How to reduce weight, space, and cost of a headliner assembly
Before InfraWeld, hot-melt adhesive was commonly used to secure components including head-impact-countermeasures (HIC) and wire retention clips to a headliner; but there were drawbacks. To start, a hot-melt adhesive system can be messy and can present a burn hazard to operators. The thickness of the glue requires automakers to increase headliner assembly stack height, reducing valuable headroom space. Additionally, the glue is costly and heavy. By using InfraWeld, you can reduce weight, stack-height, and headliner assembly cost.
InfraWeld is similar to laser welding but has some key differences. Both processes use IR energy, and both transmit the energy through one component into another. However, InfraWeld emits a spectrum of IR wavelengths in a focused area, while laser emits a single wavelength that is collimated and intensely focused on a small point. These complementary technologies are both effective solutions for different plastic joining applications.
We’ve tested several materials with InfraWeld and found the process to be compatible with PP, ABS, GMT (such as Azdel®), PU, and more. For the InfraWeld process to be successful, the materials need to be compatible with each other. One component needs to be transmissive of IR energy and the other needs to be absorptive. Most commonly, the HIC or clip components are semi-transparent, and the headliner scrim is opaque black or gray. Of course, if you’re curious about two specific materials, we can always test them in our lab to find out how well they’ll work with the process.
So maybe it’s time to consider InfraWeld for your next headliner application. If you have questions about material compatibility or are curious what an InfraWeld system would cost, please contact us. Our engineers would be happy to help.
Learn more about InfraWeld.

Jason Dornbos
Marketing Communications Manager
Jason is a mechanical engineer with valuable experience in hands-on plastics joining experimentation. He's a passionate problem-solver and communicator. He also challenges anyone to a game of foosball.
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