Polymers

Section of a polypropylene hotplate weld

Infrared lamp welding

Plastics joining applications range from assembly welding for mass produced domestic appliances to fabrication welding of pipelines and from high speed welding of films and fabrics to precision welding of medical devices. TWI has extensive experience and in-depth involvement in these and many other areas of application - whether in volume, small batch or prototype production.

Plastics joining methods are also diverse; they extend from well established processes - such as ultrasonic or hot gas welding - to novel techniques employing laser or infrared energy. Not only has TWI built an unequalled store of knowledge in the more widely used processes but has also pioneered the development of innovative techniques, which provide improved quality and greater productivity. We can therefore offer impartial advice on the most appropriate joining technique for any application or material.

Joining is only one aspect of the work carried out at TWI on polymers. We are also a world leader in the mechanical testing of plastics welds and have been involved in the development of many standards in this area. We offer advice on the most suitable mechanical test for any welded part and also develop bespoke mechanical tests for specific applications.

For applications where you don't want to destroy the joint TWI is at the forefront of non-destructive testing of plastics welds and has developed ultrasonic, radiographic and thermographic systems and procedures specifically for inspecting plastics.

If a plastics part breaks in service, we carry out failure studies to determine the cause and suggest solutions to prevent it happening again. We also provide expert witnesses in the event of legal disputes.

For manual welding techniques, such as hot gas, extrusion, and pipe welding, the quality of the joint very much depends on the quality of the welding personnel. TWI offers training in all of the manual welding techniques to ensure that welders understand the factors that affect weld quality and to give them intensive practical training in order to improve their welding technique. We also offer internationally-recognised certification in plastics welding, which allows welders to prove their competency to customers and regulators.

For more information please contact: plastics@twi.co.uk