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US 10,889,064 B1Granted
Process for laser welding of crosslinked polyethylene
AssigneeMercury Plastics, Inc.
InventorsDonald Currey, Scott R. Gardner, William Blue
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Examples herein relate generally to methods, and associated components, characterized by the laser welding of crosslinked polyethylene plumbing components so as to create a leak-proof connection with both mechanical and thermal fusion bonds.
Claims20
A process for laser welding crosslinked polyethylene components, comprising the following steps:
- providing a transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component;
- providing an absorptive crosslinked polyethylene component;
- expanding an end of the transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component;
- inserting an end of the absorptive crosslinked polyethylene component into the expanded end of transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component;
- contracting the expanded end of the transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component using shape memory to form a compressive contact with the end of the absorptive crosslinked polyethylene component;
- and
- directing a laser beam through the transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component onto an outer surface of the absorptive crosslinked polyethylene component,
- wherein the step of contracting the expanded end of the transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component using shape memory creates a mechanical bond between the transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component and the absorptive crosslinked polyethylene component,
- wherein the step of directing a laser beam creates a thermal fusion bond between the transmissive crosslinked polyethylene component and the absorptive crosslinked polyethylene component.
6 more elements
A process for laser welding polyethylene components, comprising the following steps:
- providing a transmissive polyethylene component;
- providing an absorptive polyethylene component;
- expanding an end of the transmissive polyethylene component;
- inserting an end of the absorptive component into the expanded end of transmissive polyethylene component;
- contracting the expanded end of the transmissive polyethylene component using shape memory to form a compressive contact with the end of the absorptive component;
- directing a laser beam through the transmissive polyethylene component onto an outer surface of the absorptive polyethylene component;
- and
- crosslinking the transmissive polyethylene component and the absorptive polyethylene component,
- wherein the step of contracting the expanded end of the transmissive component using shape memory creates a mechanical bond between the transmissive polyethylene component and the absorptive component,
- wherein the step of directing a laser beam creates a thermal fusion bond between the transmissive component and the absorptive component.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.