What is Laser Welding?

Laser welding of plastic parts has established itself as a robust, flexible and precise joining process. It enables highly efficient and flexible assembly from a small-scale production of parts with complex geometries to a high volume industrial manufacturing, where it can be easily integrated into automation lines. The plastic laser welding process uses a laser beam to melt the plastic in the joint area by delivering a controlled amount of energy to a precise location. This level of precision in controlling the heat input is based on the ease of adjusting the beam size and the range of methods available for precise positioning and moving the beam.

Advantages of Laser Welding Plastic

Particulate-Free

Bond Strength Virtually That of Parent Material

Minimal Thermal or Mechanical Part Stress

Micron-Level Precision and Control of Haz

No Damage to Surrounding Material or Internal Components

Smaller Parts

Highly Repeatable, Excellent for High Volumes and Automation

Aesthetically Pleasing Welds

Quality Control

Hold Tight Tolerances

3D Joints and Radial Welds

No Consumables + Low Failure Rate = Low Total Cost of Ownership

1 Micron Laser welding

vs

2 Micron Laser welding

GLAVOMETER SCANNER

Precise control delivers consistent weld quality
Repeatability (+/- 5 microns)
Beam spot size
- 1 µm: <0.5 mm
- 2 µm: 0.3 mm
Any desirable pattern
Non-Contact Process
Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Types of Laser Welding Processes

Contour Welding

In the case of contour welding, a focused laser beam moves sequentially along the welding seam, melting it locally. Due to the geometric conditions, the welding volume remains small and so the melt does not escape. Relative movement is achieved through the motion of the component, the laser, or a combination of the two.

Quasi Simultaneous

Two scanner mirrors deflect the laser spot and guide it along the welding contour at a very high speed. The joining surface is traversed several times per second, whereby the laser beam effectively heats and plasticizes the entire welding seam at the same time. Part tolerances can be melted off forming a welding bead, as both joining parts are pressed together during the welding process.

Request A Quote