Plastic in our regular lives is often thin and flimsy. It is meant to be ripped apart and can easily be crushed in our hands. It is no wonder then that many doubt the strength and benefits of plastic welding and wonder exactly how durable the material and the technique are in comparison to a non-welded piece of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
How Durable is Plastic Welding
Plastic welding has been around for decades, and has applications in the medical industry, in packaging applications, and in the automotive industry. Its durability is dependent on many factors, but in optimal settings can be incredibly strong and long-lasting.
When done correctly (meaning that the area was adequately prepared in advance), tested, the right welding rod chosen, and a myriad of other factors double and triple checked, then plastic welding can have as much as 98% strength of the parent material.
What is Plastic Welding Used For?
Plastic welding is used in many industries, particularly in the automotive industry. To illustrate just how durable plastic welding can be in the right circumstances, just consider that the technique is used by professionals on plastic bumper bars, which must have high strength in order to pass safety requirements.
What Can Impact Weld Strength and Durability?
As stated, plastic welding can be very strong and durable if done correctly, but a lot of factors will affect its durability, from material to the experience of the welder. Poor or incorrect welding procedure is often to blame for a drop-in durability expectations.
The wrong welding rod might have been selected, the area might not have been properly prepared, the temperature might be wrong, or the material itself is just too weak to handle and warrant plastic welding. These are all factors that can reduce the durability of plastic welding, but be rest assured that when done properly and with the right materials, it is strong enough to handle heavy jobs.
How is the Area Properly Prepared
Proper cleaning of the area is crucial and will mean the parent material will need to be washed and stripped thoroughly. There cannot be any paint, oil, greases, or UV degradation for plastic welding to be effective.
The other step of preparation will depend on the welding technique used. From pendulum welding for short weld runs to speed welding for longer runs. Correctly prepping the weld in advance is key to the durability of the weld.
How is Durability Tested?
Durability is tested first with a Rod Test Kit, which is key for selecting the right rod for the specific job. Tests are also done by welding small strips of the parent material to itself, as this is the most compatible material. This second step is key to determining if the material itself is ready to be welded, or if it is instead too low of a grade to weld successfully.
To test strength, tensile testers are most commonly used, and many factors are inspected in a weld to ensure durability.