Apparatus for electronically seam fusing similar and dissimilar polymeric materials

摘要

A device for electronically seam fusing similar or dissimilar multiple polymeric materials by placing the materials between two opposing plates, wherein the plates have cooling tubes disposed within the plates and have the required combination of heating elements, non-stick heat barriers, and configuration enhancers disposed thereon. The opposing plates are then closed by a force which is regulated by a control feature which also governs the timing, length and temperature that is utilized by the heat elements and cooling tubes of the invention. Upon completion of the electronic seam fuse cycle, the multiple layers of polymeric materials are fused together, and separated if desired, thus creating a seam that is as strong or stronger than the individual material. The selection of seam fusing process parameters is determined by employing an optimization process that considers the impact each process parameter has in combination with one another. This ensures that desired output characteristics such as seam strength are obtained.