RF Welding
What Is Radio Frequency Welding?
Welding refers to joining any kind of material together by heating and melting, and it encompasses many different materials. Radio frequency, also known as dielectric welding, uses high-frequency radio waves to heat the plastic surfaces of two different items as they face one another to create an airtight seal. This heat reaches the point where the plastic surfaces begin to melt, and the two surfaces or materials blend together. Once the radio waves stop and the material cools down, the two different materials remain fused together, bonded now as one larger item.
One of the easiest comparisons to make is that the high-frequency plastic welding process is similar to the process of microwaving food. A radio frequency welder emits waves that hit the materials in question, melting them and causing a change in structure. This entire process is caused by using high-frequency waves, just like in a microwave.
In a perfect weld, the radio frequency waves will create a firm and extremely durable seal that is entirely airtight, preventing air, moisture and all other components from leaking. This seal can be pulled, twisted and otherwise stressed without loosening or coming apart.
You might hear this process referred to as radio frequency welding, radio frequency sealing or even high-frequency sealing. All of these are names for the same thing and indicate the same process.
Some people call radio frequency welding heat sealing, but they aren’t the same thing. Heat sealing joins two plastics together with direct heat and pressure from a constantly heated die that contacts the plastics. radio frequency welding does heat the molecules of two plastics, but no external heat source touches the plastic. In fact, for the most efficient welds, the radio frequency machinery should be kept at or just above room temperature.
What Materials Can Be Used in RF Welding?
Most commonly, this method applies to different varieties of plastics. This is because most plastics are relatively malleable and can melt under enough heat before re-firming into a new and combined shape. A few of the plastic materials that you might find used in a radio frequency welding process include:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
- Polyurethane.
- Nylon.
- Cellulose acetate.
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
Chism Manufacturing provides OEM contract services, RF welding, mainly film and we work with a wide range of industries including medical, fire & safety, industrial, aerospace, aviation and defense. Our expert manufacturing capabilities and commitment to customer service have made us one of the premier custom manufacturing companies in the nation. Our strength resides in serving our customers from conceptualization through development, to production and delivery. Contact us if you are looking for RF welding goods for OEMs.