This vibration welding device is a device that vibration welds an airbag holding box and an installment panel having a tear line. The vibration welding device is provided with a support jig that carries and affixes the installment panel during vibration welding. The support jig is provided with a groove that permits thermal expansion during vibration welding of the installment panel at a position differing from the tear line.

A method of operating a linear friction welding apparatus includes supporting a first work piece with a first fixture, supporting a second work piece with a second fixture, establishing a load between the first work piece and the second work piece along a press axis with a press assembly while the first fixture and the second fixture are in a fixed position relative to one another, simultaneously moving, with a vibrating assembly spaced apart from the press axis, the first fixture and the second fixture along a single weld axis so that both the first work piece and the second work piece are moved with respect to one another along the single weld axis after establishing the load, and heating at least a portion of the first work piece while simultaneously moving the first fixture and the second fixture under the load.

A vibration welding device has a first tool being with a vibration welding head arranged at a first support, wherein the vibration welding head vibrates in use in a first plane, and the first tool receives a first component, a second tool arranged at a second support, wherein the second tool receives a second component or a stack of welded components. The first and the second support are movable with respect to each other at least along a second axis perpendicular to the first plane from an initial position to a vibration welding position. A clamping arrangement having at least two oppositely arranged clamping devices, each having a clamping surface which is moveable along the first axis between a clamping position and open position, wherein in the clamping position, movement of the second component or the stack of welded components at least along the first axis is hindered during vibration welding.

During a formation method, a first component and a second component are provided. The first component is configured from or otherwise includes a first fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite. The first component also includes a base and a material buildup on a portion of the base. The second component is configured from or otherwise includes a second fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite. The second component is arranged with the first component. The second component abuts the material buildup. The second component is vibration welded to the first component to provide a weld joint between the first component and the second component. At least a portion of the material buildup is displaced during the vibration welding.

Friction-weld assemblies and methods of spin-welding are provided, where the components being joined are polymeric components. Designs provided for the polymeric components enable the use of relatively low speeds and pressures to achieve superior friction weld joints between the components. Further, large surface area polymeric components can be successfully friction welded with such designs. In certain variations, at least one polymeric component has a weld surface with a plurality of surface features that are concave (e.g., grooves) or convex. In other variations, the first component in the weld region has a distinct non-complementary shape from the second component, thus creating a progressive advancing weld line that avoids high temperatures that might incur damage to the polymeric component and weld joint. Such component designs additionally provide for improved flash management at the weld joint.

A vibration welding device has a first tool with a vibration welding head arranged at a first support, wherein the vibration welding head vibrates in use in a first plane, and the first tool receives a first component, a second tool arranged at a second support, wherein the second tool receives a second component or a stack of welded components. The first and the second support are movable with respect to each other at least along a second axis perpendicular to the first plane from an initial position to a vibration welding position. A clamping arrangement having at least two oppositely arranged clamping devices, each having a clamping surface which is moveable along the first axis between a clamping position and open position, wherein in the clamping position, movement of the second component or the stack of welded components at least along the first axis is hindered during vibration welding.

A friction welding method for fastening a connection bushing, such as a threaded bushing for example, in a housing. In order to improve the quality of the connection, the connection bushing is attached to the housing using a friction welding element. The friction welding element consists of the connection bushing, on which a friction welding shell with a radially outer friction welding contour is formed or molded. Connecting and sealing portions are produced between the friction welding element and the housing during the friction welding process by means of a special design of the friction welding contour.

A friction welding method for fastening a connection bushing, such as a threaded bushing for example, in a housing. In order to improve the quality of the connection, the connection bushing is attached to the housing using a friction welding element. The friction welding element consists of the connection bushing, on which a friction welding shell with a radially outer friction welding contour is formed or molded. Connecting and sealing portions are produced between the friction welding element and the housing during the friction welding process by means of a special design of the friction welding contour.

A vibration welding device 40 includes: a vibration welding mold that is configured including an upper mold and a lower mold divided in an up-down direction, that is fitted with a first component and a second component forming an elongated shape having a bent portion, and that is disposed with length directions of the first component and the second component along a left-right direction; plural first mold divisions that configure one of the upper mold or the lower mold, and that are divided in the left-right direction; a pressing device that is coupled to each of the plural first mold divisions, and that applies pressure to the first mold divisions; and a vibration device that is coupled to each of the plural first mold divisions, and that vibrates the first mold divisions.

A method of operating a linear friction welding apparatus includes supporting a first work piece with a first fixture, supporting a second work piece with a second fixture, establishing a load between the first work piece and the second work piece along a press axis with a press assembly while the first fixture and the second fixture are in a fixed position relative to one another, simultaneously moving, with a vibrating assembly spaced apart from the press axis, the first fixture and the second fixture along a single weld axis so that both the first work piece and the second work piece are moved with respect to one another along the single weld axis after establishing the load, and heating at least a portion of the first work piece while simultaneously moving the first fixture and the second fixture under the load.