Plastic Welding
What is plastic welding?
Plastic welding is the process of heating two pieces of plastic and pressing them together until they fuse. There are several different types of plastic welding. Each technology differs in how they apply heat and pressure to the parts, but the basic steps are the same — add heat, apply pressure, and cool. Plastic welds are strong molecular bonds. Depending on which welding technology is used, the weld is hermetically sealed.
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
IR Welding
IR welding is the non-contact welding process that joins two plastic parts together with IR energy. IR emitters heat a weld rib or bead on each component. The IR source is removed and the parts are pushed together until they are welded.
Technology Examples:
- InfraGuide
- Quartz IR
- Metal Foil IR
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
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
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
Hybrid Vibration Welding
Two components are vibrated in shear against each other, generating heat from friction. Vibration stops and pressure is maintained while the components bond to one another. Hybrid vibration welding adds an IR preheat at the beginning of the cycle to soften the rib and reduce the amount of particulate flash generated from the vibration cycle.
Technology Examples:
- CEMAS Vibration Welders
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
Blog posts about plastic welding and plastic staking
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.
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?
Introducing LaserLock™ Plastic Weld Tooling
Have you seen laser plastic welding applications that are tricky to tool? How do you make sure the parts align properly every time? We have a solution for you! Introducing LaserLock™ plastic weld tooling.
Ensure consistent, strong welds with Extol’s patent-pending LaserLock™ plastic weld tooling. LaserLock tooling repeatably locates and holds your plastic parts inside the laser welding machine, which is crucial for success. This solution makes process setup easy and allows for more flexibility in your part design.
Hot plate welding brackets, ports, and other small components
Trying to hot plate weld small brackets, or ports onto a large complex part can be tough and expensive in a standard machine. These types of applications often need a modular, configurable solution to fit around the parts. Often, the main piece has several small components, each needing a welding operation. For example, many automotive underhood ducts are long and meandering and have a couple of ports and brackets.
Laser Plastic Welding Myths Debunked
There are several myths about laser plastic welding machines and their technology. Let us clear things up a bit. These are some of the top laser plastic welding myths DEBUNKED…
Advantages of Servo-Driven Hot Plate Welders
Servo-controlled hot plate welders completely revolutionize the hot-plate welding process. Take it from Extol, we started the servo movement with the Rapid Conductor hot plate welder. Our welders use servo-motors to control the platens and weld strong, repeatable parts.
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