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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.
Staking
Plastic staking is a method of joining components together using a molded stud or boss to mechanically retain a mating component. Heat is applied to the boss, softening it, and a forming tool is used to reshape the material into a cap or stake.
Technology Examples:
- nanoSTAKE
- InfraStake
- Ultrasonic Staking
- Hot-Air Staking
Hot-Plate Welding
Hot-plate welding is the process of welding two plastic parts together using a heated tooling plate. A weld rib or bead on each component is brought into contact with the hot plate. Heat conducts into the weld rib causing it to melt. The heated tool is then removed and the parts are pushed together until they bond to one another.
Technology Examples:
- Rapid Conductor
- Compact FUSION
Laser Plastic Welding
Laser welding uses a precise IR laser beam that is directed through a transmissive material and penetrated into an absorptive material. The two materials are held in tight contact with each other and the joint between them heats up and melts as energy from the laser is absorbed. The result is a clean weld with minimal flash.
Technology Examples:
- Extol configures laser welding machines around the application
Spin Welding
Spin welding is a method of joining plastic components together with surface friction concentrated in a circular weld joint. One part is spun relative to another and force is applied, causing the material to heat and melt. The spinning process stops and the parts continue to be pressed together while they bond together.
Technology Example:
- Vortex PRECEDENCE
Through-Transmission IR Welding
Innovative through-transmission infrared welding in a compact package. This technology uses focused IR light energy to replace adhesives. Useful in both linear and spot welding applications.
Technology Examples:
- InfraWeld
Ultrasonic Welding
Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency vibration to melt and weld plastic. A tool vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies and causes concentrated molecular vibration in the weld joint. The friction between the molecules heats and melts the plastic. Once the vibration is stopped, the tool maintains a holding pressure on the joint to create a bond.
Technology Examples:
- Dukane Ultrasonics
- Branson Ultrasonics
- Herrmann Ultrasonics
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.
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