Balloon dilation catheters used to expand the coronary vessels must not only be leak-proof but are also subject to tight tolerances. A CO2 laser integrated into a welding system ensures the requirements are implemented in series production, while making for a robust process that offers short cycle times.
Laser plastic welding is becoming well known for its ability to join complex and detailed parts. In fact, the technology is driving innovation for products that were once not possible in the medical, automotive and consumer electronics industries.
However, there still exists a stigma that laser technology cannot compete economically with other joining methods. Despite the technical advantages, the initial capital investment of laser systems has been a stumbling block for the technology.
Quality starts with a safe and reliable welding process, and continues with proper testing. The LPKF LQ systems boast integrated process monitoring including regulation mechanisms which correct even the smallest deviations.This brochure highlights the process monitoring capabilities of laser welding systems.
Laser plastic welding is well suited to work with most any plastic joining need. However, each joining method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This paper will walk you through the pros and cons of each method, to help you determine which process is best for your application.
Small automotive sensor housings are the bread-and-butter application for laser plastic welding to date. Hermetically sealed, durable and clean joints prove laser welding is the right solution for the auto electronics industry.
Car headlights and tail lamps have traditionally been glued or hot plate welded. However, with greater emphasis on break and head lamps, these methods are becoming outdated. Adhesive bonding, although capable of providing a clean look, leaves weak seals that eventually degrade and result in condensation. And, although, hot plate welding can produce a longer lasting bond, the lack of precision has car lamp designers in need of a solution with some aesthetic capabilities.
Lasers have gained an excellent reputation for joining plastic components together. They create very efficient joints and boast qualitative as well as economic benefits. Please see the article on the current state-of-the-art, or science, for laser plastic welding below.
The LQ-Vario MF is a specialized version of the standard LQ-Vario system. The MF version is specially designed to weld microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices require extremely precise and accurate welding. The MF series Vario is outfitted with a special fiber laser that is capable of producing beam spot sizes as small as 0.07mm in diameter, a necessity when looking to produce fine weld seams such as the ones required by microfluidic devices.
With a robotic arm guided laser source, this system is designed for large parts and complex shapes. Did someone say car tail lights? The hybrid technology integrated into this systems sets it apart from the mix of other laser welders. Hybrid technology takes advantage of halogen lamps to provide polychromatic heating to the both welding partners. This added heat helps stabilize the plastic for the welding process as well as remove the need for an annealing process post-welding.
The LQ-Integration is a versatile system designed to integrate seamlessly with any automation/production line. The welding head is separated from the main control cabinet. The system comes with all of the benefits and capabilities of a stand-alone laser plastic welding system such as process monitoring controls, versatile software and state-of-the-art clamping technology.
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