Product Code: PIC06_108

Comparison of Linear and Spinning Laser Beam Technologies for Welding of Thermoplastics to Timber
Authors:
Bjoern Kretschmer, Swinburne University of Technology; Melbourne Australia
Milan Brandt, IRIS, Swinburne Univ. of Technology; Melbourne Australia
A. Ostendorf, Laser Zentrum Hannover; Hannover Germany
D. Herzog, Laser Zentrum Hannover; Hannover Germany
J. Harris, IRIS, Swinburne Univ. of Technology; Melbourne Australia
S. Barcikowski, Laser Zentrum Hannover; Hannover Germany
Presented at PICALO 2006

The fundamentals of the spinning laser beam process for welding of wood fiber composites to thermoplastics are discussed in this report. The characterisation of the spinning laser beam is given mathematically. The experimental results are given by thermo graphic measurements to reveal the process fundamentals for linear and spinning beam processing. In comparison to the linear beam technology, the spinning laser beam shows the ability to use laser energy more efficiently, app. 50 % in terms of shear stress. The laser beam manipulation technique such as the spinning beam excites increasing process efficiency by deeper penetration of the laser beam and decreasing the viscosity for various materials. The result, increasing the process speed is possible without increasing laser power.