Two of the most popular methods for assembling plastic parts into finished products are adhesives and ultrasonic welding. But how can a manufacturer differentiate between these two options? What questions should product design and manufacturing teams ask when deciding why and when to select these assembly methods?

Most areas of manufacturing have had steady paces of technological innovation over the past 50 years. Material assembly and material joining is one area, however, that has not kept pace.

Plastic welding isn't one technology - the term encompasses a range of joining technologies that continue to evolve to meet a wide range of assembly needs.

Whether you’re choosing an assembly method for a newly developed product or reevaluating the effectiveness of a current assembly method in light of a change in product design, materials, or production mix, the thought process you’re undertaking is important.

Every decision involving fastening and joining can impact the early stages of appliance design, affect the assembly process down the line, and influence the integrity and performance of appliances in service.