The concept of using thermoplastic elements to form a bond in porous materials was first thought of in the mid 90's. Since then, our multidisciplinary team has continuously refined the process, acquired knowledge about the technology and developed applications for a broad range of materials.
WoodWelding® technology is an innovative fixation technique that uses ultrasonic energy to form a bond in porous materials. To achieve this, thermoplastic elements in the form of e.g. a nail, dowel or seal are used as joining or connection elements. The technology offers a substitute to traditional fixation solutions such as nails, screws, adhesives etc.
The process works on a variety of porous materials. The only requirements are that the material has a porous surface, and can withstand a certain degree of pressure. The WoodWelding
® process has been successfully tested in materials such as:
- solid wood
- chipboard
- plywood
- concrete
- paper
- asphalt
- hollow core board / honeycomb board
WoodWelding
® technology has many advantages when compared to traditional connection solutions:
input materials:
- requires only one insert material
- requires only relatively inexpensive injection-moulded plastics
WoodWelding® process:
- short process time (a few seconds)
- immediate hardening
- pre-drilling can be avoided depending on material properties, short preparation time
- surface treatment can precede bonding process
- new fasteners / fixations can be developed, thus new design and assembly methods are possible (fully automated process)
resulting bond:- superior adhesion, usually stronger than a screw of the same diameter (for dowels)
- high vibration resistance
- weather resistant
- joint can be worked on without damaging tools (no metal)
- the properties of the thermoplastics are comparable to those of wood, so expansion / contraction rates are similar for the joint and the wood
concept
