The same and different plastics can be connected in different ways. For example, welding is a common welding process. Especially when gluing cannot guarantee sufficient or permanent connection. Plastic welding is not surface, but close material connection. However, this applies only to so-called thermoplastic (thermoformable) plastics. Elastomers and thermosetting materials cannot be welded.
Thermoplastic materials: they are mainly composed of linear molecular chains, which slide with each other through heating, so that plastics can be molded and welded.
Elastomer: it is composed of wide grid cross-linked molecular chains. Once exposed to heat, it will return to its original state. Therefore, it is impossible to deform through the welding process.
Thermosetting material: it is composed of narrow grid cross-linked molecular chains. Thermal decomposition of their structure, melting and welding are impossible.
Thermoplastic
Basically: only the same thermoplastic material is homogeneous (uniformly) weldable. All thermoplastic materials except PTFE can be welded, but there are material specific differences between Plastics:
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
It can be welded well and easily. The welding temperature is 270 ~ 310 ° C.
PS (polystyrene)
It can be welded well and easily. The welding temperature is 270 ~ 310 ° C.
PP (polypropylene)
Pay close attention to the temperature and heating time because PP burns very fast. The welding temperature is 230 ~ 280 ° C.
PE (polyethylene)
It can be well and easily welded, but it cannot be bonded with conventional adhesives. The welding temperature is 220 ~ 280 ° C.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Pay close attention to the temperature and heating time because PVC will burn quickly and produce hydrochloric acid. The welding temperature is between 250 ~ 280 ° C.
PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)
In normal use, it is called acrylic glass. It can be welded well and easily. The welding temperature is 120 ~ 180 ° C.
PC (polycarbonate)
It can be welded well and easily. The welding temperature is 270 ~ 310 ° C.
