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.
Laser Welding Reflections
Humans have been fascinated by reflections for millennia. Narcissus was bewitched by his reflection in a pool of water and mirrors have magic powers in fairy tales. Speaking of mirrors, they are simply smooth surfaces with shiny, dark backgrounds.
Get powder-based 3D printed PP parts from Extol
Powder-based 3D printed polypropylene (PP) parts are now available at Extol. The addition of PP expands Extol’s 3D printed powder-based materials, which already include PA12 and TPU.
3D-printed TPU comes to Extol
Extol now has the capability of 3D printing components out of TPU material using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion process. The ability to print strong, homogeneous structures in TPU is a game-changer over other printing technologies. Extol’s Digital.
Laser plastic welding is the clean, precise process your application needs
Laser plastic welding is a proven, powerful, and effective way to join plastics. It’s been used in industry for over 20 years and its ability to weld a wide variety of part sizes, with precision weld joints, minimal flash, and no particulate is.
Extol partners with HP to launch Digital Development Center™ for 3D printing
Extol has launched a new Digital Development Center™ (DDC) to provide parts and engineering support to help customers develop high-value applications for additive manufacturing using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology.
How to determine the strength of a plastic staking joint
Design engineers often ask us, “How strong will my staked joint be?” Usually, they’re designing a plastic assembly that needs to be staked, and they need to know how to design the part.
Read more blog posts.
Check out all of our blog posts about staking, laser welding, 3D printing, and more.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your project and how we can help. Get your plastic assembly equipment and services done your way.