Testing of Plastic Welds

If high strength welds are required for your job, you may choose to perform some destructive tests of test welds to verify material compatibility and welding process.

The basis of destructive testing is to assess whether the weld rod material has properly fused to the base material.  This means that the molecular bonds of the weld rod have joined with the based material.

In essence, you want to pull the weld apart, attempting to pull the weldrod away from the base material.  A good weld will see the weld stretch / elongate without breaking away from the base material.

If the weld breaks away from the base material you should:

a)       Check for material compatibility;

b)      Check your preparation process and weld zone cleanliness;

c)       Check that the welding temperature is correct for the material type;

d)      Check that you are applying sufficient pressure during the welding process to form a proper fusion of material.

e)      Sufficient cooling time was given before the weld zone was moved