Product Code: ICA10_1604

Analysis of Laser Welding of Long Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors:
C. Binetruy, Inst. Carnot Mines; Douai France
A. Bueter, Fraunhofer-LBF; Darmstadt Germany
P. Castaing, CETIM; Nantes Ced ex France
S. Clement, CLFA, c/o Mines Paris Tech; Paris Cedex 6 France
M. Deleglise, Inst. Carnot Mines; Douai France
C. Franz, Fraunhofer Ilt; Aachen Germany
A. Giessi, Fraunhofer-LBF; Darmstadt Germany
Wolfgang Knapp, CLFA Fraunhofer ILT; Paris Cedex France
M. Oumarou, Institute Carnot MINES, Mines ParisTech; Evry Cedex France
J. Renard, Inst. Carnot Mines; Evry France
A. Roeser, Frauhofer Ilt; Aachen Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2010

The use of laser light for bonding of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (LFTPC) offers new possibilities to overcome the constraints of conventional joining technologies. Laser bonding is environmentally friendly as no chemical additive or glue is necessary. Accuracy and flexibility of the laser process as well as the quality of the weld seams provide benefits which are already used in many industrial applications. Laser transmission welding has already been introduced in manufacturing of short fiber thermoplastic composites. Laser replaces hot air in tape-laying systems for pre-preg carbon fiber placement. This presentation will provide an overview concerning the technical basics of the joining process and outline some material inherent characteristics to be considered when using long glass fiber reinforced composites The technical feasibility and the mechanical characterization of laser bonded LFTPC are demonstrated. The influence of the different layer configurations on the laser interaction with the material is investigated and the dependency on the mechanical strength of the weld seem is analyzed. The results show that the laser provides an alternative joining technique and offers new perspectives to assemble structural components emerging in automotive or aeronautical manufacturing. It overcomes the environmental and technical difficulties related to existing gluing processes.