How Long Does It Take to Fuse HDPE Pipe? HDPE pipe welding is a process that fuses an HDPE conduit to a fitting or another piece of conduit. The time it takes to complete the process depends on the methodology and equipment. Joins may be created using several different processes, such as butt fusion, electrofusion, saddle fusion, and socket fusion. An HDPE fusion machine simplifies the process without impacting the integrity and properties of the high-density polyethylene pipe. It may also ensure faster fusion to increase productivity. Butt welding Butt or fusion welding relies on a heated plate on the HDPE pipes’ squared ends. The heating plate is removed after a particular period, and the pieces are combined and cooled under pressure. Here is an overview of the maximum heater plate removal times according to different pipe wall thicknesses:
0.20” to 0.36” – 8 seconds >0.3” to 0.55” – 10 seconds >0.55” to 1.18” – 15 seconds >1.18” to 2.5” – 20 seconds >2.5” to 4.5” – 25 seconds An HDPE fusion machine can join one or two pipes to a fitting. Socket fusion welding Socket fusion welding uses custom heating plates instead of standard flat plates. The specially shaped plates cover most of the pipe’s surface area to reduce the time to heat and fuse the pipe. The process typically refers to joining a pipe to a fitting instead of one pipe to another, but it is usually preferred for pipes less than 4”.