by Eric Gregorich, Plastic Assembly Systems Approximately 15 years ago, a more complex and versatile process evolved in secondary molding technologies. Many of the existing processes (ultrasonics, RF welding, hot air cold upset, impulse, infrared, hot plate welding, and vibration welding) were limited, and manufacturers in secondary assembly needed a process that would … [Read more...] about Heatstaking in a Nutshell
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The Process of Vibration Welding
by Jordan Rotheiser, Rotheiser Design Inc. In my day, Boy Scout manuals described a method for creating a fire by rubbing two pieces of dry wood together. However, this particular Boy Scout was never successful at creating anything more than a sore arm with this technique. I now realize that the problem was that I never achieved speeds of 120 cycles per second in rubbing the … [Read more...] about The Process of Vibration Welding
Molded Part Considerations: Troubleshooting the Ultrasonic Welding Process
by Kenneth A. Holt, Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Although injection molding and ultrasonic welding are both well known and documented processes, the interplay of the two oftentimes is not understood. Hopefully, by discussing problems and solutions in this interplay, this article may aid those who produce assemblies that are ultrasonically welded. Ultrasonic welding is a … [Read more...] about Molded Part Considerations: Troubleshooting the Ultrasonic Welding Process
Straight Talk About Laser Welding of Thermoplastics
by Tom Kirkland, Dukane Intelligent Assembly Solutions, St. Charles, Illinois, USA Laser welding of thermoplastics has been a hot topic for the past ten years, and many applications are now in production around the world. While there is a lot of interest in laser welding, many manufacturers are not sure whether they have laser welding applications or how to sort through the … [Read more...] about Straight Talk About Laser Welding of Thermoplastics
Zeroing in on a Moving Target: The Effects of Post-processing Shrinkage and the Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion on Joining Plastics
by Jordan Rotheiser One event that is guaranteed to ruin the day of any plastics engineer is a phone call from the field telling of a product failure. Initially there is the hope that the damage is the result of a previous encounter with a forklift truck or some other extraordinary occurrence. As more calls come in, it becomes apparent that, unfortunately, that is not the … [Read more...] about Zeroing in on a Moving Target: The Effects of Post-processing Shrinkage and the Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion on Joining Plastics