Laser processing of plastics

This paper focuses on some of the presentations given at a technical workshop on Laser processing of polymer-based materials, organised by Association of Industrial Laser Users. Applications in cutting and welding are discussed and specifically how different combinations of polymer materials and laser types produce different results. Applications are described that include pre-weakening of car trims for integrated airbags and on the fly scribing of web materials used in packaging. In several of these applications, robots play an important role in manipulating the laser beam.