Polymer Laser Welding Equipment

[harryn]

Hi,

Some of you know that i have some historic business ties to Germany and still do some work for several firms there.

I would like to take this time to introduce a new relationship with Prolas Gmbh of Würselen, Germany.

Prolas produces equipment to laser weld polymer materials including hard plastics, fabrics, etc at remarkably high speeds and quality.

Feel free to explore their web site at www.prolas.de or contact me via PM for more information in North America.

Thanks

HarryN

[harryn]

Hi, since there have been 144 views and not one response, perhaps I did not put up sufficient information, or the market really is that slow.

The basic concept:

In conventional laser welding of materials such as steel, the beam heats the surface of the two parts causing a "surface effect" of welding.

In this "Plastic welding", it is quite different.

Imagine that you want to weld a "LID" onto a "CAN" , but cannot actually access the weld area. The "LID" is made from conventional polymers and can largely be "ANY" color.

The laser beam is in the IR range and will pass through the "LID" with minimal heating.

The "CAN" is also made from a conventional plastic, also most any color, but also contains a filler additive which absorbs at the IR range. The laser focuses on the "interface" of the "CAN" and "LID" causing melting / welding to occur.

This is a common technique for automotive parts in Europe, with welding speeds measured in the meters per second range.

I would ask a favor of you and let me know if you can think of anyone or an application that might be interested in such a process, even if you are not.

Thanks

HarryN