Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional press for welding plastic tubes and joints particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and polyvinyldifluoride tubes and joints, comprising a first fixed base and a second base, movable with respect to said first base along sliding guides, a first vise group, mounted on said first base and a second vise group mounted on said second base, a thermo-element, provided on a guide parallel with respect to said first and second base and coupled with said guide in such a way to be provided in a working position between said vise groups, and in a rest position, completely out of the operation field of said vise groups, and in a lowered position with respect to the operation field of said vise groups.

Abstract: Equipment for welding pipe elements of a melt-weldable plastic material comprises a heatable metal plate and first and second heat-conductive elements attached respectively to first and second opposed faces of the plate. The first element has a concave melting surface of elliptical cross-section which is complementary in shape to that of the circumference of a manifold pipe to be heat-welded. The melting surface is raised and has a reduced wall thickness along its minor axis and is depressed and has an increased thickness along its major axis. A pipe fitting for use with the welding tool has a welding end which is substantially identical in configuration to that of the melting surface of the first element. The second element is complementary in shape to the end of the pipe fitting for melting the welding end of the pipe fitting.