Click Image to Enlarge Branson, a relatively new player in laser
welding, is coming out with a simultaneous-type welder that's
said to be more cost-effective in high-output production.
Leister's mask welding technique adds versatility by permitting
complex and variable weld cross-sections. Laser welding is
gaining acceptance as a specialized method for joining plastic
parts that are sensitive (e.g., contain circuit boards), involve
complex geometries, or have strict cleanliness requirements
(medical devices). So far, most of this activity has taken place
in Europe. In the U.S. and Canada, plastics processors are more
wary of the cost of laser technology. However, advances in laser
equipment and plastic materials are now stimulating more
interest here, and new applications are due to launch in 2002.
Lasers have long been used to weld metals and have made recent
inroads in the cutting and marking of plastics. However, laser
joining of plastics has been held back until now by a lack of
suitable equipment, restri