How Does Spin Welding Work?

Highest Level of Spin Welding

Spin Welding is a welding technique favored by many welders who work with thermoplastic materials. In its simplest form, spin welding relies on heat created by friction. Turning on a drill press or a milling machine may generate the heat. To create heat, one part is held still while another part is rotated against it under pressure at speeds from 2,000 to 16,000 rpm. This results in friction, which creates heat, melting the thermoplastic parts. Pressure is then applied along the axis of rotation. Parts are then fused and cooled. Spin welding is also known as rotational welding, inertial friction welding or inertia welding.

Plastic Assembly Systems offers the highest-level spin welding systems available. Models SW750, SW850 and SW950 feature dual servo control in both the spin axis and the z-axis. This allows for exact precision control of your spin applications. Spin welding is the ideal application when working with small, medium or large parts that require precision and repeatability. Hermetic seals are also achievable.

There are many advantages to spin welding. For example, it enables companies to weld parts with circular joints that are not easily welded by ultrasonic welding. Cycle times are relatively fast compared with other methods of welding. Spin welding is also compatible with most thermoplastics. Another big advantage is that it enables welders the ability to weld dissimilar materials. Heat is also confined to weld surfaces. Low-cost, low-maintenance spin welding is easily automated for quick applications. Spin welding does require that one of the pieces needs to be circular in shape, making it one of the most efficient methods of joining circular parts. Soft plastics, such as Arnitel, may be problematic. However, spin welding is ideal for most DSM thermoplastics, including Xantar, Arnite, Stanyl and Akulon. Spin welding is an old, uncomplicated technique. It offers a simple, but lasting solution because no other materials are needed to form a tight bond.

Learn about the inner workings of thermal assembly systems and other plastic welders at Plastic Assembly Systems, the world leader in plastic assembly solutions, by logging onto HeatStaking.com.

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