Laser tool allows welding of plastic components up to 500 mm

Citation

(2004), "Laser tool allows welding of plastic components up to 500 mm", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324daf.001

Laser tool allows welding of plastic components up to 500 mm

Laser tool allows welding of plastic components up to 500 mm

Keywords: Lasers, Welding, Plastics

A multifunctional laser tool, now available from Acal TC, sets a new standard of performance, modular design, and multifunctional use in the welding of plastics. Among the product's many benefits is the ability to weld components up to 500 mm in size (Figure 1).

High-performance diode lasers are widely used in industrial material-processing and, in recent years, the use of lasers for welding plastics has grown significantly in importance. This latest innovation integrates a laser source and scanner into a unique tool for plastics welding to the highest quality requirements.

Figure 1 Principle dynamic triaxial focusing of FLS inlineScan, illustration of intelligent supporters and scanhead FLS inlineScan

Designed and manufactured by FISBA OPTIK, one of the world's leading suppliers of optical systems, the FLS InlineScan features a modular design which allows the easy integration of functions such as a pyrometer, CCD camera and pilot beam. Using direct-beam coupling, the product combines radiation source and scanner into a compact, robust, and reliable tool for industrial production.

As well as allowing the processing of large workpieces, the FLS InlineScan has a high-quality laser spot for perfect weld widths, a compact design for easy integration in any production line, integrated sensors for high-quality welding of plastics, and is easily programmed with industrial- standard interfaces. No extra PC is required.

Fundamentally, the FLS inlineScan is a fast beam-deflection unit which positions the laser beam on the workpiece in a fraction of a second and moves at several metres per second. Until now, the laser was collimated, a process which limited weld width and working-field size, while the use of a pyrometer, CCD camera, and a visible pilot beam for the visual positioning of the laser beam through an FT objective is time-consuming. The new FLS inlineScan, however, elegantly eliminates these problems through the use of a third linear axis, which allows easy integration of a CCD camera, pyrometer, and pilot beam. The in-line arrangement of all the optical paths on a single axis means that external adjustments and calibrations are no longer necessary. A far greater laser beam cross section permits previously unachievable focusing qualities and therefore, larger working areas.

The modular design of the FLS inlineScan also allows a wide range of possible configurations. Conventional assembly with an F-Theta objective is straightforward, if required, and the FLS inlineScan is designed for both fibre-coupled and direct-beam high-performance diode lasers.

For more information, contact: Mike Garry, Acal TC, Lunsford Road, Leicester. LE5 OHH. Tel: +0116 274 4488; E-mail: pedsales@townsendcoates.com