ISO/TC 61/WG 4 - Plastics joining

This document specifies quality levels for imperfections in joints in thermoplastic moulded components due to the joining process. This document does not describe imperfections that can be generated either during service or present before joining, such as poor fit up. The correct preparation before joining is described in the relevant thermal joining process specification (TJPS), as defined in ISO 23512. Three quality levels are specified in order to permit application for a wide range of the following joining processes: a) ultrasonic welding; b) ultrasonic spot welding; c) infrared welding; d) hot gas convection welding; e) vibration welding; f) spin welding; g) laser welding; h) hot plate welding; and i) heat staking: hot air; electrical, infrared and ultrasonic. They are designated by symbols B, C and D, where B is the most stringent. The quality levels refer to production quality and not to the fitness for purpose of the manufactured product. NOTE Standards on joining of plastic pipes, fittings, valves and/or auxiliary equipment, and the assessment of the properties of the resulting joints are developed and maintained by ISO/TC 138.

This document specifies the minimum essential variables in order to produce a component of the required consistency and quality for the following thermal joining processes: — ultrasonic welding/staking/spot welding; — infrared welding; — hot gas convection welding; — linear vibration welding; — orbital vibration welding; — spin welding; — laser welding; — hot plate welding; — heat staking: hot air; — heat staking: electrical; and — heat staking: infrared (IR). This document defines the thermal joining process specification (TJPS) for each of the thermal joining processes listed above, to ensure that all the essential variables are properly considered, including the qualified range of each variable, in order to establish and maintain component quality at an acceptable level. NOTE Standards on joining of plastic pipes, fittings, valves and/or auxiliary equipment, and the assessment of the properties of the resulting joints are developed and maintained by ISO/TC 138.