Joining of plastics
The welding of plastics is an integral part of Kunststofftechnik Paderborn. Our own joining laboratory deals with a wide range of problems in the field of established welding processes, such as hot plate, vibration and laser welding, as well as special processes such as microwave or high-frequency welding. A comprehensive analysis of the weld seams can be carried out in the test laboratory using various evaluation methods based on the latest techniques. Although mechanical joining techniques for plastic components are an integral part of industrial practice, this discipline is rarely dealt with at German research centres. At Kunststofftechnik Paderborn, investigations are being carried out into fasteners that enable a secure screw connection of components with one-sided accessibility by utilising material deformation.
Welding of plastics
Material behaviour in the welding process
- Fibre-reinforced plastics
- Flame retardants
- Long-term behaviour of welded samples
- Development of residual stresses
- Gap bridging during laser transmission welding
Development of new welding processes
- Tool-free 3D laser welding
- High-speed hot plate welding
Theoretical temperature determination
- FDM modelling
- CAE modelling
Mechanical joining technology
The investigations in this field extend to...
- the geometry optimisation of fasteners
- Parameter studies for different materials
- Tightness tests of the connections
- Determination of mechanical parameters
Bonding technology
At Kunststofftechnik Paderborn, bonding as a material-to-material joining process for various plastics is part of the research. In particular, the pre-treatment of plastics is the focus of scientific research. For this purpose, Kunststofftechnik Paderborn has a CNC bonding system for 1K or 2K bonding applications with an integrated atmospheric pressure plasma nozzle in its own joining laboratory.
Bonding
- CNC-controlled 1K or 2K bonding
- Examination of adhesion compatibility
- Fracture pattern analysis
Surface pre-treatment
- Surface modification using atmospheric pressure plasma
- Determination of the surface energy by means of contact angle analysis
Special process development
- Integration of atmospheric pressure plasma pre-treatment into existing plastics technology processes
- Process development for bonding WPC surfaces using dispersion adhesives
Further information on joining technology
Christian Held, M.Sc.
Plastics Technology and Plastics Processing
Pohlweg 47-49
33098 Paderborn