How to choose the right butt fusion machine

Three questions before you choose

1) Which diameters will you weld? The machine's clamp set determines the range. Do not buy a wider range than you actually use - extend it over time instead.

2) Where will you weld? In the trench, on site or in the workshop? Manual machines are light and quick for small and medium sizes; hydraulic machines give even pressure and better documentation for the larger sizes.

3) Do the joints need to be documented? Some machines log the pressure sequence (welding graph) and can export to documentation software, which more and more clients now require in tenders.

Manual or hydraulic?

Manual machines are spring-operated without hydraulics and are available for welding from Ø16 to Ø315 mm. They are the obvious choice where the machine is moved frequently.

Hydraulic machines are available for welding from Ø40 to Ø3200 mm and keep the welding pressure constant throughout the weld. In our terminology, "manual" means a hydraulic machine without a control unit: the machine is hydraulic, but the pressure is operated by hand. A true spring-operated machine we always describe as manual.

For repeated large jobs, a hydraulic machine typically pays for itself in better quality and fewer failed welds.

Buy used or hire?

Is the job a one-off or a trial? Hire the machine instead of buying. Holm & Holm hires out butt fusion machines, extruders and accessories, prepared and calibrated.

At a fixed price, certified used and demonstration machines can be a good alternative with significant savings.

Brands we work with

We work with all common makes – from manual machines to CNC-controlled systems with data logging, and from hand-held tools to large butt welding machines for Ø1200 mm and above. Regardless of brand, we can therefore assist with machine selection, accessories and maintenance.

If you already have a machine from another manufacturer, we can still help: Holm & Holm performs servicing, supplies spare parts and carries out calibration on all common brands, regardless of where the machine was purchased.

Servicing and calibration are at least as important as the choice of machine itself

A butt welding machine is a precision tool: heater temperature, pressure and planarity depend on the condition of the heating plate, planer, hoses, measuring equipment and hydraulics. A worn or uncalibrated machine produces unreliable joints – even with the best operator.

The machine should be verified and calibrated every year – typically every 12 months – and you receive a calibration certificate that can be presented for inspection. If the machine requires servicing or calibration, it is quick and easy to send it to Holm & Holm: we take care of preparation, calibration and prompt return, so it is quickly back in the workshop.

Holm & Holm prepares and calibrates all hired and sold machines, and you can get a condition assessment of your current machine at any time – including brands other than our own.

Standard or light and compact series?

The same control levels are often available in two physical versions: a standard series covering the entire diameter range, and a light/compact series for medium diameters. The compact series is built to be moved: lower weight, smaller external dimensions and a basic machine that is easy to move, while the frame and hydraulics are combined into fewer units.

The trade-off for lower weight is rigidity and towing capacity. For large pipes, thick walls and long pipe lengths, the standard frame is more stable, and the clamps hold better when pulling the pipe. If, on the other hand, the machine needs to move between many job sites, fit into a van or go up onto scaffolding, the compact series is often the practical choice.

Our experience: choose the compact series when transport and handling take priority over welding the largest pipes in the range, and the standard series when the machine needs to remain stationary and weld heavy-duty joints day after day.

Buy used or hire?

Is the project a one-off or a trial? Hire the machine instead of buying. Holm & Holm hires out butt welding machines, extruders and accessories, prepared and calibrated.

At a fixed price, certified used and demonstration machines can be a good alternative offering significant savings.

Hører der ekstrudering til opgaven - reparation af rør, tanke eller tykvæggede emner - så se extruders: capacity and sizes og extrusion welding in practice, inden du vælger samlet indkøb.