INFLUENCE OF PART THICKNESS, GLASS FIBRE CONTENT AND LINE ENERGY ON LASER TRANSMISSION WELDING OF POLYAMIDE mXD6

摘要

Laser transmission welding is a process used to join two thermoplastic materials based on their abilities to transmit and absorb laser energy. The influence of part thickness, glass fibre content, and line energy on the laser welding of a semi-aromatic polyamide was examined. Plaques of polyamide mXD6 were moulded at three different thicknesses (0.5 mm 1 mm, and 2 mm), a range of glass fibre contents (0, 30, 50 and 60%) in both natural and black. Lap welds were made using a Rofin Sinar diode laser in a contour welding mode over a range of line energies. The assemblies were tested in shear and the fracture surfaces examined using scanning electron microscopy.