Influence of storage condition of PVC rooftop sheets on the hot Air welding process

Abstract

One of the common welding methods for polymer rooftop sheets is the overlap welding by hot air either done manually for small parts or with a welding machine for long sheets. The weld quality depends on different parameters like the welding speed, the welding temperature or the pressure applied on the joining materials. Due to the field of application of rooftop sheets, there are other environmental influences like the ambient temperature, the air humidity or direct sunshine which can cause a decrease of the welding quality. This work will focus on a pre welding influence, the storage temperature of the rooftop sheets and how it affects the welding quality. Two poly vinyl chloride (PVC) rooftop sheets were chosen and tested separately. The materials were cut into small sheets, stored under different temperature conditions, and were welded afterwards. The welded samples were tested according to the DIN EN 12317-2 to determine the shear resistance of the weld as it is an important mechanical property and a good indicator for the quality of the weld. The results show a minor influence on the welding process but no influence on the quality of the weld itself as all weld lines of all samples managed to stay intact

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