Abstract
Mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and welding processes can all be employed to form joints between plastics. Fasteners are quick and are suitable for most materials, but they may be expensive to use, they generally do not provide leak-tight joints, and the localized stresses may cause them to pull free of the polymeric material. Threaded metal inserts may have to be incorporated into the plastic components to receive the fasteners, further increasing the product cost. Adhesives can provide excellent properties and fully sound joints, but they are often difficult to handle and relatively slow to cure. In addition, considerable attention is required in the areas of joint preparation and surface cleanliness. Welding can be used to produce bonded joints with mechanical properties that approach those of the parent material. Unfortunately, only the thermoplastic polymers can be welded because these materials can be melted or softened by heat without degradation and good bonds can be formed with the subsequent application of pressure. The thermosetting polymers do not soften with heat, tending only to char or burn, and must be joined by alternative methods, such as mechanical fasteners, adhesives, snap-fits, or possible co-curing (placing the components together and curing while in contact).
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call