Abstract: A method of welding at least two plastic components together is disclosed. The two plastic components are welded together at respective joining surfaces. The method comprises directing at least one infrared (IR) laser beam along the joining surfaces of the at least two plastic components. The IR laser beam heats the joining surfaces of the at least two plastic components to a welding temperature. The method also includes clamping the at least two plastic components together at the joining surfaces to create a weld.

Abstract: A system for welding at least two plastic components together is disclosed, where the plastic components are welded together at respective joining surfaces. The system includes at least one infrared (IR) laser beam source positioned relative to the at least two plastic components and a control module. The IR laser beam source generates an IR laser beam. The control module is in operative communication with the at least one IR laser beam source. The control module includes control logic for controlling the at least one IR laser beam source to heat the joining surfaces of the at least two plastic components to a welding temperature.