Softening PVC tube prior to socket forming - by radiant heat in oven whilst preventing excessive exposure of extreme tube end by baffle

摘要

The arrangement is intended for heating the end portion of a thermoplastic tube (6) by radiant heat (4,11) so that it can be formed, e.g. to produce a socket end. The extreme end of the tube is protected (5,10) from excessive radiation to prevent decomposition or charring of the tube material. The protection may consist of a metal baffle disc (5) which may be provided with a flanged rim (10). The baffle may be in the form of a truncated cone which diverges away from the extreme tube end. The tube may be in a poly-alkene material or preferably PVC. Softening by radiant heat permits rapid treatment with tube in horizontal position as opposed to using immersion in heated liq. This arrangement prevents excessive heating with attendant undesirable effects on tube material.