Abstract: Unabsorbed infrared laser light that has passed though plastic parts to be welded with a low absorption TTIr process is recirculated in an infinite loop back to the low absorption weld interface for reabsorption in the process. On each pass in the infinite loop, more infrared laser light is absorbed at the weld interface.

Abstract: Unabsorbed infrared laser light that has passed though plastic parts to be welded with a low absorption TTIr process is recirculated in an infinite loop back to the low absorption weld interface for reabsorption in the process. On each pass in the infinite loop, more infrared laser light is absorbed at the weld interface.

Abstract: Unabsorbed infrared laser light that has passed though plastic parts to be welded with a low absorption TTIr process is recirculated back to the low absorption weld interface for reabsorption in the process. A beam of infrared laser light is directed at the plastic parts to be welded, a transmissive first part and an absorptive (or partially absorptive) second part. The infrared laser light impinges the transmissive part and first transits through the transmissive part to be welded to a weld interface at the junction of the two parts. At the weld interface, either the infrared laser light is partially absorbed by an additive infrared absorber, the infrared laser light is partially absorbed by the absorptive part, or both. The portion of the infrared laser light that is not absorbed continues through the absorptive part and exits the far side. This infrared laser light is then redirected back to the weld interface.

Abstract: Unabsorbed infrared laser light that has passed though plastic parts to be welded with a low absorption TTIr process is recirculated back to the low absorption weld interface for reabsorption in the process. A beam of infrared laser light is directed at the plastic parts to be welded, a transmissive first part and an absorptive (or partially absorptive) second part. The infrared laser light impinges the transmissive part and first transits through the transmissive part to be welded to a weld interface at the junction of the two parts. At the weld interface, either the infrared laser light is partially absorbed by an additive infrared absorber, the infrared laser light is partially absorbed by the absorptive part, or both. The portion of the infrared laser light that is not absorbed continues through the absorptive part and exits the far side. This infrared laser light is then redirected back to the weld interface.

Abstract: An optical scan system welds or marks a part by directing an optical beam onto the part at a sufficient energy density level to weld or mark it. A method of controlling a pattern where the part is to be exposed to the beam at the sufficient energy density level includes disposing a waveguide between the part and an optical source of the optical scan system to prevent areas of the part that are not to be welded or marked from being exposed to the beam at the sufficient energy density level to weld or mark them, allowing the areas to be welded or marked to be exposed to the beam at the sufficient energy level. In an aspect, the waveguide prevents the beam from being reflected in an undesired direction. In an aspect, the waveguide redirects the beam from the areas of the part that are not to be welded or marked to areas that are to be welded or marked to concentrate the energy on the areas to be welded or marked.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus using a light guide for directing a laser beam to a weld zone. The light guide includes an entrance end, an exit end and a flexible body therebetween. The entrance end of the light guide is operatively coupled to a laser source such as a diode and is adapted to receive and communicate the laser radiation through the light guide. The light guide is formed of a flexible material to permit the exit end of the light guide to be spaced from and aligned with complex two-dimensional and three-dimensional weld zone configurations. The internal reflection of the light guide contains the laser radiation therein as it passes from the entrance end and through the exit end of the light guide. The light guide and corresponding methods of welding parts permit laser welding of complex geometric configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus using a light guide for directing a laser beam to a weld zone. The light guide includes an entrance end, an exit end and a flexible body therebetween. The entrance end of the light guide is operatively coupled to a laser source such as a diode and is adapted to receive and communicate the laser radiation through the light guide. The light guide is formed of a flexible material to permit the exit end of the light guide to be spaced from and aligned with complex two-dimensional and three-dimensional weld zone configurations. The internal reflection of the light guide contains the laser radiation therein as it passes from the entrance end and through the exit end of the light guide. The light guide and corresponding methods of welding parts permit laser welding of complex geometric configurations.