APPLICATIONS WITH INFRARED WELDING OF THERMOPLASTICS

摘要

This paper reviews the development of IRAM~(TM) welding (Infrared Assembly Method). In particular one mode of IRAM welding which is based on the concept of passing light (λ=800 to 950 nm) through one component being welded and having the second component absorb the light at the interface. This absorption results in heating and melting of the interface and allows the parts to be welded. The major breakthrough in this technology is the ability to illuminate the entire welding surface simultaneously. There are many advantages to this technology compared to heating a single spot and translating the laser spot across the welding zone including: faster (3-10 seconds/weld), no problems with "run-on" / "run-off', less residual stresses, able to weld to large collapses, no moving parts and easily automated.