by Julius Vogel and David Grewell, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University With the growing demand for environmentally friendly biorenewable resources, there has been a parallel growth in the development of bioplastics. These include commercially available starch- derived plastics and plastics derived from renewable oil and proteins. As with any plastic, … [Read more...] about Weldability of Bioplastics
Welding
Exploring the Ultrasonic Welding Stack
by Ken Holt, Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. The purpose of this article is to explain the ultrasonic welding stack: what the components are, what they do, and the specifications and technology used in terms that an engineer just getting acquainted with the process can understand easily. Some familiarity of the ultrasonic welding process is assumed, as this article is not intended … [Read more...] about Exploring the Ultrasonic Welding Stack
Recent Advances in the Laser Welding of Plastics
by Bill Cawley, GENTEX Corporation Figure 1 Through Transmission Laser Welding of Plastics Figure 2 Globo Laser Head (Courtesy Leister Technologies) Figure 3 Radial Welding Fixture (Courtesy Leister Technologies) Figure 4 Masking System (Courtesy Leister Technologies) Figure … [Read more...] about Recent Advances in the Laser Welding of Plastics
Questions about Ultrasonic Welding
by Ken Holt, Hermann Ultrasonics, Inc. What effects and influences will a glass reinforcement in a plastic have upon the ultrasonic welding process? This is an excellent question as these types of additives are common in semi-crystalline parts. Unfortunately, the question has two considerations that need to be contrasted and compared. Both positive and negative influences can … [Read more...] about Questions about Ultrasonic Welding
All Vibration Welding Applications Are Not Created Equal
by Bill Heatherwick, Automotive Market Manager, Branson Ultrasonics Corporation I often hear the following questions about vibration welding: "What is the best application for vibration welding?" and "What material is best suited for the vibration welding process?" Taken at face value, these questions appear to be simple to answer; however, they are not. In order to begin to … [Read more...] about All Vibration Welding Applications Are Not Created Equal