Hot Plate Welder
Hot plate welding is a process that can be use for the joining of two or more thermoplastic parts to produce both high strength and hermetic seals for complex geometries. The process employs a temperature-controlled heat platen assembly. For complex geometries, a heat platen core is sandwiched between two inserts. The inserts are manufactured to fit the parting line and are mirror images of each other. Part holding fixtures are designed to conform to the contour of the parts. A typical welding sequence is as follows: the heat platen is placed between the two parts to be assembled. Th mating parts are brought together and the melt cycle is started. The parts are melted for a pre-set time to displace enough plastic for surface preparation and to properly heat the substrate of the joint area. The parts are then separated and the heat platen is withdrawn. In the last step, the part halves are brought together against stops to ensure the proper amount of seal depth. The resulting joint is clean, aesthetically pleasing, and independent of consumables.
Features include:
- Compact design, which minimizes the need for large floor space
- Interlocked door with full guarding, which provides operator safety
- An automatic cycle start for increased production rates
- Quick change tooling for reduced downtime during changeover
- A single zone temperature controller for precise temperature control
Benefits of the hot plate welding process are:
- Welds complex parts and parts with thin walls
- It is suitable for most thermoplastics
- Provides high-pressure, hermetic seals
- Welds internal walls
Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, 41 Eagle Rd., Danbury, CT 06813-1961. Tel: 203-796-0400. Fax: 203-796-9838.