The invention relates to a process for producing a composite component comprising at least one metal layer and one polymer layer, the process comprising: (a) heating a metal sheet which optionally comprises a surface treatment; (b) placing a polymer film on the metal sheet and optionally heating the polymer film; (c) applying a vacuum to contact the polymer film with the entire surface of the metal sheet and to remove air enclosed between the metal sheet and the polymer film; (d) optionally holding the temperature of the metal sheet and the polymer film above a temperature at which the connection of the polymer film and the metal sheet is promoted to achieve the composite component.

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.