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
Welding
Weldability of Bioplastics
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
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