Thermal joining processes create strong, permanent bonds between plastic components without fasteners or adhesives. AMD Automation designs automated welding systems using ultrasonic, hot plate, vibration, and spin welding technologies.
Thermal Joining Technologies
Ultrasonic Welding
High-frequency vibration creates frictional heat:
- Weld times under 1 second
- Small, precise weld areas
- Electronics, medical devices, packaging
- Staking, inserting, and spot welding
Hot Plate Welding
Heated platen melts mating surfaces:
- Large parts and long weld lines
- Fluid reservoirs, tanks, ducts
- Irregular joint geometries
- High-strength structural welds
Vibration Welding
Linear friction generates heat:
- Very long weld lines (1m+)
- Automotive interior components
- Air intake manifolds
- High-volume production
Spin Welding
Rotational friction for circular joints:
- Filters and filtration assemblies
- Containers and caps
- Cylindrical housings
- Fast cycle times
Process Control
Modern thermal welding systems provide:
- Force, amplitude, and energy monitoring
- Weld-by-distance or weld-by-time modes
- Real-time process signature analysis
- Statistical process control
Integration with Assembly
Thermal joining integrates with:
- Assembly Lines - Inline welding stations
- Robotic Cells - Flexible part handling
- Machine Vision - Weld quality inspection
- Test Systems - Leak and pressure testing
Industry Applications
- Automotive - Interior, underhood, lighting
- Medical - Disposables, fluid handling
- Consumer Products - Electronics enclosures
- Appliances - Reservoirs, housings
Contact us to discuss thermal joining for your plastic assembly needs.
Key Features
- Ultrasonic welding systems
- Hot plate and mirror welding
- Vibration and linear friction welding
- Spin welding equipment
- Infrared heating systems
- Process monitoring and control
- Multi-head configurations
- Quick-change tooling
Applications
Ultrasonic Welding
High-speed joining of thermoplastics for electronics, medical, and automotive.
Hot Plate Welding
Large part welding for fluid reservoirs, ducts, and structural components.
Vibration Welding
Long weld lines on automotive interior and underhood components.
Spin Welding
Circular joints on filters, containers, and cylindrical assemblies.
Benefits
No Consumables
Eliminate fasteners, adhesives, and associated costs.
Hermetic Seals
Create leak-tight joints for fluid handling applications.
Fast Cycle Times
Weld cycles measured in seconds for high-volume production.
Clean Process
No fumes, adhesives, or residue in the assembly.
Our engineers can help evaluate your requirements.