SURFACE DAMAGE THRESHOLD IN LASER TRANSMISSION WELDING OF POLYCARBONATE

摘要

Paper identifies experimentally the process conditions leading to specimen surface damage of laser-transparent polycarbonate during laser transmission welding. Influence of surface finish, defects and contamination is determined. Surface damage mechanisms are discussed. The surface damage threshold (SDT) is measured over a range of laser speeds and powers. Suggestions are provided for increasing the SDT.