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Strike a good patch
Page 124
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Although a certain amount of practice is needed in order to use the Leicester Triac from Welwyn Tool, effect repairs can be undertaken almost immediately. After practice the repairs start to look like a professional job
• Workshops may be able to carry out their own repairs to the PVC sheeting on a tilt trailer or curtainsided body with thermoplastic welding equipment from Welwyn Tool. Of its small, hand-held tools, its Leicester Triac is the most versatile. We used it on a simple repair on a tilt trailer.
The first impression was that it is an over-large domestic hairdryer. However, if used for that purpose, it would certainly eliminate the need for any repeat operation. But it does serve much the same purpose by producing a constant stream of heated air.
Heat output adjustable
The Triac's heat output, electronically controlled, is adjustable between 20° and 700°C. In basic terms, the hot air melts the sheeting. By placing a patch over the area to be repaired, an effective heat weld can be achieved. This can be carried out on or off the vehicle.
In either case, a firm support behind the repair area must be maintained. On a tilt, a board can be held behind the dam aged area so that pressure can be exerted.
A wide band roller must be bought to complete a basic repair kit. Using a firm background, a patch of similar material is placed over the tear in the tilt cover. It is easier to start at the top of the repair patch and slowly work down. As the hot air starts to make the edge of the patch "tacky" the hand roller is pressed against the heated edge and rolled across behind the Triac.
The tacky edge is thus pressed into the original material and bonded. Although a certain amount of practice is needed, effective repairs can be undertaken immediately. It is only after practice that the repair starts to look professional.
Several nozzles are available, but for general repairs, the 20mm wide slot nozzle is suitable. If the nozzle is held in the same position for too long, the sheeting will melt. The heat setting needed for specific materials varies but it very soon becomes obvious whether there is enough heat being applied or not. Provided the tool is kept moving and there is a firm support behind the area of repair, a good weld is very easy to achieve.
Although sufficient repair strength is achieved by merely welding the edges of the patch, it is more effective to slowly heat and roll the patch completely. This creates a neater appearance and better repair integrity. Once properly repaired, the damaged area should need no further attention.
Protected from overheating
The Leicester Triac is available for 220 or 110 volt operation. The plug-in heating element is manufactured for long service life and is double protected from overheating beyond the set temperature.
The airflow produced can be varied between 50 and 230 litres/minute by adjusting an air regulating slide on the back of the handle. The Triac weighs only 1.35kg, measures 375 x 64mm, and sells at a recommended £210 exclusive of value added tax.
Welwyn Tool also offers technical back up and a repair service.
Welwyn Tool Turbo 62