The bright future of welding

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Discover cutting edge innovations in welding technologies and how they can aid your business’ productivity. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Dave Nordentoft, the roofing products manager at Leister, to discuss groundbreaking advancements in roofing technology. Leister, a leader in hot air welding technologies, is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its history of innovation. 

Dave began by outlining the company's legacy, noting that Leister's innovations span across various industries beyond roofing. "If it's a thermoplastic-based product, there's probably some type of a Leister tool that can work with it," he explains. 

The conversation shifted to the Varimat, a game-changing welding machine that has revolutionized the roofing industry since its introduction in 1996. Dave recounts how the Varimat was the first welding machine to incorporate digital technologies, allowing for precise control over welding parameters. This innovation provided contractors with "predictable, reproducible welding results on a much more consistent basis," which was a significant improvement over the analog machines that preceded it. 

The Varimat, from the Varimat V in 2003 to the Varimat V2 in 2009. Each iteration brought significant enhancements, particularly in electronic stability and user interface design. The Varimat V2, for instance, introduced a brushless blower, a redesigned nozzle configuration and a more user-friendly e-Drive interface. "It was a much more powerful machine," Dave notes. 

Dave also announced Leister's latest innovation: a new series of welding machines set to be released in 2024. Dave reveals that Leister will introduce three different models – the 300, 500 and 700 – each designed to cater to different contractor needs. He described the new machines as being built from the ground up, incorporating feedback from users to enhance every aspect of their design. One notable improvement is the adjustable transport axle, which allows for better balance and handling, making the machines easier to maneuver on job sites. 

Additionally, the new models feature a redesigned weight distribution system, integrated supplemental weights and a new blower release mechanism that improves ease of use and reliability. "Everything that we've done, we've always put an eye on this to say, 'Does this make it a better machine? Is this going to make it a better welder? Is this going to make it a better experience for the user?'" Dave explains. 

Read the Transcript or Listen to the Podcast to learn more about Leister’s impressive innovations!