Laser polymer processing

In view of the technological further development of the available laser and handling systems, the use of the laser beam for polymer processing, and for small and medium-sized batches in particular, is becoming more and more competitive. Typical laser applications in the field of material processing of polymers are laser beam separation, marking, and laser transmission welding.

Here, semi-conductor and sealed CO2 gas lasers are characterized by high process speeds, low maintenance requirements and low wear and operating costs. Further reasons for the increasing use of lasers for polymer processing are the low beam powers that are required to melt the material, the declining investment costs for beam sources and handling techniques, the increasingly compact design and the improved manageability of the available systems.

In the field of laser material processing of polymers the LZH offers the following:

• Feasibility studies and process development for laser beam separation
• Feasibility studies and process development for laser transmission welding
• Characterization of polymers regarding their optical properties
• Feasibility studies for marking, preparation of samples

Within the scope of various projects the LZH develops processes and systems for laser material processing of polymers. This includes that not only fundamental relations such as the influence of the process control on fluid dynamics during laser transmission welding are developed but also the applicability of processes to new materials and new fields of applications.