The volume is divided into two main parts: processes and materials. Each chapter discusses a different joining technique: heated tool, ultrasonic, vibration, spin, radio frequency, hot gas, extrusion, laser, infrared, resistive implant, induction, flash free, friction stir, microwave and solvent welding, heat sealing, adhesive bonding, and mechanical fastening.

A systematic approach is used to discuss each method. Typically, the following subjects are discussed for each method: process, advantages and disadvantages, applications, materials, equipment, joint design and welding parameters. This gives a concise but thorough evaluation of the potentials of each method and includes the required knowledge to use this information for practical purposes.

The second part of the book covers material-specific joining information. It includes sections on 25 generic polymer families (e.g., polyamides), each containing information on one or more polymers (e.g., nylon 6, 66, 612, 11, 12). Each section on a particular polymer contains information organized according to the different joining methods that have been used for this material. In addition, the book contains a directory of international suppliers and a glossary of the key terms used in plastics joining.