Materials Technology

Joining Processes
 Overview – Joining Materials
OPTION
The student will learn about…

The methods by which materials are joined –

permanent and semi-permanent techniques

The student will be able to…

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the main methods

of joining materials – metallurgical processes,
mechanical joining and adhesive/chemical
bonding
 Overview – Joining Processes
JOINING TECHNIQUES P = Permanent
NP = Non-permanent

Metallurgical Mechanical Adhesive

Brazing Screw Fasteners Natural

P NP P
Soldering Compression Joints Elastomer
P NP P
Riveting Thermoplastic
P P
Sheet Metal Folding Thermoset
P P
Toughened
P
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Screw Fasteners
These are non-permanent methods of joining
materials. There is a very wide variety of screw
fasteners available they include;
•Woodscrews
•Self-drilling/tapping screws
•Machine screws
•Furniture screws
•Bolts
•Compression Joints
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Screw Fasteners
Woodscrews
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Screw Fasteners
Woodscrews

Wood Screw Pozi Head CSK Wood Screws Round Head Slotted
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Screw Fasteners
Furniture Screws

Furniture Screws & ‘Knock Down’ fittings

 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Screw Fasteners
Knock Down Fittings
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Self Drilling/Tapping Screws
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Machine Screws
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Bolts

Hexagon Flange Bolts

Chrome Hexagonal
Hexagon Bolts
Socket Head
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Nuts & Washers
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Compression Fittings

Straight Coupling Equal Tee

Used primarily in plumbing applications
 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Pop Rivets

Pop Riveting Tool with Threaded Inserts

This is a permanent joining process

 JOINING PROCESSES
MECHANICAL
Rivets

Snap Head Rivet Countersunk Rivet

These are used for permanent joints in steel plate

 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Soldering
Electric Cable

Replaceable Tip
Insulated Handle

Electric Soldering Iron

 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Soldering

Soldering Iron Stand Soldering Wire

 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Soldering a Component on
A Circuit Board

Component Lead Soldering Iron

Foil Circuit Board

The soldering iron tip is placed against the lead and the circuit board
foil. Both are heated for 3 or 4 seconds
 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Soldering a Component on
A Circuit Board

Cored Solder
Wire

The solder is applied to the lead opposite the soldering iron. It is the
heated lead and circuit board foil that melts the solder
 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Soldering a Component on
A Circuit Board

Molten Solder

As the solder melts it flows around the connection and forms a good
conductive joint with the foil. The soldering wire and the soldering iron are
then withdrawn and the joint is allowed to cool
 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Brazing

Firebrick
Brazing Torch

Brazing Hearth
 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Brazing

Whole of joint
area is heated
Brazing Torch
and it is the
heated joint
that melts the
Spelter
Brazing Rod (Spelter)
 JOINING PROCESSES
METALURGICAL
Brazing

Typical Brazing Applications

 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Natural Adhesives
These are made from natural ingredients
rather than being fabricated synthetically
from chemicals.

Sources
•Animal based
•Fish based
•Vegetable based
 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Natural Adhesives
Some natural adhesives have the following
properties, they can be;
•Strong
•Flexible
•Waterproof
•Soluble in water
•Transparent
However they are not as strong as synthetic
adhesives and are usually more expensive
 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Natural Adhesives
Are often used in furniture and architectural
restoration projects

They are also friendlier to the environment;

•No chemicals released into the soil or
atmosphere in production or use
•No aggravation of chemical based allergies
•Manufactured from renewable resources
 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Elastomer Adhesives
Are based on natural and synthetic rubbers. They
set by solvent evaporation or heat curing. Used
for flexible bonds in plastics and rubber

Type Description Materials

Natural Rubber Water resistant Rubber, plastics, steel,
fabrics, wood, glass
Neoprene Contact adhesive Wood, metal, leather,
plastics
Butyl Rubber Tyre repairs Rubber products
Polyurethane High strength joint Glass, polyurethane,
plastic, metals
Silicone Rubber Sealant, space filling, Silicone, glass, metals
water resistant, glazing
 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Thermoplastic Adhesives
Are fusible, soluble but with poor heat and creep
resistance

Type Description Materials

Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Emulsion type wood glue, Wood, metal, glass,
poor resistance to water ceramics
Cyanoacrylates Hardens in seconds Metal, plastics, ceramics,
based on catalytic action etc
Polyamines Applied hot – sets on Metal, wood, plastics,
cooling (hot glue gun) laminates
Anerobic Acrylic Acid Locking and sealing nuts Metals
Diesters and threaded parts
 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Thermoset Adhesives
High strength, suitable for high load assemblies
and resistant to heat and cold. Comparable with
the strength of welded or riveted joints
Type Description Materials
Resorcinol Resins Used in exterior plywood Wood and other porous
materials
Polyesters (unsaturated) Hardens by chemical Binder for fibre glass
reaction, not evaporation
– very little shrinkage
Epoxy Resin 2-part, high strength, little Metal, glass, elastomers,
shrinkage some plastics
Redux© adhesive (brand High performance, Metals
name) aerospace, marine,
automobiles
 JOINING PROCESSES
Adhesives
Toughened Adhesives
Research has led to the development of
high strength, toughened adhesives.

They have small rubber-like particles

dispersed throughout the glassy matrix.

This gives the adhesive a high resistance

to crack formation