Amalgamation joining methods and apparatuses

A method of joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate, comprising:

• heating the amalgamation plate;
• embedding a plurality of first protrusions extending from the amalgamation plate into the first component with a joining tool, such that the first component is fixedly attached to the amalgamation plate;
• and
• embedding a plurality of second protrusions extending from the amalgamation plate into the second component with the joining tool, such that the first component, the amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein the amalgamation plate is substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that the amalgamation plate is hidden from view and environmental exposure.

A method of joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate, comprising:

• heating one of the first component and the amalgamation plate with one of a joining tool and a heating element, wherein the amalgamation plate is a plurality of amalgamation plates with connecting strips therebetween;
• attaching the amalgamation plate to the first component with the joining tool, wherein the plurality of amalgamation plates are attached to the first component in a continuous process;
• and
• attaching the second component to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, the amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and wherein the amalgamation plate is substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that the amalgamation plate is hidden from view and environmental exposure, wherein the plurality of amalgamation plates are attached to the second component in a continuous process.