There are three types of plastic welders; airless or contact welders, heat guns, and high-frequency plastic welders.

Airless or contact welders: Airless plastic welders come with a metal tip that, when heated, melts plastic materials. An airless plastic welder repairs plastics that need small or filler welds. An airless/contact plastic welder forms a thin, glue-like bond between plastics and is therefore not recommended for structural repairs.

Heat guns: A heat gun blasts hot air softening plastic material. They’re designed with microprocessors and control temperature to help weld plastic materials together. This type of plastic welding is stronger than airless/contact welding as heat guns create a stronger bond. They’re suitable for structural repairs which airless/contact welders are not recommended for.

High-frequency welders: High-frequency welders generate ultrasonic waves to melt plastic and are often used in laboratories or factories and for precise welding.

Types of Plastic for Welding

Speed, tack, and pendulum are the three main types of plastic welding that can be achieved. Each technique is different, some suitable for certain types of projects and others producing a different weld outcome. The different tips in plastic welding each produce a specific weld style too. These include a pencil tip nozzle, a flat tip, a triangle speed welding nozzle, and a round speed welding nozzle. Each of these plastic welding tips has different designs, so take note of which is the most suitable for your particular welding project.

Power

Power is also an important consideration when choosing a plastic welder. A lot of plastic welders on the market have higher wattage, while others don’t. It is recommended that you use a plastic welder of 200 watts and over to help melt tough plastic as this will soften plastic and create a strong bond. To help repair surface cracks, it may be wise to choose a welding gun that is less than 200 watts.

Airflow

When thinking about welders in general, airflow plays a big factor. A plastic welder that generates a lot of heat but inadequate airflow will take longer to repair plastic. The heating element may then cause the plastic welder to burn and end up damaging it. If, on the other hand, the opposite occurs and there is a lot of airflow and not enough heat, the weld may not be as successful.

With plenty of professional welders on the market to choose from, whether you’re on the lookout for a professional-grade, reliable welder with a UV light, or something that produces hot air fast, our list has got you covered.