Search results

This paper focuses on some of the presentations given at a technical workshop on “Laser processing of polymer‐based materials”, organised by Association of Industrial Laser Users. Applications in cutting and welding are discussed and specifically how different combinations of polymer materials and laser types produce different results. Applications are described that include pre‐weakening of car trims for integrated airbags and “on the fly” scribing of web materials used in packaging. In several of these applications, robots play an important role in manipulating the laser beam.

The latest developments in the use of lasers for welding plastics are reviewed. Lasers were demonstrated as being suitable for welding plastics in 1970. However, it is only now that they are finding wide application following technical developments in transmission laser welding and ClearWeld™, and the availability of small, economic diode laser systems.

Describes the properties and uses of a new colour‐change chemical for laser‐printing of human and machine‐readable data.

Presents the characteristics and modes of application of the chemical, its advantages over the current techniques of inkjet printing and laser‐marking, and a number of applications which show its distinctive features.

This chemical gives faster throughput and better print clarity than existing laser scribing processes, and opens up new anti‐counterfeiting techniques.

Draws attention to an invention that will make an impact on factory date‐coding procedures.

High‐powered diode lasers are becoming increasingly used in manufacturing for transmission welding of thermoplastic materials. This process can replace many of the traditional techniques such as ultrasonic welding. Benefits include being a non‐contact process that can encapsulate sensitive electronic housings without damage. This is described in an electronic throttle assembly case study.

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the opportunities and challenges of mass customisation (MC), together with the possibilities for enablement using the technologies of rapid manufacturing (RM).

A thorough evaluation of numerous approaches to RM of customised products is presented, with particular focus on relative advantages and limitations of each technology. To demonstrate the applicability of specific techniques, case studies from both consumer and medical applications are reported based on original research.

The paper highlights not only the opportunities for RM technologies, but also the limitations of specific processes. This approach provides guidance for practitioners in the selection of appropriate technologies for MC enablement.

The focus of this practitioner review is limited to proprietary RM materials and systems which are already commercially available, with relatively little attention given the technologies presently in development.

Whilst RM and MC have already received much attention in the literature, comparatively little consideration has been given to the unification of both concepts. This paper has particular emphasis on this unification with respect to the selection of appropriate technologies, and presents an appraisal of existing applications making use of RM. Through this approach, practitioners gain information in the selection of appropriate technologies for MC.

Controlled gloss levels and colour consistency were among the factors that led high technology instrument makers Ometron, in consultation with sub‐contractors Plastic Coatings Ltd, to choose Whitford Plastics Ltd's Xylan 1010 and Xylan 4500 fluoropolymer coatings for the surface finish of the aluminium housing on their “VPI Sensor” scanning laser vibrometer.

Trials using high powered laser arrays recently available, have shown that a range of joining and surface treatment processes are possible. These range from transmission welding of polymeric materials to surface hardening, soldering and welding of steels.