Effect of the meltdown on thermoplastic joint produced by quasi-simultaneous laser transmission welding

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of the polymer pair meltdown process and mechanical properties using three different laser transparencies 20%, 30% and modulated, ranging from a minimum 27% to a maximum 47%. The cross-sections of joints were analysed with an optical microscope. Burst pressure was performed to evaluate the strength of welded joints produced with different laser welding process parameters. Welding parameters, scanning speed and meltdown were varied and their influence on the quality of the polymer joint was recorded and evaluated. With the increase of meltdown, a more molten volume of polymer can be seen in the cross-section area. It was shown that with the increase of meltdown, the formation of pores occurred due to the high energy concentration obtained within each laser scan passing across the weld seam. The decrease of burst pressure in all polymer pairs was observed with 0.33 mm and 0.34 mm targeted meltdown. Burn marks and burned lines were observed in joints with 20% laser transparency. Modulated laser transparency influenced non-homogeneous temperature distribution inside the joint, which influenced the formation of heat-affected zones (HAZ) and pores. A study of the influence of cooling time on joint formation showed that it is possible to variate total meltdown while changing cooling time until the joint is solidified. • Within the increase of meltdown, bigger weld flash occurred inside weld seam. • Peak weld strength observed at specific meltdown values. • The decrease of weld strength is influenced by defect formation inside seam. • Non-homogeneous melting, HAZ observed with modulated laser transparency polymers. • Total meltdown can be controlled by modulating cooling time.