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Manufactures all the ABS & PLA filament
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Plastic Fabrication

Finding the right plastic welding equipment can be a real challenge.

When looking to find plastic welding equipment to fit your need it is crucial that you know its application. Although there is a fitting solution for all plastic welding requests, some welding tools are not suitable for certain kinds of plastic materials. Simply put: If you know the material, the working area, the kind of assembly, your choice of plastic welder will be much easier. Plasgroup can help you every step of the way.

Which Plastic?

Today’s markets are flooded with an infinite number of plastic materials and blends. In such an environment trying to recognize the plastic’s family is not easy, but it is very important that you do. All plastics are different to each other in behavior and in chemical structure. The type of plastic welding rod used will make the difference between a strong weld and poor weld quality.

Commonly available plastic materials can be recognized by four simple identification tests. Most testing labs offer plastic identification as a service or you can try the following tests yourself.

Plastic Identification Tests

  • Scratching Test

    This test though is not very accurate it helps to give you an insight in to what plastic you might be working with. Some plastics like ABS or PVC are harder and some are softer like PE and PP.

    To check whether it is a hard or a soft type of plastic, scratch on its surface with your fingernail. If you see a scratch mark then it is not a hard plastic like ABS, PVC. So what you are looking at is something like PE, PP, PTFE or another similar softer material.

  • Sound Test

    Because of the dissimilar weights and surface hardness of different types of plastics, each type, sound different when a piece of it is dropped on the floor. However, it is hard to determine an exact identification this way.

    Take a solid piece of the material and drop it on the floor from a height of about 5-10 inches (or 10–25 cm). You will hear specific tones. A trained ear can detect slight differences in a plastic’s tone. This method is often used to determine the plastics family.

  • Floating Test

    Different plastic materials have a different weight that can be higher or lower than the weight of water.

    Take a sample piece of the plastic and drop it in to a glass of water at room temperature. Observe its behaviour. Except for PE and PP all other plastics will sink.

  • Burning Test

    This method is the most accurate test you can do by yourself. Different plastic material reacts differently when burning. For this test you should have prior knowledge as to how different types of plastics behave and smell while burning. If possible, keep samples of plastic materials that you already know to compare with the unknown plastic.

    Go to an open place with fresh air, scrape off a sample of the plastic you want to test and burn it. Observe the reaction, flame or no flame, colour of flame, carbon above the flame, etc. Then after killing the flame smell the smoke for familiar odours. PE produces a Blue/Yellow flame, smokes, and smells like paraffin (candle). PP produces a Blue/Yellow flame, drips, and smells diesel like. Avoid the use of matches to light the fire to prevent the smell of sulphur getting in the way.

The combined results of these four tests should help you identify the plastic material you are working with. After getting to know your plastic you can start the plastic welding process.

Acrylic (PMMA)
Burns with a yellow, blue in the bottom and clear flame. Smells aromatically. Does not extinguish itself.

Welding: Ultra – sonic welding. Hot air welding.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Burns with a sooting, orange flame. Smells like rubber. Does not extinguish itself.

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Ultra – sonic welding.

Polyacetal (POM)
Burns with a clear blue flame .

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding with nitrogen. Ultra – sonic welding.

Polyamide (PA)
Burns with a yellow, blue in the bottom and sooting flame. Melts and makes foam. Harsh smell like formic acid. Does extinguish itself

Welding: Heating plate. Friction welding.

Polycarbonate (PC)
Burns with a sooting, yellow flame and glowing ashes. Smells sweet. Partially extinguishes itself.

Welding: All welding metods.

Polyethylene (PE)
Burns with a clear flame, blue bottom, yellow top, drips and smells like stearin. Does not extinguish itself.

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding .

Heating plate temperature: PE 80: 200°C to 220°C

Heating plate temperature: PE 100: 220°C (Quickly change-over time)

Polypropylene (PP)
Burns with a clear flame, blue bottom, yellow top, drips a lot. Smells like oil or wax. Does not extinguish itself.

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding .

Heating plate temperature: 210°C +/- 10°C

Polystyrene (PS)
Burns with a sooting, orange flame. Does not extinguish itself.

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Ultra – sonic welding.

Polysulfone (PSU)
Does extinguish itself.

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding . Ultra – sonic welding.

Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
Burns with a very sooting, yellow flame, which is green at the edges. White smoke and smells like hydrochloric acid. Does extinguish itself

Welding: All welding methods.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
Does extinguish itself. By heating over 380°C. toxic fumes are released.

Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding . Ultra – sonic welding.

Heating plate temperature: 240°C +/- 8°C

Plasgroup Pty Ltd has a long history with all common methods of Plastic Fabrication. Plasgroup is proudly Australian owned and operated.

Contact Us

Let’s take a look at our specialties and see where we can help you

3D Printer Filament

3D Printer Filament

Plastic Welding

Plastic Welding

Plastic Fabrication

Plastic Fabrication

    Our Products and Services

    Our range of equipment includes

    • Hot Air Welding Guns and Accessories
    • Hot Air Tools
    • Extruder Welders
    • Roofing Hot Air Equipment
    • Flooring Hot Air Equipment
    • Tarpaulin and Marquee Hot Air Equipment
    • Wedge Welders
    • Socket Fusion Hand Held
    • Equipment and Machines
    • Butt Fusion Hand Held
    • Equipment and Machines
    • Spark Testing Equipment
    • Pipe Cutters and Other Tools

    Our equipment is used in the following industries

    • Thermoplastic Fabrication
    • Tarpaulin Repair and Manufacture
    • Marquee Repair and Manufacture
    • Vinyl Flooring
    • Civil Engineering and Tunneling (eg. Geomembrane Lining)
    • Single Ply Roofing
    • Automotive Component
    • Repairs (eg. Car Bumpers)
    • Packaging, Activating and Shrinking
    • Thermoplastic Pipework
    • Installation (eg. Butt and Socket Fusion Welding)

    Our Services

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