The future of fusion with McElroy’s cutting-edge iSeries, along with an overview of their medium and small diameter fusion equipment.
At GROEBNER, we take pride in building a network of suppliers that provide the highest-quality products for the natural gas industry. One of our key partners in pipe fusion equipment is McElroy, the industry leader in designing and manufacturing a complete range of machines for joining thermoplastic pipes.
McElroy’s fusion machines utilize the butt fusion method, heating pipe ends to their melting point and applying pressure to create seamless joints. With options available for pipes as small as 1/2” CTS and as large as 2000mm OD, McElroy offers a solution for every project. These machines range from hand-held, manually operated models for small diameter pipes to hydraulically powered machines for medium and large diameters.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at medium diameter fusion machines and explore the future of fusion with McElroy’s cutting-edge iSeries. We'll also highlight the available options for small diameter fusions. Although McElroy offers large diameter machines for more demanding applications, they won’t be covered in this piece.
Medium Diameter Fusion Machines
McElroy’s medium diameter fusion machines are expertly designed to bridge the gap between small and large diameter applications, offering versatility and performance for fusing pipe from 2” IPS to 18” OD. Available in three configurations – Pit Bull®, Rolling, and TracStar® – these machines cater to a wide range of jobsite needs, providing robust, reliable solutions for even the most demanding fusion tasks. Whether you're working in confined spaces, requiring mobility, or facing challenging terrain, McElroy’s medium diameter machines deliver the power and flexibility needed for seamless, high-quality pipe fusion.
Sizing Options for Medium Diameter
- 28 Models: 2” IPS to 8” DIPS pipe
- 412 Models: 4” IPS to 12” DIPS pipe
- 618 Models: 6” IPS to 18” OD pipe
Fusion Machine Configurations
- Pit Bull®: When wheeled or track-mounted vehicles aren’t necessary, the Pit Bull configuration delivers all the muscle needed for pipe fusion. It includes separate components – carriage, heater, insulated heater stand, and Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) – offering flexibility in tight workspaces.
- Rolling: Designed for easy maneuvering and portability, the Rolling machines can be easily towed to each fusion site and remain stationary as pipes are fused and pulled through. The carriage on many of the machines is easily removable for in-ditch use.
- TracStar®: Featuring self-propelled rubber tracks, TracStar machines can navigate rough terrain and grades up to 30%. These vehicles are fully self-contained, equipped with all necessary electrical components, and the carriage can be removed for specialized applications.
iSeries – The Future of Fusion
The TracStar® iSeries (412i & 618i for medium diameter) is transforming the pipe fusion industry with a new level of performance and reliability. This next-generation family of machines builds on the TracStar’s reputation for durability while introducing industry-changing technology to enhance the user experience.
Numerous upgrades have enhanced the technology available while ensuring it remains rugged and reliable. The iSeries features new emission-compliant engines and a range of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical improvements. Integrated, software-controlled machine options from manual to automatic improves operator consistency and adherence to standards.
- Built-In DataLogger®: Takes the operator deeper into the fusion process than ever before ensuring that each fusion join is recorded and complies with the fusion standard.
- FusionGuide™ Control System: Offers three levels of control from operator-controlled to completely automatic, machine-controlled operations reduce the most common user errors and make the fusion experience more productive.
- Indexer-Mounted Heater & Facer: Automatically removes the heater from the fusion zone as the carriage opens once the heat soak is completed along with a mounted facer reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity in the field.
The new iSeries platform integrates intelligent technology and advanced systems to meet today’s challenges and improve the user experience in pipe fusion.
Small Diameter, Manual Fusion Machines
When it comes to smaller pipe applications, McElroy’s manually operated fusion machines deliver the perfect balance of precision, power, and portability. Engineered for durability in even the most challenging environments, these rugged yet lightweight machines are designed for single-operator use, ensuring accurate, high-quality fusions with minimal maintenance. McElroy’s compact solutions can fuse pipe sizes ranging from 1/2” CTS to 6” DIPS, offering versatility with each unit capable of handling multiple pipe diameters. These machines provide the flexibility and reliability needed to tackle a variety of small-diameter fusion tasks with ease.
Multiple Machine Choices
- Mini-Mc®: 1/2" CTS to 1” IPS pipe
- 1LC: 1/2" CTS to 1” IPS pipe
- 2CU: 1/2" CTS to 2” IPS pipe
- 2LC: 1/2" CTS to 2” IPS pipe
- Pit Bull® 14: 1" IPS to 4” DIPS pipe
- Pit Bull® 26: 2" IPS to 6” DIPS pipe
Hand-Powered Operations
With their compact design and small footprint, McElroy’s manual machines are built for performance anywhere – whether on the ground or in the ditch. Made from surface-hardened aluminum, these machines are lightweight yet durable enough to handle tough conditions. Their narrow clamp design ensures precise alignment at the fusion joint, making hand-operated fusion both simple and efficient.
At GROEBNER, we are here to support all your pipe fusion needs. Whether you're interested in learning more about McElroy’s small, medium, or large diameter fusion machines, or want to explore the innovative iSeries in more detail, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss how GROEBNER can help improve your operations with the latest in fusion technology.