A hot air welding rod creates a high pressure stream of heated air, which is pushed out the end of a rod. This tool is held in the hand, like a pen, so that the air stream can be pointed at the plastic for bending. The rod is suitable for detailed work on pipes or containers, because the user can direct the air stream onto particular areas of the plastic for bending.
The heated welding mirror is used for bending pipes, and can also weld plastics together. It is a round, flat disc that has a source of hot air which heats both sides of its surface. To use it, two pipes are firmly pressed against each side of the mirror. The rim or outer edge of the pipe melts, the mirror is removed, and then the pipes are pressed together at the required angle to create a bend.
Heaters are used to bend thermoplastics, and are available in a number of different sizes and grades, depending on the level of use. For example, for use around the home a small portable strip heater is available. This is a strip of silicon which is plugged into a power point, and subsequently heated. The length of silicon can then be applied to a thermoplastic. The heat of the silicon softens the plastic, which then can be bent into shape. Professional heaters include a production heater. This is a large metal unit, for use at a workbench. The plastic is held over the heating element and then manipulated as required.