Learning Center
Explore our Learning Center to learn more about welding and assembly processes. Read blog posts filled with helpful tips and information about automation and plastics joining technologies. Or start with the Plastic Welding Processes section to get the basics.
Plastic Welding Processes
Plastic welding is the process of heating up two plastic parts and bonding them together by applying pressure. There are several different welding technologies that differ in their application of heat and pressure, but the basic steps are heat, apply pressure (force), and cool. The weld created between the parts is a strong molecular bond and depending on the welding technology, is hermetically sealed. Learn more about specific joining processes below.
The basics of hot plate welding plastic parts
Hot plate welding is a thermoplastic joining process that uses heat and pressure to form strong, reliable welds in parts. It’s an efficient and cost-effective method for manufacturing components from plastic materials such as PP, ABS, PC, TPE, and more. Hot plate welding offers numerous advantages over other plastic joining methods, such as stronger, particulate-free welds. This guide will cover the basics of hot plate welding, including its steps, benefits, and typical applications. We will also discuss tips for designing your parts for hot plate welding success and the equipment used in this process.
Top 6 Reasons Machine Builders are Switching to 3D Printing
3D printing technology and materials have advanced rapidly, offering new possibilities and advantages for machine builders. Machine builders are replacing traditional CNC machining and urethane casting processes to use 3D printing for applications such as fixtures, EOAT, tricky custom details, and first shots of customer parts for debugging. Let’s explore some of the benefits of 3D printing for machine builders, focusing on design freedom, reducing lead time and cost, reducing detail count, replacing messy urethane casting, keeping debug timelines moving, and reducing weight.
Which Unlocks More 3D Printing Applications? – DfAM or Business Model Innovation
Despite the promise of Additive Manufacturing (AM), many organizations have failed to capitalize on its potential. This is partly because AM presents a unique set of challenges, which can be difficult to overcome without extensive experience and expertise. As a result, many organizations have pursued applications that are not well-suited for AM, leading to late and expensive failures. In order to maximize the benefits of AM, organizations need to invest in and deliver successful applications. With the right approach, AM has the potential to change the world.
What is the difference between plastic welding and plastic staking?
If you’re an engineer, you may wonder what the difference is between plastic welding and plastic staking. Both of these methods join plastic together, but they use different techniques. Here, we’ll look at the differences between these methods so you can decide which is right for your project.
Extol Obtains FDA Registration to Offer Turnkey Manufacturing for 3D Printed Medical Devices
Michigan-based digital manufacturer, Extol, Inc., announces FDA registration for contract manufacturing of 3D printed medical devices. The FDA registration will allow Extol to expand its offerings for the life-sciences industry. It will immediately impact Extol’s capability to provide complete solutions for additive manufacturing of medical devices for the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) market.
Alternatives to Ultrasonic Welding
If you’re familiar with plastic welding, you’ve probably encountered ultrasonic welding. It’s the most well-known plastic welding technology. But just because it’s popular, doesn’t mean it is the best choice for every application. It has many benefits, but also some drawbacks. What do you do if ultrasonic welding isn’t your best option? And how do you know?
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