Chapter 3 - Vibration Welding

Abstract

This chapter provides detail analysis on the vibration welding. Vibration welding uses heat generated by friction at the interface of two materials to produce melting in the interfacial area. Vibration welding can be accomplished in a short time (8-15 second cycle time) and is applicable to a variety of thermoplastic parts with planar or slightly curved surfaces. There are two types of vibration welding: linear, in which friction is generated by a linear, back-and-forth motion; and orbital, in which the upper part to be joined is vibrated using circular motion in all directions. Linear vibration welding is most commonly used, but orbital vibration welding makes the welding of irregularly shaped plastic parts possible. The chapter also describes four phases involved in the welding process. Vibration welding is commonly used on large parts, although smaller parts can be welded economically in multiple cavity tooling. Vibration welding can also be used in welding nylons in under hood applications, such as inlet manifolds and throttle housings that must withstand high temperatures. Other applications of vibration welding include joining two halves of pressure vessels, reservoirs, valves, electronic modules, and sealed containers in the medical, computer, recreation, and toy industries.