Laser radiation as all-round tool for composite parts

Laser-based technology offers great potential in the treatment of fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The here presented processing steps, cutting and welding have been successfully implemented on a composite rear seatback. These process steps could be combined using further automation and achieve an almost complete post-processing using flexible laser cells. To extend these possibilities, a BMBF-project called InProLight was started at the end of 2011. As part of this project, substantial aspects of the laser processing of fiber reinforced thermoplastics will be examined (www.inprolight.de).