PIPES
Raising the profi le of press fi ttings
Martin Smith, Conex Bänninger’s newly appointed Business Unit Director for UK & Ireland, is a man on a mission and is looking to help create a new generation of press fi tting installers.
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“That’s why it’s important that we do all we can to help educate and inform installers on the longer- term benefi ts of using press fi ttings.
want to sponsor a debate amongst traditional installers and contractors on how they can benefi t from a change in technology – by moving away from
traditional brazing methods,” says Smith. “Whilst this process has been underway for a number of years now, we still need to drive home the key message that it’s not always a great idea to be using a naked fl ame in constricted spaces and there are much safer, faster and more effi cient ways to join pipes.” Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to Conex Bänninger,
with extensive experience in the HVAC industry including senior roles at Ideal Stelrad Group and Wolseley. Over the years Smith has gained detailed insight into diff erent areas of the sector and, during this time, the industry has seen signifi cant developments, driven by technological advancements, environmental policies, and changing consumer demand. Smith says: “The increasing use of press fi ttings is an
excellent example of how a change in technology can off er installers real competitive advantage. Press fi tting off ers substantial benefi ts over traditional jointing methods, including faster, safer installations, consistent and reliable connections, minimal disruption, environmental advantages, cost eff ectiveness and ease of inspection and maintenance.” It remains a fact though that there are signifi cant numbers of installers who have been brought up using traditional jointing techniques and are somewhat, understandably, resistant to making the change. One of the biggest barriers to change is the initial cost of a press tool. Installers often look at the purchase price and stop right there without necessarily being aware of the overall benefi ts of press – and how short the payback time on the initial purchase of the press machine can be.
The speed of installation when press fi tting provides
signifi cant time savings on a job, resulting in payback on a press tool often achieved within a matter of months. In addition, installers will no longer need to spend as much on consumables such as a gas, blow lamp, fl ux and solder, and the savings continue. Investing in press removes the need for a hot works permit and having to stay on-site for hours after installation due to fi re risk and health and safety reasons that can often be the case when working with fl ame-based fi ttings. “That’s why it’s important that we do all we can to help educate and inform installers on the longer-term benefi ts of
18 October 2024 •
www.acr-news.com
using press fi ttings. Furthermore, this is not just about converting existing installers, there are also new entrants coming into the industry all the time. As the global manufacturer of high-quality fi ttings, valves and accessories, Conex Bänninger is at the forefront of the trade’s migration from traditional to press. “By supporting our innovative and extensive range of >B<
Press fi ttings, with best in class, online, in class and onsite training, we will continue to provide a fi rst-class back up service to ensure that installers of all types can realise the benefi ts of an investment in press,” concludes Smith.
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