SmartFuse might just look like a product name etched into PLASSON fittings but it represents our commitment to high quality, reliable electrofusion welding – for installers, asset owners and those who rely on what comes down the pipes.

Over the last 50 years, metallic pipelines have been increasingly replaced by thermoplastic systems such as polyethylene, or PE. This is due to the significant advantages of PE like environmental resistance, especially corrosion, low maintenance demands and ease of installation; PE pipelines can even endure earthquakes.

Most newly installed water, sewage and gas distribution pipelines will be PE pipelines and they are increasingly being joined by electrofusion or EF.  Electrofusion is considered the most reliable method of joining gas-carrying pipes.  In fact, the gas industry was where EF was first used since gases can be hazardous if not secured properly.

THE KEY TO RELIABLE LONG-LASTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Given the obvious need for reliable, long-lasting infrastructure, developing high quality electrofusion fittings and systems for installation has been a PLASSON priority.
 

With specialized control boxes, reliable electrofusion fittings and precision tooling, PLASSON’S electrofusion range helps deliver better electrofusion welding.

PLASSON electrofusion fittings range from options for small diameter poly pipe, like 16mm and 20mm, to options for large diameter civil water and waste water pipes at 400mm to 800mm, 900mm and even 1000mm.

Electrofusion delivers reliable results on small and large diameter poly pipe. EF is also suitable for pipes with a small diameter since it does not shrink the inner diameter of the pipe.  So whether welding a 32mm to 1/2″ brass transition fitting or a saddle onto 63mm blue stripe pipe, PLASSON electrofusion fittings are engineered to deliver quality electrofusion welds.

TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU

The SmartFuse system offers fully automated welding and, when paired with the SmartFuse app, delivers image capture and cloud storage for all weld records. With the click of a button, weld data is stored and accessible, anywhere, anytime.

The SmartFuse app helps lower operational costs, reduces mistakes and joins can be easily traced and identified via the GPS data that is part of every SmartFuse weld record.

PLASSON is committed to innovation in the EF field. As a future focused company, we are continually working to improve what we offer, to facilitate better electrofusion welding, deliver enhanced asset management and asset visibility.

TIPS TO SIMPLIFY EF WELDING

Are you searching for electrofusion welding tips?  Looking for that magic piece of advice wrapped up in an easy to watch video?  Achieving good electrofusion welds is not quite that simple but you have come to the right place!

The best tip to achieving good EF welds is summed up in two simple words: “precision” and “accuracy”.  Whether you are installing a 16mm coupler or a 1000mm fitting, precision and accuracy is crucial at every step of the process. A good weld is about following all the recommended steps, having the right precise tools to do the job and taking the time to use them accurately.

It may sound simple but quality electrofusion welds are literally built on precision (being exact) AND accuracy (being correct).

“Precision” is about instruments and their parameters.

As an example, vernier calipers will measure precise peel depth during pipe prep down to 0.02 mm. A metal rule is precise to 1 mm. That makes it perfect for witness marks but rules (!) it out for gauging precise peel depth.

Here is where “accuracy” steps in – the correct tool used correctly.

PIPA – the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia – has created electrofusion industry guidelines, called POP001. It outlines the precison tools, accurate measurements and correct procedures (Best Practice) for EF welding.

Following the Best Practice steps in POP001 is the by far the best tip for achieving quality electrofusion welds.

Click here to read or download a copy… It has plenty of easy to understand diagrams and documents all the steps and measurements you need for successful electrofusion.

PLASSON created the SmartFuse EF system to deliver a framework to support the precision and accuracy required for successful electrofusion welding.

This system includes SmartFuse fittings with accurate welding parameters preloaded, robust welding control boxes which automatically detect weld parameters for all SmartFuse fittings and a free mobile app to guide installation and record key details, like GPS location, fitting type and barcode, for easy downstream management.

SmartFuse fittings have in-built resistors that feed accurate weld parameters to the SmartFuse control box once the fitting is connected. No manual entry and no scanning means it is not only faster to set up each and every weld but the potential for inaccurate input errors is eliminated.

The SmartFuse mobile app also helps make welding more accurate and precise. When using the app, installers are guided through weld steps, prompted to double-check settings and asked to confirm and record with photos of each step.

All visual records are stored along with details of the fitting being installed, precise location, installer ID, control box weld data and even the temperature on the day!

Weld data can be saved on site via USB, which is handy in remote areas with limited internet access, or, if you are using the SmartFuse App, data can be automatically uploaded to the cloud.

This gives managers and asset owners a real-time comprehensive picture of what is happening on any job, anywhere, anytime

QUICKER AND SMARTER WELDING

Weld times for PLASSON fittings are specific to the type of fitting.  This is automatically detected by the SmartFuse control box. By combining all the elements in the SmartFuse system – the fittings, weld control box and SmartFuse App – users benefit from automatically loading of correct settings and recording of all weld activity.

On top of this, the safe storage of records is also take care as with the SmartFuse App all data can be automatically uploaded to the cloud to your preferred storage provider. Click here to find out how to sign up for a free SmartFuse App account..

The use of the SmartFuse system does not remove the requirement for EF installers to be certified. SmartFuse is designed to support certified electrofusion installers to work efficiently and accurately as well as helping by automatically recording detailed weld data for future reference.

See how SmartFuse fittings and welding control boxes work in this handy demo video: