TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 667/1999
R J Wise
Background
The aim of this work was to review the literature in the field of the thermal welding of polymers. Emphasis has been given to the welding of amorphous polymers and in particular to the role of the theory of reptation in the understanding of the development of weld strength. Some of the experimental techniques employed in the measurement of critical welding parameters are also described. A glossary of terms used is presented at the end of the report.
The revised report contains a description of the welding techniques friction stir welding and forced mixed extrusion welding, which have been developed since the release of the original version of the report in 1996. In addition, recent information on the classification of welding techniques and the simulation of welding is also included.
Objectives
The main objective of this investigation was to identify the theories for the mechanism of thermal welding of thermoplastics and to relate these, where possible, to current welding techniques and joint strength development.