by Rachel B. Nashett, Henkel Corporation Plastics have become an integral part of everyday life. It would be difficult to identify a manufacturing process which does not use plastics in one form or another. Even products which appear to be composed exclusively of metals are usually coated, sealed or adhesively joined using polymeric materials which improve the performance, … [Read more...] about Structural Bonding Alternatives for Plastics
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Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics
by Udo Skarke, Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Automation processes continuously are looking for faster cycle times, tighter tolerances of the process and increased reliability. Pre-loaded ultrasonic welding units are another step to push the limits even further. Depending on the methods of automation for mass production, flexible production of components or a combination of … [Read more...] about Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics
Advantages of Infrared Welding in Thermoplastics Manufacturing
by Dave Clothier, FRIMO, Inc. For several years, the process of infrared (IR) welding has been gaining importance in the thermoplastics industry as a competitive alternative to classic joining techniques used in high-quality thermoplastic manufacturing processes, such as vibration and hot plate welding. Method and benefits IR welding is a non-contact joining method that, … [Read more...] about Advantages of Infrared Welding in Thermoplastics Manufacturing
Advantages of a Servo-Driven Ultrasonic Welder
Ultrasonic welding is one of the most widely used processes for bonding polymers, valued for its speed, flexibility and low cost. Recently, there has been a call for more controlled and consistent ultrasonic welding processes, as part designs become more complex and requirements more stringent. There also is a need for strong, dimensionally consistent parts that show good … [Read more...] about Advantages of a Servo-Driven Ultrasonic Welder
Adhesive Bonding of Polyamide (Nylon)
by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, Inc. . Polyamide, commonly known as Nylon, is a semi-crystalline polymer. The two most common grades are Nylon 6 and Nylon 6/6. Nylons are used in thousands of automotive, aerospace, medical and industrial applications where high-temperature, solvent-proof, electrically-shielded parts are needed. While these characteristics are … [Read more...] about Adhesive Bonding of Polyamide (Nylon)