Polyplastics, a supplier of engineering thermoplastics, has introduced a new bonding technology it says is unlike traditional joining methods such as plastics welding or adhesion.
AKI-Lock has few restrictions on the materials that can be used and forms strong, airtight bonds with combinations of different materials for which bonding had previously been difficult.
The bonding technology meets the increased market demand for weight reduction to address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reduces the number of parts, and provides stable adhesive strength and longevity.
The AKI-Lock technology uses the glass fibres in glass fibre reinforced resins as a physical anchor for bonding. Glass fibre is made bare by laser irradiation which is completed in a grid pattern. Strong bonds can then be achieved by pouring the resin to be bonded onto these anchors. Since the bond is formed by physical anchors, there is no time limitation from laser treatment until bonding. Masking is unnecessary since specific treatment areas can be identified. There is no need for etching solution to roughen the surface and no waste liquids or materials are produced.
Airtightness is enhanced due to three factors: the effect of resin entering and filling the gaps between the glass fibres; deformation in the grooves of the primary material due to the shear flow force of the secondary material; and crimping from mould shrinkage of the secondary material.
AKI-Lock helps to reduce assembly work and the number of components, thus lowering overall cost. The joining system also helps to reduce environmental impact using dry processes, including the elimination of adhesives.