Hotplate Welding

»Information

This process consists of two holding fixtures and a heated platen.

The holding fixtures are used to control accurate mating and alignment of parts during the welding operation, and are normally made of alumninum. Fixtures are machined to support the parts to be welded as close to the weld joint as possible. The parts are held in the holding fixtures by mechanical devices such as gripping fingers, collets or vacuum cups.

The heat platen is used as the heat source to melt and bond the weld joint line. Heat platens can be constructed and coated with a variety of materials depending on the type of hot plate process being used or required. Simple heat platens are flat or have inserts fastened to them to match the contour of the part.  Parts that are more more complex in contour and surface levels may be constructed of a single platen with multiple details that are CNC milled to match the assembly melt line.

»Applications

Fuel tanks, reservoirs, headlight lenses, taillight lenses, IP vents or ducts. Hermetic seals are easily achieved and finished part weld strength approaches that of the welded materials.

»Process Benefits

  • Cost effective for large parts
  • Hermetic seals are easily achieved
  • Strong weld strengths
  • Tight assemblies
  • Elimination of mechanical fasteners and adhesives

»Machine Features

  • Rugged, tubular steel frame construction using the highest quality components
  • Full enclosure with automatic door and safety glass (manual close / auto open)
  • Hydraulic actuation
  • Allen Bradley process controls provide easy set up and repeatability of control
  • Heater indication alarms to insure proper platen operating temperatures
  • Heater burnout alarms (optional)
  • Light screens for protection (optional)
  • Touch Screens (optional)

»Sequence of Operations

  1. An operator loads the components to be welded into the holding fixtures
  2. The cycle is activated by closing the safety glass door
  3. The fixtures are brought up to the hot plate for the melt cycle
  4. The hot plate retracts
  5. The platens are brought together, compressing the weld bead to the opposite part
  6. The parts are held together to produce the welded assembly
  7. The door opens automatically at the end of the machine cycle
  8. The finished part remains via vacuum in the right or left side tooling for removal