Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Assessment Of Laser Plastic Welding And Counterparts

By Daniel Carter


Joining elastic materials specifically polymers has evolved over time. Initially, available technologies would accommodate simple two-dimensional designs. With the introduction of other technologies such as laser plastic welding, fusion is simpler, cheaper and more effective. Besides this technology, there are several other options like ultrasonic, friction based, high frequency as well as hot plate fusion. To understand each, the paragraphs below describe what they entail, their advantages and disadvantages.

Polymer joining through light rays is the most recent technology. Before implementing the bonding process, partner polymers must be made of a good heat conducting material on top and an absorbent one at the bottom. Once a ray of light is directed on the upper surface, it is absorbed by the lower polymer. This process leads to heat energy production. Heated parts are joined together through compression. This technique has numerous benefits which include lower maintenance cost and flexibility in terms of a number of designs which can be achieved. Additionally, processes are automated to ease monitoring.

However, it has several disadvantages. First, the initial capital to purchase and operational cost is very expensive. Like initially stated, only polymers with the capability of conducting and absorbing heat can be supported. For this reason, a specific team of people must be employed and trained to sort out materials. Additionally, not anyone can operate radiation based equipment since specialized training is needed.

Alternatively, joining can be obtained through friction. In the ultrasonic method, specific elements oscillate round partner surfaces. Friction created produces sufficient hotness to melt joining elements. Once molten, these parts require some compression for joining to happen. Compared to radiation equipment, this method is cheaper to purchase and handle machines for ultrasonic soldering. Additionally, low maintenance is required to keep machine operational.

One disadvantage of ultrasonic joining is flush generated as well as small particles which look like dust. If an individual is exposed to these for long, their health is affected. Unlike ray based soldering, very wide ultrasonic can only work in two dimensions. Additionally, the resultant weld line is wide with some instances having up to 10 mm spacing.

A third technique is the use of hot-plate. Joining parts of partners are placed on top and bottom of a heated metallic component so that opposite sides that are to be fused melt. Once they become molten enough, the plate is removed and surfaces joined immediately. The equipment needed are compressors and the metal plate which makes this technique inexpensive. Additionally, it is suitable for small devices which require hand-holding. However, it works with two-dimensional designs only.

A variant form of bonding results from an electric magnetic field which leads to oscillation of polar particles. Oscillation builds up the heat on contact surfaces which consequently melt. High-frequency soldering localizes heat on joints thus low current load. Localizing heat ensures minimal damage happens.

A variant of ultrasonic soldering is friction based method. Specifically, bonding parts are rubbed simultaneously to build up the heat. Once these sections are molten, bonding takes place easily. Long polymers mostly used in housing can be joined more effectively through this method. It is also cheaper to acquire and maintain.




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