thermal direct joining
enables joining of plastics to metals in seconds, without any additional material
-1.
pre-treatment
by laser or chemical etching
process time: <3s per part
relies on mechanical interlocking
0.
initial state
plastic: any type of thermoplastic with or without short, long or endless fibers
metal: any type of metal
1.
press
creating contact in joining zone with moderate force
force and path monitoring during pressing
2.
heat
by electromagnetic induction
customized joining tools to enable quick heating
polymer melts and is simultaneously pressed inside cavities
3.
cool
passive or active by air or cooling liquid
plastic re-solidifies and creates form end force fit with metal
total joining time: <10s per part