Weldability of Thermoplastic Materials for Automotive Applications

Use of thermoplastics for engineering applications has become critical over the past decade with the automotive industry looking for creative ways to reduce vehicle weight. As such, linear vibration welding is gaining acceptance as a specialized method for joining thermoplastic parts. This research will focus on amorphous resins used in automotive light-weighting applications. Amorphous plastics typically have better impact resistance, but less resistance to fatigue cracking and stress cracking when compared to semi-crystalline plastics. The type of material combinations and welding parameters (e.g., frequency, amplitude, weld pressure) on the properties and strength of the welds will be studied. Currently, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have compatibility charts of plastic combinations that can be effectively welded together; however, these charts often have no indication of weld strength or other characteristics of the weld bond. This project will determine the vibration welding and each material combination’s resistance to environmental stress cracking.

Faculty Supervisor:

Afsaneh Edrisy

Student:

Stephen Passador

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Windsor

Program: