This report reviews the literature in the field of thermal welding and goes on to identify the theories for the mechanism of thermal welding of thermoplastics and to relate these, where possible, to current welding techniques and joint strength development.

This is the first detailed description in English of radiation and polymeric material interaction and the influences of thermal and optical material properties. As such, it provides comprehensive information on material and process characteristics as well as applications regarding plastic laser welding. The first part of this practical book introduces the structure and physical properties of plastics, before discussing the interaction of material and radiation in the NIR and IR spectral range. This is followed by an overview of the physical foundations of laser radiation and laser sources used for plastic welding. The third part describes the main processes of laser welding thermoplastics, as well as possibilities of process control, design of joint geometry, material compatibilities and adaptation of absorption of plastics to NIR radiation. Finally, the author explains applications of laser welding plastics using several industrial case studies from the automotive industry, household goods, and medical devices. Tailored to the needs of everyone dealing with laser welding of plastics, especially engineers in packaging, component manufacturing, and the medical industry.

The new edition of this bestselling reference provides fully updated and detailed descriptions of plastics joining processes, plus an extensive compilation of data on joining specific materials. The volume is divided into two main parts: processes and materials. The processing section has 18 chapters, each explaining a different joining technique. The materials section has joining information for 25 generic polymer families. Both sections contain data organized according to the joining methods used for that material. - A significant and extensive update from experts at The Welding Institute - A systematic approach to discussing each joining method including: process, advantages and disadvantages, applications, materials, equipment, joint design, and welding parameters - Includes international suppliers' directory and glossary of key joining terms - Includes new techniques such as flash free welding and friction stir welding - Covers thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and rubbers.

This book offers a systematic overview of polymer joining and highlights the experimental and numerical work currently being pursued to devise possible strategies to overcome the technical issues. It also covers the fundamentals of polymers, the corresponding joining processes and related technologies. A chapter on the extrapolation of finite element analysis (FEA) for forecasting the deformation and temperature distribution during polymer joining is also included. Given its breadth of coverage, the book will be of great interest to researchers, engineers and practitioners whose work involves polymers.

Laser welding is a rapidly developing and versatile technology which has found increasing applications in industry and manufacturing. It allows the precision welding of small and hard-to-reach areas, and is particularly suitable for operation under computer or robotic control. The Handbook of laser welding technologies reviews the latest developments in the field and how they can be used across a variety of applications.Part one provides an introduction to the fundamentals of laser welding before moving on to explore developments in established technologies including CO2 laser welding, disk laser welding and laser micro welding technology. Part two highlights laser welding technologies for various materials including aluminium and titanium alloys, plastics and glass. Part three focuses on developments in emerging laser welding technologies with chapters on the applications of robotics in laser welding and developments in the modelling and simulation of laser and hybrid laser welding. Finally, part four explores the applications of laser welding in the automotive, railway and shipbuilding industries.The Handbook of laser welding technologies is a technical resource for researchers and engineers using laser welding technologies, professionals requiring an understanding of laser welding techniques and academics interested in the field. - Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of laser welding including characteristics, welding defects and evolution of laser welding - Discusses developments in a number of techniques including disk, conduction and laser micro welding - Focusses on technologies for particular materials such as light metal alloys, plastics and glass

As medical devices become more intricate, with an increasing number of components made from a wide range of materials, it is important that they meet stringent requirements to ensure that they are safe to be implanted and will not be rejected by the human body. Joining and assembly of medical materials and devices provides a comprehensive overview of joining techniques for a range of medical materials and applications.Part one provides an introduction to medical devices and joining methods with further specific chapters on microwelding methods in medical components and the effects of sterilization on medical materials and welded devices. Part two focuses on medical metals and includes chapters on the joining of shape memory alloys, platinum (Pt) alloys and stainless steel wires for implantable medical devices and evaluating the corrosion performance of metal medical device welds. Part three moves on to highlight the joining and assembly of medical plastics and discusses techniques including ultrasonic welding, transmission laser welding and radio frequency (RF)/dielectric welding. Finally, part four discusses the joining and assembly of biomaterial and tissue implants including metal-ceramic joining techniques for orthopaedic applications and tissue adhesives and sealants for surgical applications.Joining and assembly of medical materials and devices is a technical guide for engineers and researchers within the medical industry, professionals requiring an understanding of joining and assembly techniques in a medical setting, and academics interested in this field. - Introduces joining methods in medical applications including microwelding and considers the effects of sterilization on the resulting joints and devices - Considers the joining, assembly and corrosion performance of medical metals including shape memory alloys, platinum alloys and stainless steel wires - Considers the joining and assembly of medical plastics including multiple welding methods, bonding strategies and adhesives

This book addresses general information, good practices and examples about thermo-physical properties, thermo-kinetic and thermo-mechanical couplings, instrumentation in thermal science, thermal optimization and infrared radiation.