Modeling the interrelationship between the parameters for improving weld strength in plastic hot plate welding: A DEMATEL approach

Application of plastics is increasing day by day since plastics offer many distinct advantages as compared to metals. Plastics has mainly good thermal and electrical insulation properties, corrosion resistance, chemical inertness, and high strength to weight ratio. Additionally, these are cheaper in cost as compared to conventional materials. Plastics are additionally easy to process. Nowadays, product requirements are getting critical and thus product design is getting more complex in shape. To manufacture intricate complex shape creates complexity in manufacturing process which is sometimes very difficult or almost not feasible to produce with single manufacturing process. To manufacture such critical products, welding is a complimentary process. Type of weld joint and welding process can be selected based on the product design and load application on the product. Hot plate welding is very simple welding process as compared to other plastic welding process and most commonly used. Good quality weld is the prime objective of welding process. Weld strength is dependent on several parameters which may be process parameters as well as product parameters. The objective of this study is to identify the key parameters in hot plate welding process of the plastics using Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory which is one of the prioritization techniques. Results of the study focus on understanding the key parameters affecting the weld strength. Study shows that hot plate temperature, welding time, and melting time are the key parameters affecting the weld strength.