What is Infrared Welding?

What is Infrared Welding?

Infrared Welding is a form of non-contact plastic welding utilizing a heat array element that provides even heat distribution to the weld area.

Infrared welding is a plastic welding technique that uses infrared radiation to heat and join thermoplastic materials. In this process, the plastic parts are held together and exposed to a concentrated source of infrared radiation, such as a halogen lamp or quartz heater. The infrared radiation heats the surface of the plastic parts until they melt and fuse together, creating a strong bond.

Infrared welding is particularly useful for welding thermoplastic materials that cannot be joined using other methods, such as materials with a low melting point or materials that are prone to thermal degradation. It is also well-suited for welding large or complex parts that may be difficult to weld using other methods.

One of the benefits of infrared welding is that it is a fast process that can produce consistent and high-quality welds. Because the heat is applied directly to the surface of the plastic parts, the process is also energy-efficient, as there is minimal heat loss to the surrounding environment. In addition, the absence of any contact between the heating element and the plastic parts means that there is no risk of contamination or damage to the parts during the welding process.

However, there are also some limitations to infrared welding. The process is best suited for joining relatively thin materials, as thicker materials may require too much energy to be heated to the melting point. In addition, the process may not be suitable for welding certain types of materials that are transparent or reflective to infrared radiation.

When two plastic material types are required to be joined a dual array heating system can control the differing temperature requirements or use a programming method can be used.

The heating element heats up to a high temperatures of 1800 degree Fahrenheit providing quick cycle times with plastic joining of plastic parts.