Manufacturing In A Safer Environment

Fast and Easy Plastic Bonding

9 June 2021 by Enrique Griffin

Plastics are materials either synthetically or semi-synthetically made from polymers. They are pressed, molded, or extruded into various shapes due to their plasticity. This means plastics can be fabricated into different shapes and products. 

Plastic is primarily a derivative in crude oil processing and is formed through the polymerization or polycondensation process. Plastic is also obtained from coal, natural gas, or other sources such as cotton and corn.

The plastic fabrication process is used to design, produce, or assemble plastic materials into an intended product. The fabrication methods vary as the types and compositions of plastics are also different. 

Plastics fall into two major categories; thermoplastics (plastics that are hard when cool but soft when heated — a repeatable process) and thermoset (plastics that, once molded, never soften). Read on to learn more about plastic materials.

Plastic Fabrication

Plastic fabrication or compounding helps to bond two pieces of plastic through heating. The fabrication technique used depends on the type of plastic and the equipment involved. Depending on the heat sources, the techniques can be broadly classified into either mechanical movement, external, or electromagnetic.

Mechanical Movement

This is a technique in which mechanical movement produces heat to mold plastics. It includes high-frequency vibration, spinning, and ultrasonic welding. In this method, pieces are placed together using the heat produced from vibrations, friction, or high-frequency mechanical energy, melting the interfaced parts to create a bond.

External

In this technique, interfaced parts are heated using an external heat source, causing them to melt. It includes the use of a hot plate, hot bar, hot gas, or extrusion. 

A T-butt or V-butt configuration is created then a filler rod is placed between them. Heat is then directed at the area, causing the joint and the filler rod to melt and fuse. The molten parts are then pressed together to bond.

Electromagnetism

For this technique, an electrical conductor is implanted between two parts, and a high electric current is then applied to produce heat and melt the interface. The two parts may also be placed close to an electrically heated plate, or a laser-focused heat is directed to the joint, causing the plastic to melt and bond.  

Benefits of Plastic Welding

Plastics fabrication is a fast and straightforward process that results in a clean outcome with near-invisible seamless lines. A molecular bond is formed during the two plastics' welding process, creating a permanent bond making the joints last longer.

Plastic welding is highly suitable since it works with a wide variety of thermoplastics. Additionally, fabrication can be used to make simple or very complex parts.

Conclusion

Plastic fabrication is a highly reliable, cost-effective, and straightforward permanent plastic bonding process. It works with a wide range of thermoplastic materials resulting in a seamless joint. It also allows you to build quality structures according to the required specifications and standards.

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