Buborékkötdés

Buborékkötdés, also known as bubble welding, is a joining process primarily used for thermoplastic materials. It involves heating the surfaces of the plastic pieces to be joined and then pressing them together. The key characteristic of buborékkötdés is the introduction of a fluid, typically air or nitrogen, under controlled pressure into the interface between the plastic parts during the heating and pressing stages.

This introduced fluid creates small bubbles or a foam-like layer between the molten plastic surfaces. The pressure of the fluid helps to distribute the molten plastic evenly and ensures good contact between the surfaces. As the plastic cools and solidifies, the bubbles are encapsulated within the joint, forming a continuous, cohesive bond. The size and distribution of these bubbles can influence the mechanical properties of the weld.

Buborékkötdés is often employed for joining films, sheets, and pipes made from polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. It offers advantages like relatively low energy consumption and the ability to create strong, leak-proof joints. However, the process requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and fluid flow rate to achieve optimal results. The presence of bubbles can sometimes be a concern for applications requiring absolute transparency or very high tensile strength, though for many applications, the strength and integrity of the bond are perfectly adequate.