Two-Step Laser Welding: Innovative Solutions for Absorbing Plastics

In today’s manufacturing environment, precise joining techniques are essential, especially when it comes to processing plastics. Two-step laser welding has been developed as an effective solution that overcomes the limitations of conventional single-step processes and sets new standards for processing absorbent plastics.

Challenges of single-step laser welding

Traditionally, single-step laser welding (transmission laser welding) is used on an already assembled component. This requires that one of the components be laser-transparent and the other laser-absorbing. The laser penetrates the upper component, strikes the material that absorbs the laser and melts the weld. However, this method often reaches its limits, especially when the material thickness of the components in the area to be irradiated is too high or when no laser-permeable material is available.

Two-step laser welding: flexibility and precision

The innovative two-step laser welding process offers a groundbreaking solution for overcoming these challenges and joining absorbent plastics to absorbent plastics. In the first step, the two components are separately and selectively melted on the surface before they are firmly pressed together in the second step. This eliminates the need for laser-transparent material and makes it easy to process thicker components.

Advantages of two-step laser welding

Wide range of materials that can be used: Unlike single-step processes, two-step laser welding imposes almost no restrictions on material thickness, conductivity or color. This means that a wide range of absorbent materials can be joined securely and reliably.

Precise heat input: The method enables the heat to be applied in a controlled manner at specific points. The width of the seam and depth of melting can be defined very precisely, which is crucial for the quality of the weld seam.

Resource-efficient and cost-effective: Compared to other joining methods, such as hot gas joining, two-step laser welding does not require increased energy input, which leads to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. In addition, extensive investments in clamping tools, gas sources and additional safety precautions are no longer necessary.

Conclusion

Two-step laser welding is a reliable and flexible solution for the challenge of processing absorbent plastics. With a clear focus on efficiency, quality and environmental friendliness, this process is positioned as a technological pioneer in the field of laser material processing.