Non-destructive methods of quality assessment of permanent joints of polymer materials

摘要

Purpose: The purpose of the research was the verification of usefulness of selected non-destructive testingmethods as tool of assessement of permanent joints of elements with variable thickness and geometry.Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted with the use of samples prepared from thecomponents used for strengthening the car seats. The elements were made from low-density polyethylene,applying the injection technology, and then butt welded. The quality assessment was conducted with the use ofselected non-destructive methods - visual, thermal imaging, shearography inspection and 3D scanning. In orderto verify the quality of the welds, tensile strength tests were conducted.Findings: The research conducted will indicate, within the researched scope, the method, which allows theidentification of flaws of permanent joints.Research limitations/implications: Within the frame of the work we limited ourselves to the analysis ofgeometry of weld performed with the application of the method of butt welding. The exact assessment ofquality of the joints performed requires additional tests which take into account the properly welded comparativesamples and other non-destructive methods.Practical implications: The application of non-destructive methods of quality assessment, particularly spatialscanning, allows the assessment of quality and exact dimensioning of flash both from outside (visible) andoutside of the element.Originality/value: The work presents the innovative applicatidhof spatial scanning 3D for the assessment offlash geometry achieved as the result of butt welding.