What is Plastic Welding
Plastic welding is a modern and highly effective method of repairing damaged plastic components on vehicles. Instead of replacing costly parts like bumpers or trim, this technique fuses the existing plastic back together using carefully controlled heat and pressure. At its core, plastic welding softens the damaged areas, often supplemented with specialized welding rods that match the vehicle’s plastic type, allowing the technician to rebuild the component’s strength and appearance almost like new. This process not only saves money but also reduces vehicle downtime and environmental waste by minimizing part replacements. With precision and expertise, plastic welding restores structural integrity and smooth finishes to your vehicle’s plastics, ensuring durability and a professional-quality repair.
WHY BUY FROM BWS?
BWS supplies and services all of the latest plastic repair equipment in the industry from plastic welders to all of their consumables.
Every piece of equipment we supply has been personally approved by our team of in-house professional engineers, so you know you're getting reliable equipment.
Shop today, or get in contact with our team for any technical support.
PLASTIC WELDERS
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We stock the latest Plastic Welders for the professional repair of PA, PE PP and ABS plastic bumpers —the latest Nitrogen Welders from Power-tec and Prospot.
Plastic Stapler. The Magic Stapler from Mixplast was the original stapler designed to repair vehicle bumpers and plastics. Unlike many competitors' machines, it's an inverter that allows instant heating up of the staple and instant cooling. This stops the pin from overheating the plastic and becoming loose in the panel. Transformer units cannot do this and could produce a weaker weld. Its innovative design and an unrivalled selection of staples and tools make it the ideal professional plastic repair tool for any bodyshop or repair centre.
Frequently asked questions
What types of plastic can be repaired using plastic welding?
Plastic welding works best on thermoplastics commonly used in vehicles, including ABS, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and some polyethylene (PE) parts. Each plastic type requires specific heat settings and techniques, which ensure the repair bonds correctly without damaging the surrounding material.
How does plastic welding compare to replacing parts?
Plastic welding is a cost-effective alternative that provides a strong and lasting repair without the high expense of new parts. It maintains more of the vehicle’s original structure and aesthetics and is faster than sourcing and fitting replacements, often resulting in less downtime for your vehicle.
Will the repaired plastic be as strong as before?
While no repair can perfectly replicate brand-new plastic, plastic welding can restore approximately 80-85% of the original strength. Proper technique and matching welding materials make the repaired area durable enough for normal automotive use.
Is a Nitrogen Plastic Welder Better than a Hot air Welder?
A Nitrogen Plastic Welder stands out as a superior choice compared to a traditional Hot Air Welder because it uses pure nitrogen gas to create a protective shield around the welding area. This nitrogen atmosphere keeps oxygen away from the heated plastic, preventing burning and contamination that typically happen with hot air welding, which relies on regular compressed air containing oxygen.
When using hot air alone, the oxygen can cause the plastic to char, produce smoke, and leave behind ash that weakens the weld. In contrast, the nitrogen environment ensures the plastic melts cleanly and bonds without any oxidation or smoke, resulting in a smoother, stronger, and longer-lasting weld. Additionally, the nitrogen protects the welding tip from residue buildup, keeping it cleaner and more efficient during the repair process.
In short, nitrogen plastic welding delivers cleaner, more durable results by eliminating the damaging effects of oxygen, making it the preferred method for precision repairs on vehicle plastics and other sensitive materials.
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