State-of-art review of laser irradiation strategies applied to laser transmission welding of polymers

Abstract

Laser transmission welding (LTW) offers superior weld quality and mechanical performance over conventional polymer welding processes. The ever-increasing applications in a wide range of industrial products prove its competitive process advantages and cost-efficiency. The process capability and performance depend on material properties, process parameters, and laser irradiation and application strategies. A wide range of laser irradiation and application strategies have been developed and implemented in laser transmission welding. They vary in laser scanning methods, cycle time, process flexibility, etc. and their specific selection varies depending on the welding profile, work materials, part size, variety and volume of production, etc. A comprehensive survey of these approaches is carried out to evaluate their operating concepts, key features, process specifications, and implementations. Focusing on these objectives, this paper presents a state-of-the-art review of laser irradiation and application strategies applied to laser transmission welding of polymers.