Applicability of LDS for Physically Foamed Thermoplastics
Laser transmission welding (LDS) joins thermoplastic components with maximum precision. Initial studies show potential for physically foamed plastics, while the basic principles for chemically foamed variants are still being researched.
© IKVThe aim of this research project is therefore to derive guidelines for process control in thermoplastic foam injection molding (chemical and physical) and the resulting molded parts with regard to LDS on the basis of investigations. In order to produce foam structures with defined properties, the influence of the mold opening speed on the cell density and the influence of a delay time before opening the mould on the surface layer thickness are investigated. Based on the relationship between the properties of the joining partners and the resulting welding result, an optimised process control for the LDS of injection moulded parts produced accordingly is to be developed.
Furthermore, it is to be investigated whether the required surface layer thickness for the production of welds with high weld strength can be reduced by varying the carbon black content in the absorbent joining partner in order to save material and weight. To ensure the broad applicability of the results, further tests are to be carried out to check whether the recommendations derived can also be applied to the welding of foamed compact moulded parts.
Project details and thanks
We would like to thank the BMWK for funding within the framework of Euronorm (funding code 49VF210057) and the project partners for their cooperation.
Project partners and funding:
