What Are Plastic Welding Defects?

July 14, 2017 10:22 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Did you know that metal is not the only material that can be welded? Plastic materials are regularly used in welding projects—including designed plastic signs, vehicle components and custom acrylic display cases for home or business use. Because the term “plastic welding defects” is something that most laypeople are not likely to be familiar with, let’s take a closer look at how a professional plastic fabrication company in Utah might explain it.

What is a plastic welding defect?

While there are many different types of welding defects that range from left-behind tool marks to fusion issues, all defects have one thing in common: they are all problems that can cause a weld joint failure later on. To weld something together means two or more pieces are fused together to create a single object that will serve a purpose. Welding defects either occur immediately after the completion of the welding process or while welding is taking place. Either way, a problem is detected when a welded plastic component, product or fixture shows some sort of failure.

Some defects are caused by improperly sized plastic pieces being welded together, others when materials are exposed to too high or low temperatures during the welding process. But the results are the same: an undesirable weld feature. Furthermore, the most common plastic welding defects have an effect on the strength and cosmetics of a fabricated plastic product:

  • A lack of fusion: If there is a lack of fusion, then the heating was insufficient during the welding process or incompatible materials were used.
  • Porosity: Welded products fail when there are too many spaces or gaps in welded spots. Causes include using low quality polymers and too much moisture settling into parts.
  • De-gating: Sometimes plastic welding defects come about due to improper part design, or a design defect during the manufacturing process of the part.
  • An incomplete weld: This common defect is like is sounds—it’s an incomplete weld caused by irregular process setting.
  • Tool markings: If tool marks are visible after a welding job is done, there’s a chance that the tool used was an unsuitable fit for the plastic product.
  • Burning: A common cosmetic defect is burning or burnt parts, which is caused by excessive heating.
  • Flash: When the term “flash” is used in relation to plastic welding defects, it’s because melted plastic is escaping the joint of a weld.
  • Outgassing: Outgassing is an issue that arises with the presence of hot plastic fumes. Released fumes become trapped within the welded section of a part.

The number one way to ensure the prevention of plastic welding defects of all types and sizes is to leave your welding needs to a professional—and not just any professional. You want to hire someone who has been trained in industry approved welding techniques and the knowledge to flawlessly execute those techniques. A great plastic welder is also familiar with the tools, processes and terminology used in a welding shop.

When you are looking to hire a plastic fabrication company in Utah, know you can trust the skilled fabricators at D&D Plastics. Contact us to learn more!

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