Equipment and process for welding profiled elements for window / door frames

Abstract

Equipment (1) for welding profiled elements for window / door frames comprising: - a retaining assembly (2) for retaining two profiled elements (P), each comprising a plastic base profiled element (B) with an area to be welded (A) and a metal cladding (C) provided with an end surface (E); - a removal assembly (7) for removing metal from the end surfaces (E) to define respective contact surfaces (S); - an heating assembly (9) for heating areas to be welded (A) until said plastic softens; - a displacement assembly (10) for moving the profiled elements (P) towards each other such that the heated areas (A) are joined together and the contact surfaces (S) contact each other; and - an application assembly (14) adapted to apply a passivating compound (G) to the contact surfaces (S). Preferably, the application assembly (14) comprises two dispensing devices (15) for spraying passivating compound (G), e.g. anti-corrosion substance.

Description

[0001] EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS FOR WELDING PROFILED ELEMENTS FOR WINDOW / DOOR FRAMES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a piece of equipment and a process for welding profiled elements for window / door frames.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] In the construction industry, equipment and process are known for manufacturing window / door frames from plastic material, in particular from PVC.

[0006] These window / door frames consist of a series of profiled elements made from plastic material, usually formed by extrusion or similar techniques, which are welded together in order to form a frame inside which a central panel made from glass or other material can be placed to create a door or a window, and / or to make a relevant fixed frame attachable to a wall.

[0007] The profiled elements extend along their respective longitudinal directions and are welded to each other using heating plates.

[0008] The heating plates cause the respective areas of the profiled elements to be welded to melt, and the profiled elements are then joined together to form a frame structure, inside which a central glass or panel can be placed.

[0009] The known manufacturing processes for welding PVC profiled elements require the areas to be welded to be suitably cut at 45° to allow perfect overlap of the internal matrix of the profiled element and, consequently, effective welding that is able to hold the profiled elements firmly together.

[0010] Compared to window and door frames made of materials such as wood and aluminum, those made of plastic, although simpler to manufacture and more efficient, are commonly considered inferior from an aesthetic point of view.

[0011] In fact, plastic is considered a low-quality material and less attractive than wood and metal. Furthermore, the surfaces of plastic profiled elements are more difficult to decorate with paint or the like.

[0012] In the plastic door and window industry, therefore, there is a particular need to improve the aesthetic appearance of the profiled elements in order to obtain original products with new shapes and innovative features aimed at enhancing the aesthetic perception of the product and making it more appealing to customers.

[0013] In order to meet these needs, the plastic profiled elements are generally covered with so-called “claddings” made of painted aluminum with customized decorative effects.

[0014] Specifically, the claddings are coating elements with a semi-shell section that are applied to the profiled elements by gluing, screwing or interlocking in order to cover their main faces and at least partly embrace their side surfaces.

[0015] According to known manufacturing methods, the profiled elements provided with claddings are cut according to predefined dimensions. Subsequently, at the areas to be welded, part of the metal material of the claddings is removed, e.g. by milling, so that, as a result of the melting and joining of the areas to be welded, the profiled elements can be pressed together as much as possible to bring the molten plastic material into close contact and ensure optimal welding.

[0016] Following joining, the milled surfaces of the claddings are placed side by side so as to hide the welding area.

[0017] However, as mentioned, the claddings are made of metal material that is painted prior to the assembly with the plastic profiled element. As a result, following the removal of metal material, the milled surfaces are stripped of their paint layer, leaving the metal visible. The milled surfaces are therefore subject to degradation due to atmospheric agents.

[0018] In the case of aluminum, degradation occurs through hydration, due to the humidity present in the air, which reacts with the metallic aluminum to generate aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum hydroxide appears as a white powder and, during the formation thereof, swells to form flower-like agglomerates, so much so that this phenomenon of degradation of metallic aluminum is also called “blooming”. Over time, aluminum blooming not only leads to progressive corrosion of the metal, but also causes the surrounding paint to gradually lift and detach, with obvious structural and aesthetic consequences.

[0019] Description of the Invention

[0020] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment and a process for welding profiled elements for window / door frames that allow preventing the degradation of the cladding.

[0021] Within this technical aim, one object of the present invention is to obtain window / door frames with an attractive appearance and free from structural defects.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to devise a piece of equipment and a process for welding profiled elements for window / door frames which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome with a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0023] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this piece of equipment for welding profiled elements for window / door frames having the characteristics of claim 1. The aforementioned objects are achieved by this process for welding profiled elements for window / door frames having the characteristics of claim 9.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a piece of equipment and a process for welding profiled elements for window / door frames, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a piece of equipment for welding profiled elements for window / door frames according to the invention;

[0027] Figures 2-7 are schematic representations of the phases of the process according to the invention.

[0028] Embodiments of the Invention

[0029] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a piece of equipment for welding profiled elements for window / door frames.

[0030] In the context of this disclosure, the term “profiled elements for window / door frames” refers to elongated bodies obtained by extrusion or similar techniques, at least partly made of a heat-weldable material and which can be joined together by welding to obtain a perimeter frame, such as a window / door frame.

[0031] The piece of equipment 1 comprises at least one retaining assembly 2 adapted to retain at least two profiled elements for window / door frames P extending along respective longitudinal directions. Each of the profiled elements for window / door frames P comprises at least one base profiled element B made of plastic material.

[0032] Preferably, the plastic material is PVC. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the base profiled element may be made of heat-sealable plastic material other than PVC and / or of a plastic material reinforced with a reinforcing material, e.g. in the form of fibers such as glass fibers or the like.

[0033] The base profiled element B has at least one main face F which is substantially parallel to the respective longitudinal direction.

[0034] In this context, the term “main face” relates to a substantially flat surface of the base profiled element, intended to lie substantially parallel to the lying surface of the window / door frame manufactured with the profiled elements themselves. Specifically, the base profiled element comprises a pair of main faces which, when the window / door frame is mounted on a wall, correspond to the surfaces arranged substantially parallel to the wall.

[0035] The base profiled element B is also provided with at least one area to be welded A substantially contiguous to the main face F.

[0036] The term “area to be welded” refers to a surface of the profiled element, transverse to the relevant longitudinal direction, obtained by cutting the profiled element transversely, through which the profiled element itself is joined by welding to another profiled element, according to a process that will be described in more detail later in this disclosure.

[0037] The area to be welded A is defined at one respective end of the base profiled element B and lies on a surface substantially perpendicular to the lying surface of the manufactured window / door frame.

[0038] The area to be welded A is inclined by an angle of between 10° and 80° with respect to the respective longitudinal direction.

[0039] In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the area to be welded A is inclined by 45° with respect to the respective longitudinal direction.

[0040] The retaining assembly 2 is adapted to retain the profiled elements for window / door frames P with the areas to be welded A facing each other. In detail, the retaining assembly 2 is configured to retain the profiled elements for window / door frames P with the areas to be welded A arranged substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a substantially vertical plane of reference.

[0041] Each of the profiled elements for window / door frames P also comprises at least one cladding C made of a metal material and arranged to cover a main face F. Preferably, the cladding C is made of aluminum, which is light and easy to work with.

[0042] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the cladding C is associated with only one of the main faces F, although it cannot be ruled out that each profiled element for window / door frame P may comprise two claddings C, each associated with one of the main faces F.

[0043] The cladding C comprises a pair of end surfaces E. The end surface E is a surface of the cladding C also obtained by cross-cutting the cladding itself. Specifically, the cladding C and the base profiled element B are cut to the desired length when already assembled together.

[0044] The cladding C and the base profiled element B therefore have substantially the same length. Furthermore, as a result, the end surface E and the respective area to be welded A lie substantially on the same plane. Therefore, once the profiled elements for window / door frames have been placed on the retaining assembly 2, the end surfaces E of the claddings C are also arranged facing each other and arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane of reference.

[0045] Furthermore, the profiled elements for window / door frames P are arranged on the retaining assembly 2 with the claddings C facing upwards.

[0046] For each of the profiled elements for window / door frames P, the retaining assembly 2 comprises at least one substantially horizontal holding surface 3 adapted to receive and hold the relevant profiled element for window / door frames P and clamping means 4 adapted to maintain the profiled element for window / door frames P fastened to the relevant holding surface 3. The clamping means 4 comprise at least one clamp operated vertically by a piston cylinder and are adapted to press the profiled element for window / door frames onto the holding surface 3.

[0047] The retaining assembly 2 also comprises at least one substantially vertical abutment surface 5 and retaining means 6 adapted to maintain the profiled element for window / door frames P in contact with the relevant abutment surface 5.

[0048] The retaining means 6 comprise at least one movable hook for intercepting the profiled element for window / door frames P and pulling it towards the abutment surface 5. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the retaining assembly 2 may be of a different type.

[0049] The piece of equipment 1 also comprises at least one removal assembly 7 comprising a pair of milling tools 8 adapted to be arranged facing respective end surfaces E.

[0050] The milling tools 8 are movable in rotation around a relevant axis of rotation R and are adapted to remove part of the metal material from the end surfaces E to define respective contact surfaces S.

[0051] The contact surface S lies on a surface substantially parallel to that of the original end surface E and of the respective area to be welded A. Consequently, following removal, the contact surfaces S are also arranged facing each other and substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane of reference.

[0052] Specifically, the removal of the metal material serves to partly reduce the length of the cladding C so that the base profiled element B protrudes from the cladding itself (Figures 3 and 4). In this way, first of all, only the plastic material of the base profiled element B is heated and, subsequently, the profiled element for window / door frames P can be easily brought to the moving close position to bring the molten plastic material into close contact, ensuring optimal welding.

[0053] Furthermore, the removal is carried out in such a way that, at the end of the welding process, the contact surfaces S are perfectly juxtaposed with each other and allow completely hiding the welding area (Figure 7).

[0054] The removal assembly 7 can also serve to remove a thin layer of plastic material from the areas to be welded A in order to smooth and level the surface of the same. In other words, the removal assembly 7, in addition to removing the metal material, allows any cutting errors to be corrected. Without this leveling, the areas to be welded A could be too uneven and therefore not perfectly weldable.

[0055] The equipment 1 also comprises at least one heating assembly 9 adapted to heat the areas to be welded A until the plastic material softens, and at least one displacement assembly 10 adapted to move the retaining assembly 2 so as to mutually displace the profiled elements for window / door frames P between at least one moving away position and one moving close position, wherein the heated areas to be welded A are joined together and the contact surfaces S are in mutual contact with each other.

[0056] Preferably, the retaining assembly 2, the removal assembly 7, the heating assembly 9 and the displacement assembly 10 are mounted on board a single machine.

[0057] Consequently, the removal of metal material from the claddings and any leveling of the areas to be welded A are performed by the removal assembly 7 when the profiled elements for window / door frames P are already mounted on the retaining assembly 2; the profiled elements for window / door frames P are then coupled and joined together without ever being removed from the retaining assembly 2.

[0058] In other words, the profiled elements for window / door frames P are set up on the retaining assembly 2 only once, and the equipment 1 is able to perform all the steps required by the process without the profiled elements for window / door frames P having to be set up and / or machined on other machines. This not only guarantees considerable speed of execution but also avoids welding errors due to incorrect assembly of the profiled elements for window / door frames P on the retaining assembly 2.

[0059] In fact, if the removal were carried out on a different machine and the profiled elements for window / door frames P were mounted on the retaining assembly 2 at a later stage to be welded, there would be a risk of positioning the areas to be welded A not perfectly facing and parallel, thus jeopardizing the welding of the profiled elements themselves.

[0060] Alternative embodiments of the present invention cannot however be ruled out, wherein the removal assembly 7 may be mounted on a machine separate from the heating assembly 9 and the removal of metal material from the end surfaces E and / or the leveling of the areas to be welded A are performed before positioning the profiled elements for window / door frames on the retaining assembly 2.

[0061] As described above, the milling tools 8 are movable in rotation around a relevant axis of rotation R.

[0062] The axis of rotation R is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the plane of reference.

[0063] In other words, the axis of rotation R is substantially inclined by 45° with respect to the longitudinal directions of the profiled elements for window / door frames P and substantially perpendicular to the areas to be welded A and to the end surfaces E.

[0064] In particular, the milling tools 8 are positioned so that they can simultaneously remove the metal material from both claddings C.

[0065] The removal assembly 7 comprises at least one work unit 11 supporting both milling tools 8 in rotation.

[0066] More specifically, the work unit 11 comprises an electric motor and a motor shaft associated with the motor itself, at the ends of which the milling tools 8 are arranged. The electric motor is adapted to set the milling tools 8 in rotation around the axis of rotation R.

[0067] The milling tools 8 are arranged on opposite sides of the work unit 11 with respect to the plane of reference.

[0068] Usefully, the removal assembly 7 may also comprise at least one suction device configured to suck up and remove metal and / or plastic chips during removal.

[0069] During removal, the removal assembly 7 is placed between the profiled elements for window / door frames P and can be moved relative thereto. In detail, during removal, the profiled elements for window / door frames P are held stationary and the removal assembly 7 is moved according to the shape of the end surfaces E and / or of the areas to be welded A.

[0070] The removal assembly 7 can be moved in ways that will be described in greater detail later in this disclosure.

[0071] The displacement assembly 10 is adapted to move the retaining assembly 2 and, consequently, the profiled elements for window / door frames P to bring them where the further components of the equipment 1 are located and to join them together for welding.

[0072] The displacement assembly 10 allows precise and accurate movement of both profiled elements for window / door frames P along their respective directions of displacement D. The directions of displacement D are substantially horizontal and perpendicular to each other.

[0073] More specifically, the displacement assembly 10 is adapted to move the profiled elements for window / door frames P symmetrically with respect to the plane of reference.

[0074] The displacement assembly 10 is configured to arrange the profiled elements for window / door frames P at a working position, wherein the removal assembly 7 is adapted to remove the metal material simultaneously from both claddings C.

[0075] The displacement assembly 10 comprises guidance means 12 that extend along the relevant directions of displacement D and support the retaining assembly 2 by sliding.

[0076] The displacement assembly 10 also comprises actuator means adapted to move the retaining assembly 2 along the relevant directions of displacement D. The actuator means are of the type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0077] The heating assembly 9 comprises a heating plate 13 adapted to heat the areas to be welded A until the plastic material is at least partly melted.

[0078] The heating plate 13 is of the flat electric resistance plate type.

[0079] The heating plate 13 is intended to come into contact with the areas to be welded A in order to heat them.

[0080] The heating plate 13 is movable with respect to the profiled elements for window / door frames P in a maimer known to those skilled in the art.

[0081] More specifically, the heating plate 13 can be positioned on the plane of reference to be placed between the areas to be welded A, these being at a mutually distant position.

[0082] The profiled elements for window / door frames P are then moved by the displacement assembly 10 to bring the areas to be welded A into contact with the heating plate 13.

[0083] At the end of heating, the heating plate 13 is moved away and the profiled elements for window / door frames P are brought to a mutual close position, wherein the heated areas to be welded A are joined together and wherein the contact surfaces S are placed side by side.

[0084] According to the invention, the equipment 1 comprises at least one application assembly 14 adapted to apply at least one passivating compound G to the contact surfaces S.

[0085] The application assembly 14 therefore allows the metallic aluminum of the contact surfaces S to be coated in order to prevent degradation and corrosion, such as the blooming of aluminum hydroxide caused by atmospheric humidity. Advantageously, the passivating compound G is selected from the list comprising: anti-corrosive substance, coating glaze, occlusive substance.

[0086] According to a first embodiment, the passivating compound G comprises an anti-corrosive substance. In this case, the passivating compound G exerts a direct action in counteracting metal corrosion.

[0087] According to a second embodiment, the passivating compound G comprises a coating glaze. In this case, the contact surface S is coated with the same or a different paint used to coat the other surfaces of the cladding C.

[0088] Specifically, the passivating compound G generates a coating on the contact surface S.

[0089] For example, the coating paint may be an anti -rust paint, an epoxy paint, a polyurethane paint, or the like.

[0090] According to a third embodiment, the passivating compound G comprises an occlusive substance. In this case, the passivating compound G generates a coating film that prevents moisture or other agents from acting on the contact surface S. For example, the occlusive substance may be a water-repellent substance such as paraffin, oils, or waxes.

[0091] According to a fourth embodiment, the passivating compound G comprises a sealing substance, such as e.g. epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, acrylic resins, silicones, or liquid rubber coatings. Advantageously, the application assembly 14 and the removal assembly 7 are mounted on board the same machine. In other words, the application assembly

[0092] 14 is mounted on the same machine on which the removal assembly 7 and the heating assembly 9 are also mounted. In this way, the passivating compound G is applied when the profiled elements for window / door frames P are already mounted and positioned on the retaining assembly 2, ready to be welded together.

[0093] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the application assembly 14 may be mounted on a machine separate from the removal assembly 7 and / or from the heating assembly 9.

[0094] Usefully, the application assembly 14 comprises at least one dispensing device

[0095] 15 adapted to dispense the passivating compound G on at least one of the contact surfaces S.

[0096] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the application assembly 14 comprises a pair of dispensing devices 15, each adapted to be arranged facing the respective contact surface S.

[0097] In particular, the dispensing devices 15 are positioned so that they can simultaneously apply the passivating compound G to both claddings C.

[0098] In detail, the dispensing devices 15 develop perpendicularly to the plane of reference.

[0099] The dispensing devices 15 are associated with a single carrier 16 with which the application assembly 14 is provided and are arranged on opposite sides thereof. In detail, the dispensing devices 15 are arranged on opposite sides of the carrier

[0100] 16 with respect to the plane of reference.

[0101] The application assembly 14 also comprises at least one tank, not shown in detail in the figures, connected to the dispensing devices 15 in a fluid-operated maimer and adapted to supply the latter with the passivating compound G.

[0102] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the dispensing devices 15 are, e.g., of the nozzle type and are configured to deposit / spray the passivating compound G onto the contact surfaces S. In this case, therefore, the application takes place without direct contact between the dispensing devices 15 and the contact surfaces S. In accordance with an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the dispensing devices 15 are, e.g., of the brush type and are configured to spread the passivating compound G onto the contact surfaces S. In this case, therefore, the application takes place by direct contact between the dispensing devices 15 and the contact surfaces S.

[0103] In accordance with an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the application assembly 14 comprises a single dispensing device 15 rotatable around at least one axis of rotation and is adapted to dispense the passivating compound on both contact surfaces S.

[0104] The application assembly 14 may also comprise at least one covering device, not shown in detail in the figures, which can be positioned to cover the area to be welded A during the application of the passivating compound G. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the passivating compound G is applied only to the contact surfaces S and not, erroneously, also to the areas to be welded A. In fact, any residues of passivating compound G deposited on the areas to be welded A could compromise the subsequent welding operations.

[0105] During application, the application assembly 14 is positioned between the profiled elements for window / door frames P and can be moved relative thereto. Specifically, during application, the profiled elements for window / door frames P are held stationary and the application assembly 14 is moved according to the shape of the contact surfaces S.

[0106] For this purpose, the equipment 1 comprises a positioning system 17 associated with the application assembly 14 and adapted to arrange the dispensing devices 15 where the contact surfaces S are located and to move them along the plane of reference.

[0107] The positioning system 17 comprises at least one supporting structure 18 on which the application assembly 14 is mounted.

[0108] The positioning system 17 also comprises: at least one guidance assembly 19 extending along a first operational direction W 1 and supporting the application assembly 14 by sliding; and at least one guidance unit 20 associated with the supporting structure 18, extending along a second operational direction W2 and supporting the guidance assembly 19 by sliding;

[0109] - axis-controlled actuator means adapted to move at least the application assembly 14 along the first operational direction W1 and along the second operational direction W2.

[0110] Specifically, the guidance assembly 19 supports the carrier 16 by sliding.

[0111] The first operational direction W 1 and the second operational direction W2 are substantially perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the first operational direction W 1 and the second operational direction W2 are parallel to the plane of reference.

[0112] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first operational direction W1 is substantially vertical and the second operational direction W2 is substantially horizontal.

[0113] The actuator means comprise first actuator means adapted to move the carrier 16 along the first operational direction W1 and second actuator means adapted to move the guidance assembly 19 along the second operational direction W2. Each of the actuator means comprises a motor device and an involute screw shaft extending along the respective operational direction Wl, W2.

[0114] The involute screw shaft meshes a threaded wheel associated with the respective one of either the carrier 16 or the guidance assembly 19. The rotation of the involute screw shaft causes the dispensing devices 15 to move along their respective operational directions Wl, W2.

[0115] The positioning system 17 and, in particular, the controlled-axis actuator means allow precise positioning of the dispensing devices 15 with respect to the contact surfaces S and, consequently, precise application of the passivating compound G onto the contact surfaces S.

[0116] As described above, the work unit 11 is also movable on the plane of reference to position itself with respect to the profiled elements for window / door frames P.

[0117] The work unit 11 is also movable along the first operational direction W 1 and the second operational direction W2.

[0118] Specifically, the removal assembly 7 is also associated with the positioning system 17. In this way, once the profiled elements for window / door frames P have been positioned on the retaining assembly 2, the positioning system 17 first moves the removal assembly 7 to remove the metal material from the end surfaces E and then moves the application assembly 14 to apply the passivating compound G onto the contact surfaces S.

[0119] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the carrier 16 and the work unit 11 are associated with each other, side by side, and associated with the guidance assembly 19, with the work unit 11 placed between the carrier 16 and the guidance assembly 19.

[0120] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the application assembly 14 and the removal assembly 7 may be arranged differently on the positioning system 17. It cannot also be ruled out that the removal assembly 7 may be associated with a separate movement system.

[0121] The operation of this equipment 1 in performing the process according to the invention is as follows.

[0122] The process first comprises a phase of supplying at least two profiled elements for window / door frames P.

[0123] The process then comprises at least the following phases:

[0124] - retaining the profiled elements for window / door frames P with the areas to be welded A and the end surfaces E facing each other, respectively;

[0125] - removing part of the metal material from the end surfaces E to define respective contact surfaces S (Figures 3 and 4);

[0126] - heating the areas to be welded A until softening the plastic material (Figure 6);

[0127] - mutual displacement of the profiled elements for window / door frames P to a moving close position, wherein the heated area to be welded A are joined together and the contact surfaces S are in mutual contact (Figure 7).

[0128] Usefully, the phases of retaining, removing, heating and displacement are performed on board the same machine.

[0129] According to the invention, prior to the heating phase, the process comprises at least one phase of applying a passivating compound G to the contact surfaces S (Figure 5). Advantageously, the phase of application and the phase of removal are performed on board the same machine.

[0130] The phase of application comprises a step of dispensing the passivating compound G. The step of dispensing can be performed without direct contact, e.g. by spraying.

[0131] Alternatively, the step of dispensing is performed by direct contact, e.g. by spreading.

[0132] Usefully, the phase of application may also comprise a step of shielding the areas to be welded A. The step of shielding is carried out prior to the step of dispensing.

[0133] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, the fact should be emphasized that the equipment and process according to the invention for welding profiled elements for window / door frames make it possible to avoid degradation of the cladding.

[0134] Furthermore, the equipment and process according to the invention make it possible to obtain window / door frames provided with a valuable aesthetic effect and free from structural defects.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Equipment (1) for welding profiled elements for window / door frames, comprising: at least one retaining assembly (2) adapted to retain at least two profiled elements for window / door frames (P) extending along respective longitudinal directions, each comprising a base profiled element (B) made of a plastic material, provided with at least one main face (F) substantially parallel to said respective longitudinal direction and with at least one area to be welded (A) substantially contiguous to said main face (F) and inclined by an angle of between 10° and 80° with respect to said respective longitudinal direction, wherein each profiled element for window / door frame (P) comprises at least one cladding (C) made of a metal material, arranged to cover said main face (F) and provided with a pair of end surfaces (E), said retaining assembly (2) being adapted to retain said profiled elements for window / door frame (P) with said areas to be welded (A) and said end surfaces (E) facing each other respectively; at least one removal assembly (7) comprising a pair of milling tools (8) adapted to be arranged facing respective end surfaces (E), movable in rotation around a relevant axis of rotation (R) and adapted to remove part of said metal material from said end surfaces (E) to define respective contact surfaces (S); at least one heating assembly (9) adapted to heat said areas to be welded (A) until said plastic material softens; at least one displacement assembly (10) adapted to move said retaining assembly (2) so as to mutually displace said profiled elements for window / door frames (P) between at least one moving away position and one moving close position, wherein said heated areas to be welded (A) are joined together and said contact surfaces (S) are in contact with each other; characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one application assembly (14) adapted to apply at least one passivating compound (G) to said contact surfaces (S).2) Equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said removal assembly (7) and said application assembly (14) are mounted on board the same machine.3) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said application assembly (14) comprises at least one dispensing device (15) adapted to dispense said passivating compound (G) on at least one of said contact surfaces (S).4) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said dispensing device (15) is rotatable around at least one axis of rotation and is adapted to dispense said passivating compound (G) on both said contact surfaces (S).5) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said application assembly (14) comprises a pair of dispensing devices (15), each adapted to be arranged facing the respective contact surface (S).6) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said dispensing devices (15) are associated with a single carrier (16) with which said application assembly (14) is provided and are arranged on opposite sides thereof7) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said retaining assembly (2) is configured to retain said profiled elements for window / door frames (P) with said contact surfaces (S) arranged substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a substantially vertical plane of reference and by the fact that said equipment (1) comprises a positioning system (17) associated with said application assembly (14) and adapted to arrange said dispensing devices (15) where said contact surfaces (S) are located and to move them along said plane of reference.8) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said positioning system (17) comprises: at least a first guidance unit (20) extending along a first operational direction (Wl) and supporting by sliding at least said application assemblyat least a second guidance unit (20) extending along a second operational direction (W2) substantially perpendicular to said first operational direction (Wl) and supporting said first guidance unit (20) by sliding; axis-controlled actuator means adapted to move at least said application assembly (14) along said first operational direction (Wl) and along said second operational direction (W2).9) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said application assembly (14) comprises a covering device positionable to cover said areas to be welded (A) during the application of said passivating compound (G).10) Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said removal assembly (7) is associated with said positioning system (17).11) Process for welding profiled elements made of a plastic material, comprising at least the following phases: supplying at least two profiled elements for window / door frames (P) extending along respective longitudinal directions, each comprising a base profiled element (B) made of a plastic material, provided with at least one main face (F) substantially parallel to said respective longitudinal direction and with at least one area to be welded (A) substantially contiguous to said main face (F) and inclined by an angle of between 10° and 80° with respect to said respective longitudinal direction, wherein each profiled element for window / door frames (P) comprises at least one cladding (C) made of a metal material, arranged to cover said main face (F) and provided with a pair of end surfaces (E); retaining said profiled elements for window / door frames (P) with said areas to be welded (A) and said end surfaces (E) facing each other respectively; removing part of said metal material from said end surfaces (E) to define respective contact surfaces (S); heating said areas to be welded (A) until softening said plastic material;mutual displacement of said profiled elements for window / door frames (P) to a moving close position, wherein said heated areas to be welded (A) are joined together and said contact surfaces (S) are in mutual contact; characterized by the fact that, prior to said heating phase, it comprises at least one phase of applying a passivating compound (G) to said contact surfaces (S).12) Process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that said passivating compound (G) is selected from the list comprising: anti-corrosive substance, coating glaze, occlusive substance, sealing substance.13) Process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that said passivating compound (G) generates a coating on said contact surface (S).14) Process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that said phase of application comprises a step of dispensing said passivating compound (G) and by the fact that said phase of application comprises a step of shielding said areas to be welded (A), said shielding step being carried out prior to said dispensing step.

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