How to cut, calibrate and press multilayer pipes and fittings
What is a multilayer composite pipe (MLCP)?
Multilayer pipes are a composite pipe, made up of inner and outer layers of temperature resistant PE-RT with metal with a central core of aluminium. This hybrid design makes for a perfect alternative to copper, saving you time and money on installation while delivering top quality results for both your domestic and commercial projects. These pipes are easy to form by hand, requiring no hot works, while also performing similarly to metal pipes and fittings with low heat expansion. As well as this, MLCP keeps its form after bending with no snapback all while staying free of corrosion and deposit build-up and offering an extremely lightweight copper pipe alternative.
In this tutorial, we will go over the press and cutting procedures of Multipipe’s multilayer pipes and fittings. Our pipes start from a diameter of 12mm up to 110mm but the procedure for cutting and bevelling is similar across the range.
- The first step – get a suitable pipe cutter for your pipe size.A single-bladed cutter is normally fine for sizes up to 40mm, whereas a wheel cutter will be required to cut larger diameters. Cut the pipe square – the key is a nice 90-degree cut.
Step 1 – cut.
- Once cut, we need to bevel the pipe.By putting a small chamfer onto the inner edge of the tube, it makes it easier to put on the fitting and stops damage to the o-rings. There are several types of bevelling tools on the market, starting with a simple three-size beveller. However, if you are doing many pipe sizes, it might worth looking at beveller that can be used with a power tool. To make the bevel, insert the pipe onto the bevelling tool ensuring it is up to the cutting blades, rotate the tool a minimum of 2 times ensure you put only a small bit of pressure on the tool. When done, carefully slide the bevelling tool out of the pipe.
Step 2 – Bevel.
- Pick out the right fitting you wish to use ensuring to have the pipe size matching the marking on the fitting.When inserting the pipe into the fitting, you should be able to physically see the pipe in all three small viewing windows on the fitting.
Step 3 – Insert.
- Now press the fitting onto the pipe.Again, there is a large range of pressing tools that can be used. It is essential to ensure you have “U” profile jaws, as others could cause fitting issues. Load the press gun with the right size pressing jaw, which should be the same as your pipe and fitting.Open the jaws and insert it around the fitting, making sure it is placed between the fitting ridges. Pull the trigger, and the tool will make the press. Unlike other press systems, it is a single press process for all dimensions. When done, remove the tool from the fitting, and you will see the press marks on it.
Step 4 – Press.
That is how simple it is to work with Multipipe’s products. Multipipe MLCP uses high-grade materials, innovative research, and a patented production process to guarantee you the highest quality product and ensures the long-term safety of your projects. Make sure to watch our tutorial of this online, or browse through our other how-to videos to learn a new skill!
