Product

Modula Optics: Spot, Line, Areal, Ring, and DOE Optics

March 22, 2022

Every plastic welding application is different, and it is worth determining the best process type and appropriate optics.  The design of the parts must be considered, material, cycle time, and quality requirements for the product. When these concepts are evaluated early in the project, the laser technology may result in significant savings once it gets into production.

Consequently, ProByLas has developed a series of different optic heads that shape a laser beam and effectively deliver energy to the parts. The Spot Optic (C) offers the flexibility to easily define the width of the weld seam by selecting a lens unit. A dot laser beam formed by this optic can then access the welding area on a perpendicular plane as its motion control traces the weld path with a consistent focal distance.

A similar principle extends the spot into one direction forming a continuous homogenous line by the Line Optic (B). It allows covering a larger welding surface as a Line Beam moves across the parts. In principle, this optic can be used to laminate material, or with the use of a shadow Mask, it can be used to create countless weld seams with different thicknesses and shapes. This optic is particularly useful in manufacturing medical devices to weld microfluidic chips, cassettes, testing kits, and many other applications that demand clean and hermetic results.

The spot can also be extended in two directions forming a square or rectangle. A complete area can be welded in a single shot instead of moving an axis, e.g., Areal Optic (D).

A Ring Optic (E) can shape the laser beam as a circle. At the same time, the DOE Optic (A) generates any other simple geometry like a surface or square, where different dimensions and weld seam thicknesses are possible.