Hybrid (CNC+Laser) process for polymer welding

하이브리드 방식 (CNC+Laser)을 이용한 폴리머용접공정

Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) was welded through a combination of a diode laser and CNC. Laser beam passed the transparent PC and was absorbed in an opaque ABS. Polymers were melted and welded by absorbed and conducted heat. Experiments were carried out by varying working distance from 44mm to 50mm for the focus spot diameter control, laser input power from 10W to 25W, and scanning speed from 100 to 400mm/min. The weld bead size and the specimen cross-section were analyzed, and tensile results were presented through the joint force measurement. With focus distance at 48mm, laser power with 20W, and welding speed at 300mm/min, experimental results showed the best welding quality which bead size was 3.75mm and the shear strength was $22.8N/mm^2$. Considering tensile strength of ABS is $43N/mm^2$, shear strength was sufficient to hold two materials. A single process was possible in CNC machining processes, surface processing, hole machining and welding. As a result, the process cycle time was reduced to 25%. Compared to a typical process, specimens were fabricated in a single process, with high precision. By combining two operations processes developed process gained 50% more efficiency.