What Is Laser Welding?
Laser plastic welding includes particulate-free joining processes that offer exceptional aesthetics and design freedom. Gentle laser welds use no friction or vibration and are ideal for any simple or 3D contoured parts that require clean, precise joints. Emerson provides two types of Branson laser welding processes — Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTIr®) or quasi-simultaneous — that deliver scalability, rapid cycle times and high yields in a wide range of applications.
How Laser Welding Works
Laser Welding Benefits
Laser plastic welding processes are versatile, capable of joining many different plastics, and are excellent for high-value applications that require aesthetic joints and fast cycle times. They accommodate complex part shapes, minor warpage or defects, and pre-assembled components. Since there is no movement or vibration during the weld cycle, laser welds can be used to join parts with pre-assembled components, including those in medical devices, electronics, or automotive assemblies.
Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared®
With STTlr, laser energy produced by laser diodes passes through one plastic component (transmissive) and is absorbed at the bond line by the second component (absorptive). This absorption heats and plasticizes the entire welding surface simultaneously, while the two parts are held together under precision-controlled pressure. The result is a strong, uniform weld, with less risk of rejects due to surface imperfections, than traditional trace laser welding can produce.
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Key Applications
Laser plastic welding is excellent for high-value, high-aesthetic applications. Because laser welds create pure, particle-free and hermetically sealed joints, they are vital for producing high-purity medical and drug-delivery devices, in-vitro diagnostic tests, filters, and safety syringes. Crisp, flash-free laser welds are also favoured by automotive, consumer product, and appliance makers because they provide smooth, nearly seamless contours critical to executing distinctive product styling.
Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared Laser Welders
Branson™ Series GLX-1 Laser Welder
The Branson GLX-1 Laser Welder supports your need to manufacture micro/small plastic parts as well as the growing industry demand for automation and IIoT capabilities (industry 4.0). The GLX-1 uses advanced Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTlr® ) laser welding technology that provides you with greater design freedom and increased production throughput as well as superior weld strength and quality with exceptional speed and flexibility.
Branson™ Series GLX-1.5 Laser Welder
Branson GLX-1.5 Laser Welder supports your need to manufacture medium to large plastic parts as well as the growing industry demand for automation and IIoT capabilities (industry 4.0). The GLX-1.5 uses advanced Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTlr® ) laser welding technology that provides you with greater design freedom and increased production throughput as well as superior weld strength and quality with exceptional speed and flexibility.
Branson™ Series GLX-3 Laser Welder
The Branson GLX-3 Laser Welder supports your need to manufacture large plastic parts as well as the growing industry demand for automation and IIoT capabilities (industry 4.0). The GLX-3 uses advanced Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTlr® ) laser welding technology that provides you with greater design freedom and increased production throughput as well as superior weld strength and quality with exceptional speed and flexibility.
Branson™ Series GLX-4 Laser Welder
The Branson GLX-4 Laser Welder supports your need to manufacture large to extra large plastic parts as well as the growing industry demand for automation and IIoT capabilities (industry 4.0). The GLX-4 uses advanced Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTlr® ) laser welding technology that provides you with greater design freedom and increased production throughput as well as superior weld strength and quality with exceptional speed and flexibility.
Branson™ Series GLX-AP, GLX-AS
The production industry's demand for advanced automation and efficiency is on the rise, and Branson is at the forefront with innovative laser solutions. Introducing the GLX-AP and GLX-AS, designed to support Industry 4.0's increasing need for automation and Industrial IoT (IIoT). These advanced systems facilitate seamless integration and enhanced productivity in modern production environments. The automated GLX version efficiently manages the entire welding process by combining clamp force and welding energy, using Branson’s patented Simultaneous Through Transmission Infrared (STTIr®) technology. Available with either a Servo (GLX-AS) or Pneumatic Actuator (GLX-AP), these systems ensure reliability in simultaneous laser welding, designed to operate as integrated solutions within complex automation lines, utilizing self-contained, independent weld process controllers. With a focus on precision, the GLX series eliminates vibration and linear movement, reducing particulates and delivering uniform welds. Continuous feedback from closed-loop sensors enhances weld quality, accuracy, and consistency. Optimized for speed and high throughput, these systems incorporate Branson's High Power Laser Bank to deliver exceptional performance, setting a new standard for automated laser welding solutions in production industries.
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Branson High Speed Laser Welding
Branson High Speed Laser Welding
