By reviewing and comparing all commercially available welding processes, this authoritative handbook helps the reader select the best-suited process for the application, while providing an understanding of the limitations and benefits of each method. The focus on practical aspects such as weldability, optimizing part design, troubleshooting and testing makes the book an indispensable tool. At the same time, it also conveys the basic theoretical principles of plastics welding such as squeeze flow, molecular diffusion, and heat transfer mechanisms.

From the Preface: “...[I]t is important to carefully consider and select the appropriate welding technique for the application. This requires a fundamental understanding of the physical and phenomenological aspects of the welding steps that are common to all welding processes as well as understanding the fundamentals of each welding method. In addition, one must consider process selection strategies and methods for evaluation of the properties of the welds. With this information, it is then possible to consider and select suitable welding methods during product design and manufacturing stages...”

Target Audience: Manufacturing and process engineers, material scientists, welders, designers, and manufacturing managers concerned with the welding of plastics and composites.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Fundamental Steps in Plastics and Composites Welding

Heated Tool (Hot Plate) Welding

Hot Gas Welding

Extrusion Welding

Implant Induction (Electromagnetic) Welding

Resistive Implant Welding

Ultrasonic Welding

Linear and Orbital Vibration Welding

Spin Welding

Radio Frequency Welding

Infrared and Laser Welding

Microwave Welding

Guidelines for Process Selection

Testing of Weld Joints

Index