Heated Tool Bonding of Plastic Pipes

Heated tool joining is a popular method for joining parts made from plastics and composite materials. The method is commonly known as butt fusion in the plastic pipe industry and this paper provides a short introduction to the basics of producing a good butt fusion joint. The function of each of the essential parts of the butt fusion equipment is described followed by a presentation of the important parameters of the bonding process in reference to a well-established interfacial pressure versus time curve. The butt fusion procedure is then outlined with good practices that detail the preparation of equipment and pipes to be joined as well as the fusion joining process.