What is Socket Fusion?
- Socket fusion is the process of using heat and gentle force to join thermoplastic pipe materials together. Pipe materials can include PP, PVDF, PPR, HDPE to name but a few.
- Socket fusion differs from butt fusion in that it uses a socketed fitting to slide over the pipe as opposed to butt fusion which welds two pipe faces together. This technique allows for increased material surface contact.
- A hotplate iron is used to provide the heat and Teflon coated tools are bolted to either side of the plate to transfer the heat to the desired points on the pipe and fittings. At Woodside we usually recommend a temperature controlled hotplate, this can be varied according to the materials used, the welding standards and the ambient temperature during installation. At Woodside we refer to the tooling as ‘sockets and spigots’ however they are known under many names such as ceramics, dollies, dies etc. These are usually machined from steel or aluminium and are coated with Teflon to create a non-stick surface and aid their removal from the pipe/fittings.
- Socket fusion is typically used in smaller diameter piping systems, 125mm is the largest stock spigot size at Woodside, but usually 110mm is the largest commonly used size in the UK.
- Socket fusion fittings are usually injection moulded (or sometimes machined in special applications) and are available in many fitting types such as elbows, tee’s, thread adaptors and reducers. This provides excellent flexibility when working with minimal space e.g when building manifolds.
- Prior to jointing, pipe ends should be in perfect round, (if hand welding, we recommend the use of a cold ring re-rounder tool to combat any ovalisation) it must be cut clean and square and we recommend that a small chamfer is put on the end of the pipe to assist in mating the pipe and fittings to avoid pushing excess plastic out of the joint.
- Depending on the welding standards you are working to you may decide to use a hand socket fusion plate, or use a machine with a clamping jig to allow you to weld with guaranteed perfect alignment.
- Always select the correct spigot type for the fittings you are using. At Woodside we stock type A, type B, type AQ and even imperial sockets and spigots if required. We are here to offer help and advice on this.