Bonding with Induction Heating

Overview

Bonding is the process of joining a metal or conductive material to a rubber or plastic material without a third bonding agent. This category includes applications where gaskets are bonded to metal casings, thermoplastic composite bonding, and rubber washer/bumper assemblies. Bonding requires accurate heat control while still reaching temperatures that cause the bonds to form (see also metal-to-plastic insertion)

Modern induction heating provides many advantages over other heating methods and is commonly used for bonding applications. Heating through induction provides reliable, repeatable, non-contact and energy-efficient heat in a minimal amount of time. Solid state systems are capable of heating very small areas within precise production tolerances, without disturbing individual metallurgical characteristics.

Closed loop control, through the use of an optical pyrometer or other temperature sensing device, can provide constant heat with a tolerance as low as 3°C at 700°C. Induction heating also ideal for in-line production processes because of its ability to produce repeatable, rapid and accurate heating cycles.

Typical RF power supplies for induction bonding range from 1 to 20kW, depending on the parts and application requirements.