By Brett Raisanen, president Forward Technology Hot plate welding and infrared welding are similar in many aspects, but there are critical differences that are important when deciding between the two for the welding of thermoplastics parts. Both methods of thermoplastic joining create robust, hermetically sealed products if the parts and equipment are properly designed … [Read more...] about Choosing Between Hot Plate and Infrared Welding of Thermoplastics
Welding
From Niche Applications to Mass Production: A Brief Review of Laser Welding
By Craig Birrittella and Bill Reed, business development managers, automotive, Branson Welding and Assembly at Emerson Since its initial development, laser welding for plastics has made an important contribution to the successful, high-quality assembly of a growing range of products – from medical diagnostic testing devices to computers, cellphones, electronics, appliances and … [Read more...] about From Niche Applications to Mass Production: A Brief Review of Laser Welding
FEA Modeling of Heat Development in Spin Welding
by Miranda Marcus, EWI Spin welding is a common joining process for plastic parts with circular joints such as insulated cups and bowls, filter housings and valves. In this process, heat is developed from surface friction as one part is revolved about the axis of the joint, resulting in a high linear speed. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the process can aid in determining … [Read more...] about FEA Modeling of Heat Development in Spin Welding
Care and Feeding of the Ultrasonic Welder
by Tom Kirkland, owner, tributek.us A few decades ago, ultrasonic welding was thought to be a “black art,” and somebody in the manufacturing organization was designated as “the priest” to minister to the whims of the process and equipment. When something went awry, sacrifices of time and money needed to be made to appease the angry spirits for a period of time before stable … [Read more...] about Care and Feeding of the Ultrasonic Welder
‘Clean’ Plastic Welding Technologies Open New Aesthetic Opportunities in Complex, 3D Assemblies
by Sean Leavy, regional product manager, Americas, Branson Assembly and Welding technologies at Emerson These are good times for product designers as new materials and technologies open up creative opportunities for multidimensional plastic parts – both large and small. This is particularly true in automotive lighting. Consider, for instance, the center taillamp designs on … [Read more...] about ‘Clean’ Plastic Welding Technologies Open New Aesthetic Opportunities in Complex, 3D Assemblies