Vibration welding of high density polyehylene HDPE - purpose, application, weldingtechnology and quality of joints

The article describes the problems of vibration welding as an alternative method of joining thermoplastics. This technology makes possible to join polymers in only several seconds. This method can be successfully applied for joining of wood as well. The process of polymers joining has been described in details using the example high density polyethylene which is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics. Examination of welded joints has been presented. The authors focused on the macroand microscopic examinations which make possible to examine the structure of vibration welded joints in polyethylene HDPE (high density polyethylene). The examples of microand macrostructures have been shown. K e y w o r d s: thermoplastics, high density polyethylene, HDPE, vibration welding