Method of joining two thermoplastic articles

摘要

Methods and fasteners are provided for joining thermoplastic articles and for connecting a single thermoplastic article to a non-thermoplastic substrate. A first thermoplastic article (10) and a second thermoplastic article (12) can be placed against each other, and then localized adjacent portions of the articles are heated preferably with an ultrasonic heating device. A sharpened end (32) of a thermoplastic fastener (30) is driven through the heated areas (20, 22) of the first thermoplastic article (10) and the second thermoplastic article (12). Upon cooling of the heated areas (20, 22) of the first thermoplastic article and the second thermoplastic article, those articles are locked to the thermoplastic fastener (30) by fusion of the contacting surfaces of the articles and fastener.