“What technology should I use to join my application?” is one of the most common questions we get from customers looking to ensure the best performance and durability for their project. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Several factors go into whether or not an application is compatible with different plastic welding technologies, and understanding them is key to making an informed decision.
One of the more difficult questions I get asked by our customers is how to optimize assemblies for strength. This is an incredibly complex question but an important one when it comes to product development. Simulations like Finite Element Analysis are always a helpful tool, but FEA only provides some of the information, not all of it. Here are some questions to begin with during the development process
What if I told you that you can reduce weight and space of a headliner assembly while attaching B-side headliner components? It must be expensive, right? Wrong. In one application, cost was reduced by $3.27 while saving 1.46 lbs and 1 mm of stack height per vehicle. Most automakers look for ways to save a few ounces per vehicle, let alone almost a pound and a half! These savings were achieved using a process called InfraWeld®, which uses zero consumables and can change the way you manufacture headliner assemblies.
