What is this standard about?
This British Standard specifies quality levels for imperfections in joints in thermoplastic moulded components due to the joining process.
This British Standard does not describe imperfections that can be generated either during service or present before joining, such as poor fit up. The correct preparation before joining is described in the relevant thermal joining process specification (TJPS), as defined in BS 89100. It is not applicable to onsite joining processes.
Three quality levels are specified in order to permit application for a wide range of joining processes set out in a) to j) below. They are designated by symbols B, C and D, where B is the most stringent.
The quality levels refer to production quality and not to the fitness for purpose of the manufactured product.
a) ultrasonic welding;
b) ultrasonic spot welding;
c) infrared welding;
d) hot gas convection welding;
e) linear vibration welding;
f) orbital vibration welding;
g) spin welding;
h) laser welding;
i) hot plate welding; and
j) heat staking: hot air; electrical, infrared and ultrasonic.