Abstract: A method for welding thermoplastic components, in particular, thermoplastic fiber composite structural components for an aircraft or spacecraft, having the following steps. Arranging an insert, which has a conductor structure having a plurality of parallel electrical conductor elements, in a joining zone between a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component such that at least some portions of the parallel electrical conductor elements are located in the joining zone; locally melting the components in the region of the joining zone by supplying current to the conductor structure; disconnecting the connector elements; and removing the insert from the joining zone by pulling out the disconnected conductor elements. An insert for the resistance welding of thermoplastic components is also provided.

Abstract: A heating element for resistance welding of thermoplastic components includes an electrically conductive sheet with cut-outs, wherein a ratio of cut-outs to electrically conductive sheet changes at least along a transverse direction of the sheet, so that an electrical resistance of the sheet has a maximum at a center of the sheet. A welding kit includes the heating element and an electrical insulation layer. A method of manufacturing the heating element, and a method of employing the heating element for welding two thermoplastic components to one another are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for welding thermoplastic components, in particular, thermoplastic fiber composite structural components for an aircraft or spacecraft, having the following steps. Arranging an insert, which has a conductor structure having a plurality of parallel electrical conductor elements, in a joining zone between a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component such that at least some portions of the parallel electrical conductor elements are located in the joining zone; locally melting the components in the region of the joining zone by supplying current to the conductor structure; disconnecting the connector elements; and removing the insert from the joining zone by pulling out the disconnected conductor elements. An insert for the resistance welding of thermoplastic components is also provided.