PVC heating blankets evenly distribute heat on a pipe making them pliable to form any bend needed by the user. Bending pvc pipe with a heater can be used to create saddles, offsets and u bends.
A PVC heater bender is used to heat and bend PVC pipe evenly by making it pliable for the user to install. These heaters heat quickly and create an even distribution of heat to create a uniform bend where needed. The thermostat on the electric bender allows the user to monitor the desired temperature until the pipe is taken out for bending. This type of machine is also referred to as a hot box. These machines can be used to create custom fittings, saddles, bends and offsets to conform to the needs of the user.
Difference between a pvc heating blanket and a pvc hot box?
A heating blanket wraps around the PVC pipe just like a blanket. The PVC hot box holds the pipe inside and keeps it warm until you are ready to use it, which is similar to the blanket but it is heavily insulated to keep the box warm. In our experience hot boxes work faster and allow for making multiple bends quickly and easily, but blankets are great for tight quarters and for pipes that are already installed and for making offsets. Its also a great idea to get a set of conduit plugs to keep the heat inside the pipe while you are working on it. Some of these machines are also motorized and can bend the pipe automatically for the user. The carry handle makes it easier to move around compared to the blanket.
How to use a pvc heating blanket
✅ Step 1: Always check blanket for any frayed wires, exposed edges or burns before turning on the blanket, Do Not use if any of these conditions are met. Cut PVC pipe to desired length.
✅ Step 2: Place blanket on floor and then place the pvc on top of it where the bend is to be made
✅ Step 3: Start to wrap the blanket tight to the pvc or conduit pipe and then secure it with the provided straps. The thermostat should be overlapped by the blanket itself.
✅ Step 4: Now that the blanket is secured around the pipe you will need 2 pieces of 4" x 4" wood to rest the blanket on top of. This is to avoid damaging the blanket during the heating process.
✅ Step 5: You are now ready to plug in the blanket. When the pvc starts to get hot you can check how soft it is by pressing on the sides of the conduit. When the pvc becomes very flexible it will now be ready for the bend. Unplug blanket and unwrap the pipe to start bending!
✅ Step 6: After removing the pipe, move to a clean and dry surface, lay pipe flat and begin to apply a uniform bending to the pipe in the needed radius, then allow the pipe to cool, if faster cooling time is needed a wet sponge can be used on the pipe to cool it down faster.
Pro Tip
To prevent flattening of the conduit during the bend process, pvc plugs are recommended for pipes larger then 2".
If you are needing to do multiple form bends of the same radius it is recommended to make wooden jig to help expedite the bending process. If pipe opening is to small pipe reamers can be used.
PVC Blanket Estimate Heating Times
How to use a pvc pipe heater box
✅ Step 1: Start by placing pvc heat box on a clean flat surface and then plug it in and turn it on.
✅ Step 2: Put on a pair of insulated gloves.
✅ Step 3: For controlled even bending it will take approximately 7-10 minutes for the pvc heater bender to heat up. Using the handle, close the door over the section of conduit that needs to be heated.
✅ Step 4: After putting in the pipe slowly rotate it until it becomes pliable. The conduit is ready when the pvc surface has a glossy appearance and bends when lifting.
Note: It will take about 30 seconds to heat every 1/2" of pipe (a 2"pipe will take about 2 minutes to heat up)
✅ Step 5: Open heater door and remove conduit from the heater and place on a clean dry surface. Using your hands, you can now bend into the desired angle. After bend is set, allow the pipe to air dry or a wet sponge can be applied with water to make the cool down period faster.