Patent ID: 6180038
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B29C,B29L,F28F

Abstract:
A method for bonding a plurality of tubes into a device as part of a header or manifold for a plastic heat exchanger, each of which tubes and header or manifold is formed from a thermoplastic polymer, said device having a first solid member and a second solid member in spaced apart relationship to form a hollow cavity therebetween, said device having a plurality of tubular channels extending through each of said solid members in an aligned relationship, the channels, through at least one of said solid members being linear and being of a shape and size to accommodate in sliding engagement one tube for each channel in each header such that the tubes may be passed through said member, through the hollow cavity and into the channels of the other solid member to provide fluid flow communication through the device; comprising the steps of:inserting said tubes into the linear channels, such that they extend through the hollow cavity and into the channels of the other solid member;injecting molten polymeric composition into the hollow cavity, said molten composition having a temperature lower than the melting point of said thermoplastic polymer, said composition being selected and being used in an amount so as to bond to the thermoplastic polymer and to the tubes to form fluid-tight bonds therewith.