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2008
Journal Article
Titel
As good as welded
Abstract
Laser transmission welding and Liftec, a method that involves pressing of components heated by laser radiation, are two new processes that have been developed for thermal joining of plastic to metal or ceramic. The laser radiation is introduced into the joining zone through the plastic that needs to have an appropriate degree of transparency in the laser transmission assembly of plastic and metal joints. The electromagnetic energy is absorbed by the metal and converted to thermal energy, enabling the metal to heat up and the plastic to be plasticized through heat conduction. The contactless and locally bounded energy transfer in laser assembly processes prevents thermal damage to the material that is being joined. Mechanical stresses are also kept low, as the the parts being joined are free from movement relative to one another, during the joining process.