German Quality

Heat Gun

HANDBOOKHANDBOOK

2 3

Hot Air for ProfessionalsThe Heat Gun Handbook

is designed to provide a

basic insight into the

virtually unlimited uses of

heat guns. This book

offers suggestions for

how STEINEL heat guns

can revolutionize the way

you do your job and

basic instructions on how

to do each task.

Before attempting any

job, test the heat gun on

leftover material to

perfect the process for

yourself. Please

understand that we are

unable to guarantee

suitability to your specific

need or situation. All of

tips are based on

experience from industry

professionals.

We wish you the best of

luck working with your

heat gun.

Contents

Plastic Welding

MRO

Shaping Plastics

Medical

Fabric Welding

Desoldering

Wire Processing Adhesives

Today’s heat gunsThe STEINEL Quality Difference 4

Heat Guns in IndustryAn overview of heat gun uses in industry 6

This is how it's doneWire Harnessing 8

Heat Shrink, Connectors & Solder Sleeves 9

Activating & Deactivating Adhesives 10

Plastic Welding 12

Medical 14

Shaping Plastics 15

Roofing 16

Tarps, Liners & Industrial Fabric Welding 17

Construction 18

Vinyl & Leather Repair 19

Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul 20

Soldering & Desoldering 22

Packaging 23

Heat Guns and AccessoriesSTEINEL Heat Guns 28

Accessories 30

5 5

Today’s Heat Guns

WHAT MAKES A QUALITY HEAT GUN?STEINEL heat guns incorporate state-of-the-art technology to produce the most precisedurable tools available. User controlled temperature, airflow and the ability to reduce heatdown to a pinpoint are features that combine to ensure a perfect job every time.

The pages that follow explain a number of basicprocesses. The various tips are of interest toprofessionals and tradesmen. Always followbasic safety procedures.

For your safety

Fresh airis important when working with hot air. Softeningup paint may release solvents, solderingproduces vapors from the additives used, andvapors are also generated when welding plastic.This is why you should always work outdoors orwith the window open if work has to be done insmall rooms.

Working in the presence of waterwith electrical power tools is dangerous. Whenusing a heat gun, never work above or next touncovered water.

Testingis the magic word when it comes toexperimenting with hot air. Therefore alwayscarry out a trial run first before attempting anynew application. Check the airflow rate,temperature and compatibility of the hot air withthe material you intend to work on.

Safe OperationBe careful to avoid personal injury. Air heated toover 200°F (100°C) damages hair and injuresskin. A heat gun can reach up to 1300°F (700°C).Never direct heat gun at hair, skin or otherunprotected body parts.

Programmable Output with LOC™Select tools feature four customizable preprogrammedsettings that allow a user to set the temperature andairflow. Additionally, the output of these guns can belocked-down, providing ultimate quality control.

Electronic Thermocouple ControlA temperature sensor in the output nozzle feeds informationto the on board microprocessor, which adjusts automaticallyto achieve the desired air temperature output.

DuraTherm™ Heating ElementCoils are wound through a series of ceramic disksachieving full encapsulation. This provides even heatand added support helps to prevent coil breakage.

Interconnect Block CircuitryPlastic is injection molded around the "wiring" to form asolid block, which will not break or disconnect liketraditional wiring.

Maintenance

Stripping paint, applying shrinktubes and solder sleeves torepair wiring, loosening seizedfasteners, bending and shapingplastics, drying putties andpaints and activating anddeactivating adhesives are just afew of the many uses for heatguns in MRO industries.STEINEL’s heat guns andaccessories simplify the job byoffering the ability to accomplishall of these varied tasks with onevariable output tool.

7

Heat Guns in IndustryAerospace

In the aerospaceindustry temperature control iscritical in creating and repairingwire harness and soldering anddesoldering circuit boards forsatellites, radios and othercommunication devices.STEINEL heat guns with LOCtechnology and LCD displayprovide the precision and controlthese applications require.

Exterior composite work andfabricating aircraft interior panelsare demanding applicationswhere a durable tool isnecessary. STEINEL heat guns,tested to endure up to five timeslonger than other heat guns,provide the long lifeexpected bydiscriminatingprofessionals.

ElectronicsDesoldering circuit boards is a jobthat requires precise temperaturecoupled with the ability to finelycontrol the stream of hot air.STEINEL heat guns offer the

ability to specifically selecttemperature in 10° incrementsas well as the ability to controlairflow. The variety of STEINELreduction nozzles enables theuser to control the stream of

hot air in the mostsensitive ofsituations.

6

Automotive

Automotive repairshops use heat guns for a largevariety of tasks including leatherand vinyl repair, looseningadhesives, plastic weldingbumpers and dashboards,repairing wire harness andinstalling electronics. STEINELoffers heat guns toaccommodate a wide range oftemperatures and airflows aswell as accessories to help makeevery job easier.

ConstructionConstructionprofessionals relyon heat guns tolap weld roofingmaterials, installflooring, sweatpipes and to makevinyl sidingworkable in coldtemperatures.These applicationsrequire heat gunsthat are durableand easily repaired

in the field. STEINEL offers heatgun models that have fieldchangeable parts and are themost durably constructed toolsavailable in the industry.

PackagingThe packaging industry usesheat guns to touch up shrinkwrap on assembly lines, activateadhesives while fabricating foam

packing inserts, create giftbaskets, and to loosen andremove packaging labels.STEINEL offersergonomically engineeredheat guns for long termcomfort as well as thelongest lasting heating

elements.

MedicalThe medical field uses heat gunsto shape orthotics andprosthetics, plastic welddentures and for shaping largeframes in optical labs. All ofthese applications require the

precise even heatthat STEINELdelivers with theDuraTherm™heating element.

98

This is how it's done

350 – 500°F (175 – 250°C)350 – 500°F (175 – 250°C)

Heat Shrink, Connectors and Solder SleevesIn the electronics and MRO industries heat guns are often used tomake and protect wire connections. This is done by sliding a heatshrink tube of the appropriate diameter over the connection and thenshrinking it on using hot air at 350 – 500°F (175 – 250°C) and areflector nozzle. STEINEL heat guns offer precise, even heat allowingthe user to effectively control temperature output and preventscorching or blistering the tubes and sleeves. The 9mm reducer isrecommended for repairs where a smaller diameter shrink tube isbeing used.

Solder sleeves with an integrated solder ring or crimpconnection are available to ensure that a reliable electricalconnection is made. They are also available with anadhesive coating on the inside for watertight connections.The 14mm reflector fit solders sleeves well, making it agreat choice for this application.

Similarly the automotive andaerospace industries use heatshrink and solder sleeves forrepairing wire harness.

Wire HarnessingThe automotive, electronics and aerospace industries use heatguns in the manufacture of wire harnesses. This is done by placingwire bundles into the appropriate sized tubing and shrinking it downto hold the wires in place. Applying hot air at 350 – 500°F (175 –250°C) will shrink the tube to the correct size. Precise and consistenttemperature is crucial in this process to prevent damage to the wiresand to prevent scorching or blistering the shrink tubing.

The 75mm and 39mm reflector nozzles are a popular choice for thisapplication because they direct hot air around a larger diameterbundle of wires. Heat guns are also used in wire harness shops tocauterize the ends of wire harness braids.

1110

This is how it's done

250 – 325°F (120 – 165°C)

Can we get a picture ofaircraft lay-up work? Randymight be a resource.

250 – 325°F (120 – 165°C)

jigs to create the desired shape for each part of the aircraft’s interior.Heat guns are used to adhere each individual layer together until theyreach the desired thickness for the specific part.

The renovation and remodeling industries use heat guns forremoving glued-on coverings, building materials, wallpaper andflooring. This is accomplished by heating up the adhesive and simplyscraping off the material. Attach a spreader nozzle and direct the hotair between covering and the substrate layer. Joint sealingmaterials are also easy to remove with the help of hot air.

In the flooring industry tile adhesive is stubborn anddifficult to get off. Heat softens the adhesivewhich can then be removed with a scraper andcloth.

Working adhesives with hot air is always anadvantage when you want to bond or releaselarge areas. The recommendedtemperature for this is 250 –325°F (120 – 165°C).

Activating and Deactivating AdhesivesAlmost any type of adhesive can be loosened using a heat gun. In theautobody repair industry aluminum vehicle frames cannot beexposed to flame; therefore, they must be dismantled and repairedwith a heat gun. A heat gun is used to loosen the adhesive at thejoints allowing them to be separated. Simply direct the hot air wherethe joint is glued. The adhesive will soften and can then be pulledapart without causing further frame damage.

Decals, stone guards, window tinting and stickers can easily beremoved from surfaces without the risk of damage. Hot air will leavenothing sticking to the original surface. Direct the stream of hot air atthe area you would like to remove and when the adhesive softenssimply pull the material back.

In the aviation industry heat guns are used for exterior compositework. Seams are sealed by layering carbon fiber mesh over seams

and heating them with hot air to fusethem together until the seam isfilled. Heat guns are also used tofabricate aircraft interiors. Fiberglass composite is layered over

1312

This is how it's done

Rigid PVC

Piping, fittings, boards, buildingprofiles, technical mouldedcomponents, etc.

Welding temperature 550 – 650°F (290 – 345°C)

Incineration test: carbonizes inthe flame and extinguishes on itsown

Smoke odor: pungent, ofhydrochloric acid

Drop test: crashing

PlasticizedPVC

Floor coverings, wallpaper,hoses, sheets, tools, etc.

Welding temperature 550 – 650°F (290 – 345°C)

Incineration test: smoking, yellowish-green flame

Smoke odor: pungent, ofhydrochloric acid

Drop test: silent

Plasticized PE(LDPE)Polyethylene

Domestic and electronic items,toys, bottles etc.

Welding temperature 450 – 550°F (230 – 290°C)

Incineration test: light, yellowflame, drops continue to burn

Smoke odor: resembles an extinguished candle

Drop test: dull

Hard PE(HDPE)Polyethylene

Baths, baskets, canisters,insulating materials, piping,cellar shafts, transportcontainers, waste bins, etc.

Welding temperature 550 – 650°F (290 – 345°C)

Incineration test: light, yellowflame, drops continue to burn

Smoke odor: resembles an extinguished candle

Drop test: crashing

PPPolypropylene

HT drainpipes, plastic chairs,packaging, car components,equipment housings, technicalmouldings, battery boxes, etc.

Welding temperature 450 – 550°F (230 – 290°C)

Incineration test: light flame witha blue core, drops continue to burn

Smoke odor: pungent odor ofparaffin

Drop test: crashing

ABS

Car components, equipmenthousings, suitcases

Welding temperature 625 – 725°F (330 – 385°C)

Incineration test: black, fluffysmoke

Smoke odor: sweetish

Drop test: crashing

Plastic types:Material Application types Distinguishing characteristics

450 – 725°F (230 – 385°C)

Plastic WeldingThe flooring industry uses heat guns to weld plasticized PVC inflooring joints and seams. Plastic welding is also used in theautomotive repair, MRO and orthotics and prosthetics industries torepair plastics.

The materials being welded must always be the same composition,the type of plastic must be identified before welding the two partstogether (see table for distinguishing characteristics). Select weldingrod of the appropriate material. Clamp work pieces in position. Clean,degrease and, if necessary, bevel the seam. Now heat the seam withhot air to 450 – 725°F (230 – 385°C) and offer up the welding rod via awelding nozzle. For a strong weld, the work piece and welding rodmust turn to a "doughy" consistency. The seam can be validatedusing a pull test which, if acceptable, produces stress whitening.

1514

This is how it's done

325 – 425°F (165 – 275°C)

MedicalMedical plastics used in orthotics and prosthetics can be shapedand welded using a heat gun. Unlike open flame there is more controlover temperature output and less chance of scorching theseexpensive devices. To achieve a custom fit the materials can beheated with hot air ranging from 250 – 350°F (120 – 175°C) thenshaped and smoothed. In the case of foam materials temperaturescan be as low as 160°F (70°C).

Dental labs use heat guns to reshape, weld and repair dentures. It isbest to consult with the material manufacturer for the workable heatranges of these materials.

In optical labs eye glasses often need to be adjusted tofit. Frame heaters are too small for large eye glassframes, preventing uniform heating. A heat gun set up

as a bunsen burner and with a reflectornozzle will heat them evenly.

250 – 350°F (120 – 175°C)

Shaping PlasticsThe flooring and MRO industries use heat guns to make plasticsheets, pipes and rods flexible without leaving burn marks. Plasticsheets for making containers are worked at 325 – 425°F (165 – 275°C)depending on material type. Folded edges are created by heating thework piece with a surface nozzle. The heated material then can bebent with ease.

Pipe and rod are evenly heated all theway around using a reflector nozzle.Once it has been heated it is easilyshaped or bent. Holding the piece inthe chosen position until cool ensuresit keeps the desired shape. A coil orsand filling helps prevent pipe kinking.

17

This is how it's done

775 - 1250°F (415 - 675°C)

RoofingHeat guns are used in the roofing industry to lap weld difficult areassuch as near vents and edges. To lap weld PVC a temperature ofapproximately 775 - 875°F (415 - 470°C) is delivered with a angled slitnozzle placed between overlapping sheets of PVC material until thesurface becomes soft and begins to stick together. Pressure is appliedwith a silicone seam roller on the top of the PVC to ensure the twopieces of material adhere securely.

Hypalon, modified bitumen and TPO are worked at highertemperature ranges. Temperature requirements for roofing materialsvary. Consult the material manufacturer for specific temperatureranges.

Tarps, Liners and Industrial Fabric WeldingPlastic tarpaulins in the trucking & transport and tent & awningindustries as well as coated textiles in the marine industry can bereliably welded using heat guns. This is done by overlapping twolayers of tarp or sheeting by approximately 3/4 – 1 1/2 in. (2 – 4 cm)and holding the tarps taut. Then using a slit nozzle, hot air rangingfrom 625 – 725°F (330 – 385°C) is blown between the overlap. Thematerial turns soft within a matter of seconds and is firmly pressedtogether with a feed roller. To test your work tear the welded seamapart with force at one end or on a sample piece. If stress whiteningoccurs in the material, the seam is satisfactory. Otherwise,temperature needs to be increased or speed decreased.

Common uses for these types of processes are to weld plasticsheeting together to create pond liners or to create and repair tarpsfor marine and transport coverings, tents and awnings.

625 – 725°F (330 – 385°C)

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1918

This is how it's done

325 – 425°F (165 – 275°C)

ConstructionThere are numerous ways heat guns are useful in the constructionindustry. For example, in cold temperatures vinyl siding will crackwhen you try to cut it or work with it. To prevent wasting materials andallow siding contractors to work through the winter in colder areas, aheat gun and spreader nozzle are used to quickly warm each piece ofvinyl siding before it is cut. This effectively prevents the material fromcracking. A temperature range of 325 – 425°F (165 – 275°C) worksbest for this type of application.

Hot air is also useful in plumbing for fitting pipes. Simply heat thehose or pipe end with hot air and push it on. As it cools it contracts tocreate a tighter connection than could otherwise be achieved.

450 - 750°F (230 - 400°C)

Vinyl and Leather RepairVinyl and leather repair is common in the automotive industry. Heatguns are used in the process of mending tears and removing wrinklesin both of these materials. Tears are first cleaned of any stray threadsand covered in a compound that matches in color to the originalsurface. Next it is covered with a textured clothmatching the original texture of the material.Finally, heat is applied ranging from 450 - 750°F(230 - 400°C) to set and dry the compound.

The 14mm and 20mm reducer nozzles allow theuser to aim the hot air directly at the area that isbeing repaired, speeding up the curing process.

Wrinkles in leather and vinyl upholstery are alsoeasily removed by applying heat.

20

This is how it's done

350 – 1200°F (175 – 650°C)350 – 1200°F (175 – 650°C)

Maintenance, Repair and OverhaulHeat gun use in the MRO industry is abundant. Stripping paint,loosening seized bolts and fitting metal components done attemperatures ranging from 900 - 1200°F (485 - 650°C), are examplesof applications where heat guns come in handy. Thawing frozen pipesis effectively accomplished by using a 39mm or 75mm reflector nozzledirecting heat at a temperature range of 750 - 1200°F (400 - 650°C)around the frozen pipe.

Working with plastics is another popular application for heatguns in this industry. Plastic welding can be accomplished

with a 9mm reducer, plastic welding tip and a temperatureranging from 450 - 750°F (230 - 400°C) depending on

the material type. (See chart onpg. 13) Plastic shaping isalso done at 450 - 750°F(230 - 400°C).

Working adhesives, like removing decals, is yet another way heatguns are utilized in the MRO industry. This is done at temperaturesranging from 450 - 750°F (230 - 400°C).

Drying and melting compounds is done at a temperature of 450 -750°F (230 - 400°C). At these temperatures wax can easily be meltedor softened. Industry professionals can also use the sametemperature and a 50mm or 75mm spreader nozzle to quickly dryputties, paints and other compounds.

Applying shrink tubing is another practical application for heat guns inthe MRO industry. Using the 9mm, 14mm, 39mm or the 75mmreflector nozzle and a temperaturerange of 350 – 500°F (175 – 250°C)shrink tubes and solderconnectors can easily be applied.

STEINEL’s Industrial and Multi-Purpose heat gun kits offer a widevariety of accessories that areideal for the MRO industry.

21

2322

This is how it's done

750 – 1075°F and 400 – 850°C)

Soldering and DesolderingHeat guns can be used in the electronics industry to desolderelectronic components from damaged circuit boards. Hot air, 750 –850°F (400 – 455°C) will loosen the solder joints allowing thecomponents to be removed. Concentrate the hot air on the solderjoint and remove the component with a special pair of pliers once thesolder melts.

The 9mm reducer delivers a preciseconcentrated stream of hot airthat is easy for a user tocontrol on the surface of acircuit board. This makesit the ideal accessory forthe delicate task ofdesoldering circuit boards.

PackagingThe packaging industry uses heat guns to touch-up shrink wrappingafter it has been through a heat shrink tunnel. This is done byapplying hot air, about 825 – 925°F (440 – 495°C), through a surfacenozzle to any area of a package that is not taut.

Foam inserts for packing electronics arecustomized to fit each product usingadhesives activated by heat guns. Thetemperature to activate these adhesivesrange from 300 – 600°F (150 –315°C). Thistemperature range allows for the adhesives toto sufficiently activate without scorching thefoam packing material.

The retail industry also uses heat guns to shrinkwrap gift baskets after they have been created

to seal in the contents andcreate a decorativewrapping for resale.

300 – 925°F (150 – 495°C)

Industrial Heat GunsSTEINEL Industrial Heat Guns are designed for production, roofing,flooring, packaging and other rigorous applications where performanceand durability are key.

24

The Heat Gun Product Range

25

INTELLITEMP™HEAT GUN WITH LED

TEMPERATUREDISPLAY (230V)

HG 5000 E

ERGONOMIC HEATGUN W/ELECTRONIC

THERMOCOUPLECONTROL

HG 2300 EM

INTELLITEMP™HEAT GUN WITH LED

TEMPERATUREDISPLAY (120V)

HG 4000 E

Electronic Heat GunsThis heat gun line uses state of the art technology to maximizeprecision and durability. It incorporates new features responding directlyto ever increasing requirements for rigorous, formalized quality control.

ESD SAFEPROGRAMMABLEINTELLITEMP™

HEAT GUN

HG 2510 ESD

INTELLITEMP™HEAT GUN WITH

LCD TEMPERATUREDISPLAY

HL 2010 E

VARIABLETEMPERATURE

ELECTRONIC HEATGUN

HL 1910 E

PROGRAMMABLEINTELLITEMP™HEAT GUN WITH

LCD DISPLAY

HG 2310 LCD

Professional Heat GunsThese high quality durable tools are suitable for heavy-duty use inindustry and the trades. They provide powerful even heat with alightweight ergonomic design.

UltraHEAT™ Heat GunsDesigned to combine high performance with exceptional value thesegeneral purpose heat guns feature a reinforced heating element tested atover twice the useful life of comparably priced tools.

SV 803 VARIABLE

TEMPERATURE

HEAT GUN

UltraHEAT™ II

SV 800 DUAL

TEMPERATURE

HEAT GUN

UltraHEAT™

THREE STAGEPROFESSIONAL

HEAT GUN

HL 1810 S

TWO STAGEPROFESSIONAL

HEAT GUN

HL 1610 S

2726

... exclusively for electronically controlled heat guns

14mm Reduction NozzleConcentrated source of hotair for desoldering and PVCwelding.

14mm Reflector NozzleFor directing hot air evenlyaround small diametersolder sleeves.

40mm Angled Slit NozzleFor seam sealing, roofingand lap welding.

9mm Reduction NozzlePinpoint source of hot air fordesoldering and welding.

9mm Reflector NozzleFor directing hot air evenlyaround small diameter shrinktubes.

20mm Angled Slit NozzleFor seam sealing, roofingand lap welding in smallareas.

5mm Reduction NozzlePinpoint source of hot air forwelding and solderingapplications.

90° NozzleFor directing hot air intocorners and hard to reachareas.

High Speed Welding TipFor working with plasticwelding rod of up to 6mmdiameter. Fits on a 5mmreduction nozzle.

Heat Gun Accessories ...

... for both professional and electronically controlled heat guns

50mm Spreader NozzleSpreads air over smallerareas, such as for waxingskis.

50mm Deflector NozzleDeflects to protectoverheating in narrow spots.

39mm Reflector NozzleFor soldering pipes andfitting heat shrink sleeves.

20mm Reduction NozzleFor a focused jet of heat.Popular nozzle for leatherand vinyl repair.

Seam RollerThis roller is designed forlap welding, edging tapeand roofing applications.

75mm Spreader NozzleDistributes the air over awide area for drying, paintstripping, etc.

75mm Deflector NozzleDeflects to protectoverheating in narrow spots.

75mm Reflector NozzleFor directing hot air evenlyaround materials such aslarge diameter shrink tubes.

Wire Protection TubePrevents accidental contactwith hot nozzles.

Metal Heat Gun StandOffers the flexibility of handsfree operation.

10mm Reduction NozzleConcentrated source of hotair for welding and solderingapplications.

Phone: (800) 852-4343 Fax: (866) 388-5132

www.steinel.net sales@steinel.net

Reorder Number L-99943 © 2005 STEINEL America, Inc.