Axenics’ plastic welding expertise on display in Welding Journal

​The demand for plastic welding services grows along with the white-hot demand for semiconductor manufacturing. Plastic welding is a specialty of Axenics’ welding experts, and their techniques are profiled in a new article in the March 2021 issue of Welding Journal from the American Welding Society.

Plastic welding is the operation of creating a molecular bond between two thermoplastics that are compatible in nature. Hot gas welding is the process we utilize most-frequently for welding plastics. Our unique and proprietary plastic welding technique has been a boon for engineers and project managers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers for more than 20 years.

Assisting in the growth of the semiconductor industry

Global sales of semiconductors in 2020 substantially outpaced sales for 2019, and sales are on track for even larger numbers in 2021. The call for technology advancements means semiconductor fabricators are expanding multiple systems in their productions at once. This demand requires an increase in production for the plastic welding team at Axenics.

We’re in a constant state of readiness for the expansion of industries that create smaller, better and faster technology. We anticipate and comprehend the challenges of semiconductor manufacturers, as semiconductors are necessary for a wide range of technology-enriched devices and machines across many industries.

The intense consumer demand doesn’t mean the tiers of semiconductor manufacturers can automatically increase their own production space to store new materials and machinery, or hire new fabricators and train them. That’s where plastic welding services experts like Axenics come in, as manufacturing partners to quickly and seamlessly take on the tasks that come with industry growth.

Axenics’ semiconductor production customers utilize piping kits made with Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), though Axenics fabricates a variety of plastics via welding and bending (see below).

Why our plastic welding services are a notch above the competition

Our area of expertise is the fabrication of components that go into the production systems that make semiconductor microchips. Those chips help power the technology that keeps the public safe and informed. Demand for contactless technology surges, and that’s one of the reasons the demand for semiconductors continues growing into 2021.

Axenics welds thermoplastics, including fluoropolymers, in tighter tolerances than our competitors can achieve. Thermoplastics, while extremely versatile, can be used to create durable, long-lasting welds. Certain plastics also have a slower deterioration time than metals. Thus, depending on the project and the ultimate use of the components, we can recommend a solution that will ensure the welds have staying power.

The proprietary welding method Axenics uses is also highly repeatable, which is helpful as the demand for “more and faster” increases. Axenics’ method of welding plastics does not alter the chemical makeup of the piping and does not compromise the piping in any way. This remains an important distinction that attracts fabrication engineers, as the welded plastic piping kits provide a flawless and consistent transportation system of potentially dangerous and harmful chemicals and gases.

Plastic welding improves the lifespan of semiconductor manufacturing systems

Thermoplastic welding can extend the lifespan of production systems for semiconductor chip manufacturers. One reason is the bond created through plastic welding actually strengthens that portion of the thermoplastic. There is a decreased chance for leaks, fissures or other faults in our plastic welds. Axenics performs welding and bending of thermoplastic pipe that fits directly into liquid and chemical delivery systems.

Companies that produce semiconductor chips and components require the safe transport of potentially caustic chemicals. Plastics, by nature, are more chemically resistant than most metals, so plastic pipe is the wise choice to maintain the safety and reliability of not only fabricators’ production systems, but also their end products.

We weld a variety of thermoplastics

• Polytetrafluoroethylene is resilient, stable and features the ability to withstand exposure to harsh chemicals
• Polyvinyl chloride is lightweight and rigid as well as known for its strength and fire retardant properties
• Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures
• Polypropylene is known for its elasticity and high chemical resistance
• High-density polyethylene is known for its broad strength-to-density ratio
• Polyvinylidene fluoride is a durable, strong plastic known for its ability to withstand harsh chemicals

Engineers and project managers take note: at Axenics there’s virtually no limit on the length of thermoplastic pipe that can be welded, and no limit on the complexity or number of welds. We’re ready to help you expand your production today. We’re also happy to send you a sample of our plastic welded components.

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