How to Get Started with Laser Plastic Welding Webinar
Learn how to use laser plastic welding to achieve a precise, strong, and clean assembly.
Debunking Laser Plastic Welding Myths
Learn which of your expectations about laser welding are true and which are false.
How to Design for Laser Plastic Welding Webinar
Learn how to design your parts for laser plastic welding.
Configurable, cost-effective laser plastic welding that meets your needs
Are you tired of trying to fit your plastic laser welding application into the constraints of one-size-fits-all laser welding machines? At Extol, we take a different approach. We design each laser welding solution around your application. That way, you get the optimum performance and cycle time for your needs.
The Laser Plastic Welding Process
Laser plastic welding uses a precise IR laser beam that is transmitted through a transmissive material and absorbed by an absorptive material. The two materials are held in tight contact with each other and the joint between them heats up and melts as energy from the laser is absorbed. The result is a clean weld with minimal flash.
Clamp
The two parts are clamped together with the IR transparent material on top and the absorbing material on the bottom.
Heat
The laser is transmitted through the top component and absorbed by the lower component, heating and melting the joint.
Cool
The laser turns off and the clamping force is maintained to allow the joint to cool and solidify.
We’ve been doing IR for 20+ years.
Application-driven laser welding solutions
Many laser welding applications need a special solution to optimize speed and performance. We custom tailor each laser welding machine to the application. That means the machine can be as large or as small as you need it to be. It can apply force using whatever method you want. And it can use the laser technology that is best suited for your parts.
How Extol guides you to the best laser welding solution
COLLABORATE – We work with you to gain a deep understanding of the needs for your specific application.
DESIGN – We help you design your parts for the best results with laser welding. Not only do we provide laser welding guidelines to get you started, but we review your design and provide specific recommendations. Beyond that, we validate your design by welding and testing the assembly with equipment in our lab.
CONFIGURE – Using what we’ve learned about you and your application, we configure a solution that is perfect for your needs.
DELIVER – We design, build, and deliver your laser welding equipment. But we don’t stop there. Our exceptional team supports you from launch through the life of the program.
Laser Welding Benefits
Clean
Laser welding can minimize or eliminate unwanted particulate and visually unacceptable flash by precisely applying the right amount of energy to the weld surface. Excess heat isn’t needed to generate strong, clean, and repeatable welds.
Fast
Extremely focused energy means the plastic is heated exceptionally fast. This translates to fast weld times.
Precise
Miniaturized part designs and closer proximity of internal components is possible with the control and accuracy of Extol’s laser plastic welding system. The energy goes exactly where it needs to on every part.
Learn how to design for laser welding.
A properly designed weld joint is critical to achieving the desired weld strength and appearance. Follow our easy-to-use guidelines to optimize your part design for laser plastic welding and achieve the best weld possible.
Contour
Contour laser welding uses one continuous pass of the laser along the weld path with enough energy to melt and weld the parts. This works well for flat to flat weld joints.
Quasi-Simultaneous
Quasi-simultaneous laser welding uses many very fast passes along the weld path to simulate the laser energy being applied to the whole weld joint simultaneously. This works well in T-style weld joints to get consistent, simultaneous displacement in the weld joint.
Line Beam
Line beam laser welding uses optics to spread the laser energy into a curtain that is passed over the part like a wide paintbrush. This works well for small intricate parts and larger flat area welding.
Masking
Masking uses a similar line beam curtain laser, but with a precision-cut mask over the part to shield the areas that don't require laser energy. This works well for ultra-precise welding with weld ribs less than 0.7 mm wide.
Find answers to all your questions about laser plastic welding.
Read our blog posts about laser welding.
Alternatives to Ultrasonic Welding
If you’re familiar with plastic welding, you’ve probably encountered ultrasonic welding. It’s the most well-known plastic welding technology. But just because it’s popular, doesn’t mean it is the best choice for every application. It has many benefits, but also some drawbacks. What do you do if ultrasonic welding isn’t your best option? And how do you know?
Introducing LaserLock™ Plastic Weld Tooling
Have you seen laser plastic welding applications that are tricky to tool? How do you make sure the parts align properly every time? We have a solution for you! Introducing LaserLock™ plastic weld tooling.
Ensure consistent, strong welds with Extol’s patent-pending LaserLock™ plastic weld tooling. LaserLock tooling repeatably locates and holds your plastic parts inside the laser welding machine, which is crucial for success. This solution makes process setup easy and allows for more flexibility in your part design.
Laser Plastic Welding Myths Debunked
There are several myths about laser plastic welding machines and their technology. Let us clear things up a bit. These are some of the top laser plastic welding myths DEBUNKED…
Request a quote for a laser welder.
Tell us about your application and request a quote. Whether you want integrable laser components, a standalone machine, or custom automation, we’ve got you covered.
Let us know what you need.