Infrared Welder Assembles Cylindrical Plastic Parts
Welded plastic cylinders are the lifeblood of British manufacturers Harvey Softeners Ltd. and Wavin Ltd. Harvey produces pressure tanks for its water softeners, while Wavin makes plastic tubes that connect to below-ground drainage systems.
Both companies injection-mold their product housings in two halves and then weld them using short-wave infrared emitters from Heraeus Noblelight, based in Hanau, Germany. These emitters produce a quick, clean weld by accurately transmitting infrared heat onto a plastic part surface or edge.