Originally Published EMDM
September 2003
INDUSTRY NEWS
Laser Welding Method Comes to EuropeA laser welding process that uses near-infrared- absorbing materials to join rigid and flexible plastics is now available to plastics fabricators in Europe. The Clearweld method produces welds without particulates, flash, adhesives, or the addition of unwanted colour. It is marketed by Gentex Corp. (Carbondale, PA, USA).
Created in conjunction with TWI (Cambridge, UK), Clearweld uses absorbing materials that convert laser energy to heat. A thin layer of these materials is applied at the interface of two pieces of plastic. The materials absorb the light, acting as a focal point for the laser. Localized heating of the substrates results in an instant weld with no visible colour.
Process parameters can be controlled precisely. Low heat input reduces the risk of thermal distortion or damage. The material systems match substrates and optimize absorption of diode and Nd:YAG lasers in the 940–1064-nm wavelength range.
Contact Gentex Corp., 324 Belmont Ave., Carbondale, PA 18407, USA; phone: +1 570 2828514; fax: +1 570 2828514; Internet:
www.gentexcorp.com; email: lfrieder@gentexcorp.com.
Laura Angela Bagnetto
Copyright ©2003 European Medical Device Manufacturer
