Composite Polymer Joining by Laser Combined Hybrid Laser Process

Abstract

A novel hybrid process (2D scanner + LASER + CNC machining) was used to join transparent and opaque polymers. A 30W diode laser and a 3-axis CNC machining center were combined to accommodate a 2D scanning system for high flexibility and productivity. The scanning speed, the number of repetitions and the laser power were selected as parameters for the weld test. By combining CNC and laser, the productivity and accuracy were improved and manufacturing cost decreased accordingly. The maximum speed of 1130 mm/min was achieved with minimum power of 2Watt. The developed system demonstrated the joining of transparent PC and opaque ABS polymers by using 2 dimensional laser beam motion. The air gap could be minimized by using constant force on the upper holding plate, and preheating by the first run of the laser system. The weld bead decreased at the lower laser power and the higher laser scanning speed.