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Welded assemblies result from frictional or
conduction heating of the polymers under applied pressure
such that a melt bond occurs between the components. Welding
methods are best suited for applications where leak proof,
permanent, attractive, or contamination free high strength
bonds are required. Common welding techniques include;
ultrasonic, vibration, and hot plate. These techniques are
best suited to polymers with similar melt characteristics.
The broad melting range of Plexiglas acrylic resins make
them compatible with a number of common amorphous
thermoplastic polymers.
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Thermal Method
Guidelines
The following guidelines may be
used as reference points when welding Plexiglas acrylic
resins. Optimum conditions will vary with application
depending on part size, geometry, and materials employed.
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Ultrasonic (20kH)
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Vibration
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Hot Plate
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Ampli-
tude
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40-70 micron
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.030-.070"
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NA
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Press.
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30-60 psig
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200-500 psi
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NA
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Temp.
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NA
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NA
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600-800° F
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Melt Depth
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NA
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NA
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.030"-.040"
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Seal Depth
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NA
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NA
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.010"-.020"
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The use of an energy director is
recommended for ultrasonic welding of Plexiglas acrylic
resins. The director concentrates energy to speed softening
and melting of the joint. When welding different polymers,
the energy director should be incorporated in the higher
modulus material
Plexiglas acrylic resins may be heat
staked for assembly to materials that cannot be welded, e.g.
metals and crystalline polymers. Staking is readily
accomplished using heat or ultrasonic energy.
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