Vibration welding is suitable for the fast, reliable assembly of
thermoplastic parts, particularly the joining of large or geometrically
challenging component shapes. The process relies on friction induced
heat, which is generated by linear vibration. Forward Technology
Industries’ is currently being used by
Automotive Lighting UK to assemble both left and right automotive
direction indicator body mouldings for an, as yet, unannounced new car.
The materials to be welded include a clear polycarbonate lens joined to a
polycarbonate/ABS housing. For this type of assembly, the position of the
joint is critical; its location must blend into the contours of the car’s
panels to maintain a clean line.
Normally a user of ultrasonic welding techniques, Automotive Lighting is
using vibration welding for the first time on this project and reports a
high measure of success for the limited production that it has already
carried out.
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