Plastics joining applications range from assembly welding for mass produced domestic appliances to fabrication welding of pipelines and from high speed welding of films and fabrics to precision welding of medical devices. TWI has wide experience and in-depth involvement in these and many other areas of application - whether in volume, small batch or prototype production.
Plastics joining methods are also diverse; they extend from well established processes - such as ultrasonic or hot gas welding - to novel techniques employing microwave or infrared energy. Not only has TWI built an unequalled store of knowledge in the more widely used processes but also it has pioneered the development of innovative techniques, which provide improved quality and greater productivity.
TWI also has a Plastics Joining Centre at its northern office in Middlesbrough. This was set up with funding from the European Regional Development Fund to establish a support route for companies in the NE. The centre provides training and certification in plastics welding and carries out R&D work on both established and novel joining and mechanical testing techniques for plastics.
Contact: plastics@twi.co.uk
