they weld quality is not dependent on the welding surface. 

Learn how to properly maintain your industrial fabric welding tools, like the VARIANT T1, UNIPLAN E, and TRIAC S, to minimize maintenance and ensure they have a long life.

1.       Cool down before shut off
Run tools with the heat turned down for 5-10 minutes or use the built-in automatic cool-down mode if available to cool down tools before shutting them off. Shutting off a hot tool causes thermal shock to the element which can result in premature failure.

2.       Move and lift properly
Don’t lift hand tools by their cords. Correct automatic tools using their handle, not by pulling on the cord. Lift automatic tools with the integrated handles and chassis, not by grasping the blower.

3.       Clean nozzle thoroughly after use
Clean nozzles with a wire brush while hot to remove debris. A blocked nozzle can impede air flow through the tool, potentially causing it to overheat.

4.       Clean air intake regularly
Clean the air intake on tools regularly with a soft brush or compressed air. A restricted air intake can cause a tool to overheat causing damage.

5.       Regular maintenance
Most tools need small regular maintenance such as changing brushes or elements, or replacing tires as these parts wear out. Simple maintenance can be handled yourself but only if you catch it before it becomes a bigger problem. If you tool develops larger problems send it in to our Authorized Leister Repair Centre in Burlington ON.

Patching is a quick and economical way to prolong the life of tents, tarps, and other items made from industrial fabrics.

Special considerations should be made when repairing an item over new fabrication:

• Clean area well with soap and water
• • Be sure to rinse well to remove all residue
  • Clean at least 6” on all sides of area being repaired
  • Ensure item is fully dry before welding
• Cut patch 2” larger on all sides than area being repaired
• Ensure patch is the same material type as item being repaired
• • Remember: only like materials can be welded