All products must be marked for identification to ensure product quality and allow for traceability in case of subsequent damage.
Panasonic Industry's laser marking systems are already firmly established in the market due to their excellent quality and exclusive services. The unique MOFPA (Master Oscillator Fiber Power Amplifier) fiber laser technology, with its proven track record for identification marking of plastic components, sets Panasonic Industry's laser marking systems apart. This expertise, along with many years of experience, has been incorporated into the development of the new VL-W1 laser welding system.
Fiber laser technology offers what is currently the most energy-efficient and cost-effective system for laser processing of plastic parts, as this laser can operate with virtually no maintenance.
Laser welding of plastics offers decisive advantages compared to conventional joining technologies (ultrasonic welding, gluing, etc.). Laser welding is a clean and precise process in which plastic components can be joined without visible weld seams. Joining using laser energy leaves no adhesive residue and produces no wear particles, which can cause problems in the finished component later on. The process energy required for joining can also be selectively applied with only slight pressure to the joining surface of laser-welded components compared to other methods. This not only ensures stress-free joining of components with very little deformation but is also extremely energy-efficient. Laser welding can be highly flexible and adapted to the components being welded thanks to the VL-W1 series laser systems.
Individual process steps can be fully monitored and documented, making them useful for quality control.
A new integration module was designed specifically for Panasonic Industry's VL-W1 laser welding system. It precisely matches the dimensions and characteristics of the laser welding system, making it easier for integrators and machine builders to implement the laser welding process for plastics on their production lines. The I-Module minimizes the construction work and risks involved in integrating a new process into an existing line. A large working area (200 mm x 150 mm) facilitates the insertion of various components. Different clamping mechanisms allow for tensile forces ranging from 400 N to 3000 N. A position measurement system with a resolution of 0.003 mm ensures highly accurate placement within the VL-W1.
Panasonic Industry Europe also offers the perfect environment for the VL-W1 series: the LCP-3000 workstation. This workstation is suitable for a wide variety of laser welding applications thanks to its available servo-controlled X, Y, and Z axis tables or servo-controlled rotary indexing table. A 360° solution with a rotating axis is also available. The LCP-3000 workstation is equipped with a servo-operated safety cabinet door and an internal extraction unit with an optional filter insert. Panasonic Industry Europe offers customized clamping units for each application to provide the perfect solution for individual requirements.
