Welding of High-Performance Thermoplastic Composites

In previous investigations, vibration welding, which is suitable for the mass production of small and simple shaped parts, was adjusted to the characteristics of thermoplastic composites. However, because of the small batches in thermoplastic composites manufacturing, especially in today's aircraft industry, there is a strong need for a joining technique that can be used for small series production and prototyping. For that purpose the induction welding process has been investigated, a laboratory device has been assembled and the influence of process parameters on the weld quality was determined by means of tension shear tests and microscopic investigations for a continuous welding process.