Continuous motion spin welding apparatus, system, and method

A method of friction welding separate parts of a plastic component to one another with an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a rotational drive assembly coupled to a turret assembly arranged to be rotationally driven thereby about a longitudinal axis, the turret assembly including a plurality of spindle assemblies disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, each spindle assembly defining a spindle axis and including at least one drive mechanism coupled to a chuck configured to receive and hold a first part of the plastic component, the method comprising:

• rotating the turret assembly about the longitudinal axis;
• supplying a first part to one of the spindle assemblies on the turret assembly;
• supplying a second part to the turret assembly;
• moving the chuck of the spindle assembly along the respective spindle axis;
• engaging the first part with the chuck;
• contacting the first part of the plastic component with a second part of the plastic component;
• and
• moving the chuck and the first part relative to the second part at a speed sufficient to permanently bond the first part to the second part.