Quality and Precision with the UNIROOF AT

By Leister.

As plastic welding continues gaining popularity, learn the many advantages of using an automatic welding machine.

UNIROOF AT is an automatic welding machine for thermoplastic membranes that delivers high-quality, precise welds. As more companies realize the numerous benefits of using this type of membrane as opposed to bituminous membranes, the segment continues to grow, as does the popularity of UNIROOF AT for waterproofing thermoplastic roofing membranes.

The Use of Fire? No Need

There are different types of bituminous membranes on the market and various installation techniques. Some membranes have an adhesive surface, others require the application of adhesives or the use of hot air to weld between sheets. However, the most common laying technique involves the use of open flame (propane gas cylinder and burner).

This technique comes with significant risks and potential for accidents or fires. As evidence, several European countries have intervened and regulated the use of open flames on the roof. In some cases, even going so far as to prohibit the use near the edges of the roof itself. It's not our intention to open a debate here on the long-standing issue with bituminous membranes. In fact, we are witnessing a market trend to qualify and equip ourselves for waterproofing thermoplastic materials (mainly PVC and TPO). UNIROOF AT is one of the automatic welding machines in Leister's line of tools that is most appreciated by those who approach the world of thermo-plastic roofing materials.

It's easy to use and the operator is able to perform perfect welds in a very short time, minimizing the risk for errors. The potential for errors is typically higher in situations with repetitive, manual work. Additionally, welding thermoplastic membranes with UNIROOF does not involve flames. The temperature required to weld the material, like the other welding parameters, is easily controlled by the operator through a practical, digital display (for the UNIROOF AT model) or through a potentiometer (for UNIROOF ST). Thanks to the display showing the voltage, it's easy to ensure that the tool is working under optimal conditions.

Reliability

Another advantage of using thermoplastic membranes is that they can be welded with automatic welding machines like UNIROOF. Unlike laying bituminous membranes, which must be done by hand, automatic welding offers high quality and precision. UNIROOF AT requires no manual operation since the tool enables the user to weld near parapets (up to 100 mm distance), in narrow spaces and even inside gutters, thanks to the space of the small, rear trolley (only 200 mm).

The rear trolley can also be pushed sideways, eliminating the risk of "wandering" onto an uneven surface. Removing manual work, in addition to the time and money-saving benefits, leads to greater reliability of the welds and therefore better quality of the waterproofing.

Efficient and Lightweight

Compared to traditional bituminous membranes, modern thermoplastic membranes also have another advantage: they weigh much less. Although their thickness is half that of bituminous versions, thermoplastic membranes have excellent waterproofing properties, capable of remaining unaltered.

Additionally, they are able to guarantee better environmental conditions inside buildings and consequently greater energy savings. Thanks to surfaces with high solar reflectance and high thermal emissivity (cooler roof), most of the energy from the sun's rays is reflected in the atmosphere instead of heating the roof and the internal temperature of the building.

A Facilitated Approach

Those who have never laid waterproof thermoplastic roofing membranes will find the UNIROOF very helpful for this new technique. Its ergonomic and lightweight characteristics, combined with an intuitive operation, make UNIROOF ideal for an initial approach to this type of waterproofing. Compared to most welders, UNIROOF is easier to handle, with its lightweight design at 17 kg.

It's ideally suited for small-medium surfaces, both flat and sloping. Additionally, UNIROOF is capable of reaching speeds up to 3m/min for 1.8mm thick membranes. UNIROOF is the ideal addition to larger automatic welders (VARIMAT V2 for larger roofs) since it can be utilized in smaller spaces, on or at parapets and more.

Safety Control

The linear design of the UNIROOF makes it easy to handle in all conditions, allowing you to dodge obstacles, without compromising safety. Leister has also paid great attention to the reliability aspect: UNIROOF has sealed electronic boards to offer the best protection against humidity and dust. In addition, both the feed motor and the blower motor are brushless and therefore require very little maintenance.

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Original article source: Leister