Vibration welding of nylon 6 to nylon 66

Vibration welding of dissimilar nylons is a promising technique for assembling complex components made of different polymers. The effects of pressure and meltdown on the tensile strength of nylon 6 (PA 6) to nylon 66 (PA 66) vibration welds were determined in this study using an experimental design and three weld geometries. Weld strengths were generally improved by increasing meltdown and decreasing weld pressure. The weld strength was also shown to vary with the position of the lower melting material for T-welds. Using differential scanning calorimentry and fracture surface analyses, it is concluded that for all geometries, higher weld strengths can be achieved when both materials are melted. (C) 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.