by Lance Crawford, Thermal Press International, Inc. Heat sealing is the process of sealing one thermoplastic to another similar thermoplastic using heat and pressure. The direct contact method of heat sealing utilizes a constantly heated die or sealing bar to apply heat to a specific contact area or path to seal or weld the thermoplastics together. Heat sealing is used for … [Read more...] about Port Sealing: An Effective Heat Sealing Solution
Assembly
Adhesives for Assembly
by Edward A.Y. Fisher, engineering manager, Henkel Corp. Question: When choosing an assembly process for a manufactured part, why should adhesives be considered over other processes, such as welding? Adhesives offer several major benefits over other assembly methods. They distribute stress load evenly over a broad area, eliminating stress concentration that occurs when … [Read more...] about Adhesives for Assembly
Ultrasonic Welding: The Need for Speed Control
by Tom Kirkland, Tributek A couple of years ago, demonstrations were set up at a seminar on ultrasonic plastics welding to illustrate the effects of contamination and energy director damage on an ultrasonic weld and to demonstrate the capability of a particular piece of equipment to detect that something went wrong. The first demonstration, set up prior to the seminar, was … [Read more...] about Ultrasonic Welding: The Need for Speed Control
Selecting the Proper Assembly Process
By Jeffrey Frantz, Branson Deciding on the best assembly process for your application can be very confusing. There are several options available, from mechanical fasteners and adhesives to heat and friction methods, each with distinct advantages. Further complicating matters is everyone seems to have the "best" solution. To ultimately make the proper choice, each and every … [Read more...] about Selecting the Proper Assembly Process
Technology Offers Options for RF Welding of Green Materials
by Amy Bauer Demand in the marketplace for PVC-free products is growing, and a proprietary technology from Genesis Plastics Welding is allowing radio frequency welding of such eco-friendly, nonpolar materials without the use of additives or adhesives. ecoGenesis™ is a system that "bolts on" to existing RF welding machinery and, using standard settings and no additives to … [Read more...] about Technology Offers Options for RF Welding of Green Materials