No matter whether you have a small or large HD butt fusion welding machine, you’ve made an investment in a quality tool that you expect to work for years to come. It is said, most pieces of tools require some level of maintenance and care. Instructors from our agents have come together to share the 5 best things you can do to maintain your fusion machine.

Pay Special Attention to Layers
One of the best tools you can have in your bag to work on your butt fusion welding machine is a stiff bristle brush. A stiff bristle brush is great for removing dirt, shavings, and other items from becoming stuck or lodged in the serrations of the layers.

When the layers are clean, this helps to prevent slippage and to ensure proper alignment for your fusion operations

Care for the Clamp Knobs

On fusion machines that employ clamp knobs for tightening the jaws, it's critical to care for these important parts. All  clamp knobs are equipped with thrust bearings to reduce friction and improve the efficiency of the clamping screw. You can keep these bearings clean by washing them in kerosene or solvent. They should be lubricated using light machine oil.

To clean the eyebolt threads, brush with a soft bristle brush. The eyebolt threads are coated with a black, dry lubricant and do not require oiling.

Clean Heater Butt Plates and Check Butt Plate Bolts

We’ve seen many abused heaters in the field that need work because they haven’t been treated well. One of the simplest things that you can do to improve your fusions and the longevity of the machines is to clean the heater plates with a clean, non-synthetic cloth. While the heater faces have an anti-stick coating, it is imperative to make sure that the surfaces are free of plastic build up and/or contamination.

One key to heater longevity is to check the butt plate bolts to make sure they remain in place and tight. This helps ensure that the heater plates are properly seated on the heater body. It's important to not over-tighten these bolts. If your heater plates are damaged or worn, please contact our company to replace it.

Inspect Facer Blades Regularly

Just like the heater, the facer is an integral part of every fusion machine. Dull, chipped or nicked facer blades should be replaced immediately, as this will impede the clean face-off needed for a fusion joint. Much like the heater, it's critical that the bolts on the facer are in place and tight. These bolts keep the facer blades in a critical, precise position for shaving the pipe ends. 

If you replace your own blades, it's important to note that you should never extend the blade beyond the inner or outer circumference of the facer.

Replace Oils and Lubricants at Necessary Intervals

If you own a hydraulic machine or a machine with an on-board engine, it's important that your preventative maintenance routine includes checking oils and lubricants regularly. All machines that require hydraulic fluid feature a check fluid level sight gauge. The hydraulic fluid should always read "HIGH" on this reservoir. Also, each machine will have a prescribed time to change the hydraulic fluid and the filter of the machine. To learn more about hydraulic fluid, including what type to use and when to change, refer to your machine's product manual.
One of the best things you can do as you care for your fusion machine is to keep the machine inside. This will extend the machine's life by eliminating some of the weathering and corrosion possibilities. If you ever have questions regarding your machine, you can download your Operator's Manual at any time at http://www.zjbuttfusion.com.   These manuals have complete maintenance information and walk you through the care of your machine.