Laser welding system and method using cooling mask to control the width of the weld
US11059233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2009/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A laser welding method and system for joining portions of first and second workpieces of thermoplastic material that is partially permeable to a laser beam but absorbs radiation from the laser beam. The first and second workpieces, which are made of material that absorbs radiation from a laser beam, are clamped together. A mask is placed on a first surface of the first workpiece, the first surface being opposite the surface engaging the second workpiece. The mask is impermeable to a laser beam and forms a slot for passing a laser beam to the portion of the first surface of the upper workpiece exposed by the slot, so that heating and melting of the material of the workpieces is limited to the width of the slot. A laser beam is directed onto the slot and moved in a manner to illuminate the slot to melt and join the workpieces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.