Germany, May 20 -- BASF has patented a novel hot gas welding process for plastics. The technology enables thermoplastic components - especially those made of Ultramid(R) Advanced (polyphthalamide PPA) - to be welded significantly faster, more energy-efficiently and in a more material-friendly manner than with conventional hot gas welding processes.At the heart of the patented solution is a special tool design: the hot process gas is no longer blown onto the welding ribs selectively from individual nozzles; instead, it is guided in a targeted manner along the welding ribs via channel-like structures. This ensures even gas distribution and minimizes heat losses. The welding ribs are plasticized more homogeneously without requiring high gas te...