February 12, 2025 Purge Dams

How to reduce costs in pipe fabrication and stainless steel pipe welding with innovative silicone purge dams.

In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, rising equipment and consumable costs force companies—especially pipe fabrication contractors working with stainless steel pipe—to seek more efficient solutions. One of the most expensive components in welding operations is the purge system, where conventional rubber plugs (often used as purge dams) can cost around €150 each and last only 2–3 years. These costs add up quickly, prompting a need for a breakthrough solution.

The Problem: A Monopolized Consumables Market

Major manufacturers of purge systems, including components for TIG purge kits, protect their patented designs, effectively creating a cartel. Despite ongoing technological advancements, prices remain high. This monopolized market leaves pipe fabrication contractors and welding specialists, particularly those working on stainless steel pipe projects, with no choice but to pay steep prices for traditional purge dams.

The Innovative Solution by Pipeweld.ee 

At the intersection of modern technology and creative engineering, welding contractor Ilja Arhi from the Baltic region has developed a revolutionary solution that reduces the cost of purge dams by up to 100 times. His breakthrough involves a 3D model designed for casting silicone plugs—innovative silicone purge dams—using a specialized platinum silicone that meets strict quality standards. Key benefits include:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Replacing expensive rubber plugs with silicone purge dams dramatically lowers material costs.
• Food-Grade Quality: The platinum silicone used complies with food industry standards, making these purge dams suitable for applications that may require food safety.
• High Thermal and Chemical Resistance: The silicone purge dams retain their performance even at high temperatures 300 c and in aggressive environments.
• Superior Elasticity and Strength: To ensure optimal durability, the silicone is required to have a hardness of at least 60 on the Shore scale.

Utilizing advanced LSI (Liquid Silicone Injection) technology further enhances product consistency and performance, making these components a reliable alternative to traditional solutions in TIG purge kits and other welding applications.

Universal Design: Three Sizes of Silicone Purge Dams

To meet the diverse needs of pipe fabrication contractors and welding professionals, the solution is available in three distinct size ranges:

• 30 to 80 mm
• 85 to 200 mm
• 200 to 280 mm (with increments of 5 mm)

This comprehensive range ensures that you can find the perfect silicone purge dam for virtually any stainless steel pipe diameter, streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency.

Flexible 3D Modeling and Branding Options

To simplify the adoption of this technology and allow for customization, the 3D model of the silicone purge dam is available in two formats:

• STL Format: Ideal for direct 3D printing—simply download and print.
• STEP Format: Offers full scalability, so you can adjust the model to any size and even incorporate your own logo or branding elements directly into the design.

This branding capability is a game changer. By adding your logo to the purge dam, you not only receive a high-quality, cost-effective product but also have the opportunity to develop and enhance your brand in the market.

How to Start Producing Your Own Silicone Purge Dams

Implementing this innovative technology is straightforward and doesn’t require heavy investments or complex machinery. Follow these simple steps:

1. Download the Mold:

Visit the our blog and download the 3D model in your preferred format

2. Print the Mold:

Use a 3D printer to produce the mold using a suitable material.

3. Purchase the Silicone:

Buy the specific platinum silicone that meets food-grade standards and has a hardness of at least 60 on the Shore scale, along with other required properties such as thermal stability, elasticity, and chemical inertness.

4. Cast the Purge Dam:

Set up your work area and follow the provided instructions to pour and cure the silicone in the mold.

5. Find More Details:

For additional technical specifications, process recommendations, and optimization tips, visit our website.

Conclusion

Adopting innovative silicone purge dams can significantly reduce expenses in pipe fabrication and stainless steel pipe welding operations by:

• Lowering production costs.
• Extending the service life of consumable components.
• Complying with food-grade standards for broader application.
• Providing a universal solution for different pipe sizes.
• Enabling brand development through customizable designs using STEP-format files.

For pipe fabrication contractors seeking to enhance their TIG purge kit solutions and overall operational efficiency, this breakthrough technology offers a cost-effective, high-performance alternative. If you’re ready to optimize your production process and elevate your brand, visit our website for detailed instructions and technical recommendations.

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