Product Code: ICAL09_M407

Computer Simulation of Quasi-Simultaneous Welding Process of Polycarbonate
Authors:
Heidi Piili, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Lappeenranta Finland
Lauri Taimisto, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Lappeenranta Finland
Tuomas Purtonen, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Lappeenranta Finland
Petri Laakso, VTT Technical Reseach Center of Finland; Lappeenranta Finland
Antii Salminen, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Machine Technology Center Turku Ltd; Lappeenranta Finland
Presented at ICALEO 2009

Laser welding of polymers has had everyday industrial applications for over a decade. With modern scanner and laser technology, the quasi-simultaneous welding method provides a high quality welding result with good process flexibility. So far no suitable tools for the estimation of weld properties in polymer welding have been available. The proper parameters for welding have had to be searched through trial and error. These parameter tests can require a lot of time and effort and are considered as ineffective time in product development and production. This study presents a computer based software for estimating the weld geometry and degeneration rate of the weld. The software calculates these values according to material properties and welding parameters. By the input data, a visual image about the heat input is created which helps to understand the welding process.
The correlation between the model and praxis is verified by welding tests. The welding tests are done on injection molded polycarbonate test pieces with a 100 W fiber laser.