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Leister USA - Complex & Intricate (100 micron) Plastic Welding
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The Mask Welding Method allows for the welding of very complex patterns, in which weld areas as small as 100 microns can be achieved. A mask is created which will allow laser light to pass through where welding is required and block laser light in areas that need to be protected. Most welding masks are a piece of glass with a chrome layer etched away in certain areas according to weld pattern requirements. The parts are clamped up against the glass mask and the laser line is moved across the mask, allowing the desired weld areas to receive the laser energy.
The Mask process is especially beneficial in applications containing channels for delivery of fluids or gases. For these reasons mask welding is commonly used in medical industry for assembling micro-fluidic devices.
Characteristics and application:
- Line-shaped laser beam
- Any desired joining geometry within a plane
- Fast and flexible
- Very fine 2D joining structures
- Suitable for micro and macro applications
