A method and installation for joining a cover layer to an object in a continuous process. Joining is effected with the aid of a joining material having thermoplastic properties, wherein the joining material is arranged between the cover layer and the object and is liquefied using ultrasonic vibration energy. Before application of the ultrasonic vibration energy, the joining material is preheated in a contactless manner with the aid of electromagnetic induction in the region of the glass transition temperature of the joining material or above this glass transition temperature. The object is in particular a chip board and the cover layer an edge strip to be joined to an edge of the chip board.

A method of joining workpieces includes the steps of bringing a first workpiece and a second workpiece together, induction heating a susceptor material, and pressing the workpieces together. Each workpiece may include a thermoplastic material, and the workpieces are brought together at a joint interface so that a protrusion of the first workpiece is aligned with a receptacle of the second workpiece. The susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece during heating such that the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece softens. The step of pressing is performed while the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece is softened, thereby reshaping the first workpiece where the susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece. The protrusion is deformed to form an interlock with the receptacle at the joint interface.

A connection arrangement includes a first plastic component, a second plastic component, and a closed induction ring. The first plastic component has a first joining region designed as a receptacle, and at one end, the second plastic component has a second joining region introduced into the first joining region. At the joining regions, the induction ring is at least partially fused into the two plastic components such that at one contact region between a first plastic melt of the first plastic component and a second plastic melt of the second plastic melt, a material-conclusive connection is generated. In this case, the induction ring is melted into the first plastic component while forming at least one first undercut, and is melted into the second plastic component while forming at least one second undercut such that between the plastic components and the induction ring, one each form-fitting connection is created.

A method of joining workpieces includes the steps of bringing a first workpiece and a second workpiece together, induction heating a susceptor material, and pressing the workpieces together. Each workpiece may include a thermoplastic material, and the workpieces are brought together at a joint interface so that a protrusion of the first workpiece is aligned with a receptacle of the second workpiece. The susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece during heating such that the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece softens. The step of pressing is performed while the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece is softened, thereby reshaping the first workpiece where the susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece. The protrusion is deformed to form an interlock with the receptacle at the joint interface.

A plastic tank is comprised of two parts, a base and a top, that are permanently joined to each other by welding at a circumferential joint formed by two mating flanges of the parts. Fusion weld elements are captured on the faying surfaces of the flanges of the assembled parts, and the elements are melted by internal heating of metal portions of the elements. Two spaced apart circumferential welds which define an annular space are formed. The pressure within the annular space is changed in a test procedure to verify the integrity of the welds.

A connecting arrangement includes a first plastic component, a second plastic component, and a closed induction ring that is arranged between the first and second plastic components in a joining gap that is partially filled with molten plastic. The first plastic component has a first joining region that is configured as a stepped receiving opening with a first joining contour. The second plastic component has a second joining region that is configured as a stepped shoulder with a second joining contour. The second joining region is inserted into the first joining region to form the joining gap. The first and second joining contours are adapted to one another so as to center the first joining region, the second joining region, and the induction ring in the joining gap with respect to one another. A method in one embodiment includes welding the first and second plastic components of the connecting arrangement.

A method for joining a device to an object with the aid of a combination of ultrasonic vibration energy and induction heating, wherein the device includes a portion of a thermoplastic polymer and a susceptor additive wherein this portion is at least partly liquefied or plasticized through the ultrasonic vibration energy in combination with the induction heating and wherein the joining includes establishing a connection between the device and the object which connection is at least one of a positive fit connection, a weld, a press fit connection, and an adhesive connection. The induction heating is applied for rendering the device portion suitable for absorption of ultrasonic vibration energy than other device portions by raising its temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The ultrasonic vibration energy is used for liquefying or at least plasticizing the thermoplastic polymer of the named device portion.

A device for electromagnetic spot welding of moulded parts includes a pressurizing body, first displacing means configured for moving a pressurizing surface of the pressurizing body against the moulded parts or vice versa to join contact surfaces of the moulded parts to be fused by welding under pressure, an inductor provided in the pressurizing body and configured to generate an electromagnetic field in at least the contact surfaces of the moulded parts, and a mechanical fastener configured to be heated by the electromagnetic field generated by the inductor, or by other means. Second displacing means are configured for moving the mechanical fastener towards the moulded parts and drive the heated mechanical fastener into the joined moulded parts to a position further than the contact surfaces of the moulded parts. A method for electromagnetic welding of moulded parts using the device.

A device for electromagnetic spot welding of moulded parts includes a pressurizing body, and first displacing means for moving a pressurizing body against the moulded parts or vice versa to join contact surfaces of the moulded parts to be fused by welding under pressure. The pressurizing body includes an inductor that generates an electromagnetic field in at least the contact surfaces of the moulded parts. A shielding is provided in the pressurizing body around at least a part of the inductor to protect against overheating. A heat sink is provided in the pressurizing body in between the inductor and the pressurizing surface in direct contact with the inductor and the pressurizing surface. The inductor includes cooling means configured for cooling the inductor, the shielding and the heat sink. A method for electromagnetic welding of moulded parts using the device.

A method and installation for joining a cover layer to an object in a continuous process. Joining is effected with the aid of a joining material having thermoplastic properties, wherein the joining material is arranged between the cover layer and the object and is liquefied using ultrasonic vibration energy. Before application of the ultrasonic vibration energy, the joining material is preheated in a contactless manner with the aid of electromagnetic induction in the region of the glass transition temperature of the joining material or above this glass transition temperature. The object is in particular a chip board and the cover layer an edge strip to be joined to an edge of the chip board.