A method for fabricating thermoplastic bicycle spokes that securely couple to an end fitting, at one or both ends thereof, via a non-threaded, mechanical interlocking geometry. A spoke body is fabricated from thermoplastic resin, and then thermoplastic material is added, in situ (using the internal geometry of the end fitting as a form). This increases the effective diameter of the spoke at at least one end thereof to create an engagement feature that is adapted to interlock with the internal configuration of the end fitting. Additionally, by virtue of the method, the end of the spoke has a desirable fiber alignment, wherein the fibers substantially align with in-use loads.

A multi-phasic polymer blend for energy activated edge banding adhesion to a substrate is described. While the blend may be used for adhering edge banding to straight substrates, the blend is preferred for adhering edge banding to contoured substrates. The outer, hard, structural layer of the edge banding is formed from a polypropylene component. The polypropylene component at least includes polypropylene and an optional energy adsorber. The inner adhesion layer of the edge banding is formed from a multi-phasic polymer blend that bonds the outer layer of the edge banding to the substrate. The multi-phasic polymer blend at least includes a polyamide component, a polyolefin component, and a modified polypropylene component. Both the outer and inner layers forming the edge banding may be tinted to conform or contrast with the color of the finished substrate.

An apparatus and method for joining pipes includes a plate for melting mating surfaces of the pipes to be joined. Additionally, the apparatus utilizes a vacuum in order to push the first and second pipes together in lieu of hand or mechanical pressure which may be inconsistent. Additionally, the vacuum allows the pipes to be joined to settle on each other in order to create a pressure about a periphery of the end of the pipe being joined to the other pipe. The consistent pressure creates a very strong joint between the first and second pipes.

An apparatus and method for joining pipes includes a plate for melting mating surfaces of the pipes to be joined. Additionally, the apparatus utilizes a vacuum in order to push the first and second pipes together in lieu of hand or mechanical pressure which may be inconsistent. Additionally, the vacuum allows the pipes to be joined to settle on each other in order to create a pressure about a periphery of the end of the pipe being joined to the other pipe. The consistent pressure creates a very strong joint between the first and second pipes.