WELDING OF AUTOMOTIVE POLYMERIC COMPONENTS USING LASER RADIATION 2001-01-3357

This paper gives an overview of the actual work performed in the field of welding of automotive polymeric components at the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH). Laser beam sources at different wavelengths are applied, e.g. highly efficient diode laser systems and diode pumped Nd:YAG-laser operating in quasi-continuous wave mode. Welding velocities up to several m/min can be reached, dependent on material composition, absorption characteristic, thickness and average laser output power. Furthermore, capabilities of a thermographic system for material’s qualification related to their weldability will be presented by investigations of different plastic components. Experimental results for thermographic process control during the welding process are presented as well.