Laser system bonds sensitive materials

U.S. welding equipment maker Dukane Corp. has partnered with German laser beam manufacturer Rofin-Sinar Laser to produce the Polyscan polymer welding workstation, introduced during NPE 2003. This unit uses an Ng:YAG diode laser to weld housings containing sensitive electronic and mechanical assemblies without producing particulates that could interfere with their operation.

A beam-steering and focusing head provides fixed and dynamic beam welding. Mike Johnston, Dukane's sales and marketing manager, says the unit is intended for applications such as electronic car keys, medical filters, vehicle reservoirs, and telecommunications components where non-flash welding is essential.

The low heat input to the workpiece allows welding close to sensitive components. The bonds reportedly are dust- and humidity-free, crack resistant, and can produce delicate joints in small plastic structures. Workpiece sizes range from 1 to 20 cm although larger, custom machines are also available. Several pieces can be welded simultaneously. Rofin's LaserCAD software is integrated into the user interface which operates under Windows 98, 2000, or NT. LaserCAD is a graphical user interface that allows the programming of complex patterns and graphics. (Further welding developments introduced at NPE will be covered in a future issue.) Dukane Corp., 2900 Dukane Dr., St. Charles, IL 60174 www.dukane.com; Rofin-Sinar Laser GmbH, Benzeliusstr. 83, D-22113 Hamburg, Germany www.rofin.com.