Even though 3D printers can fabricate complex shapes that would be nearly impossible to mill, they are not well suited to designs requiring bridging or with large empty spaces. To overcome this, ...

Figure 1. Various test samples that have been laser welded in an applications lab (a) and a low-density polyethylene fluid container welded with a diode laser system (b). Direct welding of plastics is ...

The Eastwood kit's Speed Tip uses a heated tip that allows you to push the welding rod through it so it comes out soft and hot on the other end. Other methods include hot-gas welding, which uses hot ...

Industrial lasers are used to process engineering plastics across many markets. Some examples of the common processes are shown in Figure 1, including laser marking, cutting, and welding.

Depending who you ask, 3D pens are silly toys or handy tools. Those who use them as tools find them handy to fill gaps in printed assemblies or to use them as a PLA or PETG-based hot glue gun for ...

Hot-plate welding and STTIr laser welding are both used in joining plastic parts. The authors break down the differences and the practical outcomes. The Branson GLX-3 Laser Welder from Emerson uses ...

Laser plastic welding has grown in popularity for medical applications because it reliably joins a wide range of materials, including dissimilar materials. At the same time, the process uses no ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Did you know that plastics can be welded, like metal? It's a pretty common practice in the automotive industry. But this doesn't apply to all ...

Emerson has announced its new Branson ™ GLX-1 Laser Welder, which offers users flexibility to meet the growing demand for joining small, complex or delicate plastic components and assemblies. Its ...

Chrome bumpers made a quick exit from the automotive scene in the late 1980s. In their place are elaborate but flimsy plastic covers hiding stamped steel impact beams—with a swath of Styrofoam ...