Laser Welding Innovations for Polymers and Hybrid Structures
G. Anwer and B Acherjee
Laser transmission welding (LTW) has emerged as a potential method for joining polymers where the hermetic sealing, and minimization of thermomechanical stresses and heat affected zone (HAZ) are crucial criteria, such as in medical equipment, electronics, electrical, microtechnology, packaging, etc. Several novel LTW techniques are developed over the years for joining polymers that differ in their laser scanning approaches, process flexibility, and cycle time. Clear welding, absorber-free welding, wobble welding and hybrid welding are among the notable advances in the LTW process. This welding process is used not only for polymer welding but also for hybrid structure welding between polymers and composites, metals, ceramics, wood, etc. LTW variants such as laser-assisted metal to polymer welding, laser-induced fusion technology are used for joining hybrid structures. This paper presents recent developments in the LTW process for joining polymers and hybrid structures; furthermore, the mechanical and morphological characterizations of the welds, as well as the advancements in LTW process simulation, are reviewed. Finally, future research directions and trends in LTW are highlighted.
Keywords: Laser transmission welding (LTW), polymer welding, hybrid structures, welding methods