What is induction welding?
Induction welding is a welding method that is often used to connect to thermoplastics. It uses a power supply and heating coil to melt a small amount of fasteners on the joint between two pieces of plastic. The typical weld lasts only a few seconds, resulting in strong joints and does not distort the connecting material.
Thermoplastics are plastics made of polymer resins. When they are cool, they are firm, but easily melted when the heat is applied. Celluloid, acrylic and polyurethane are all common types of thermoplasty. They are used to produce everything from the bird feeder to part of the cars.
The operator begins with an induction welding process by placing a small amount of thermoplastic compound into the joint between two pieces to be welded. This compound may take the form of a tape or wire or to be formed as a seal. It is made either from the same polymer as the pieces to be connected or from a compatible polymer.
The compound contains magnetic powder at the concentreCiasi 15 percent of volume. This powder is usually iron, iron oxide or stainless steel and is used to facilitate the heating of the compound. The faster the compound warms, the faster the welder is met.
Heat is provided by an induction coil connected to a high -frequency power supply such as a radio frequency generator. When the generator is turned on, it passes through the alternating power (AC) through the coil. This produces swirling currents that heat the magnetic powder. When the surrounding thermoplastic compound is sufficiently heated, softens and melts. At this point, a slight pressure will be applied to the pieces to be connected, resulting in the creation of the joint.
Induction welding has several advantages over other methods of joining pieces. It's fast first. The thermoplastic compound melts in seconds when it heats and cools almost immediately when the current is turned off, forming pethe union of the joint almost immediately. Second, induction welding does not distort welded materials. Since the heat is focused on a compound rather than connected parts, it is less likely that parts suffer from heat caused by heat.
Finally, the use of a thermoplastic compound results in a strong joint. The compound completely fills all the gaps between the connected two pieces and prevents weaknesses. Also because the compound completely melts and re-solidifies, in fact it forms a molecular bond with connected materials. This results in the joint almost as strong as the material itself.