Abstract
Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) were welded by a combination of a diode laser and a CNC machining center. Laser beam delivered through the transparent PC and was absorbed in an opaque ABS. Polymers were melted and joined by absorbed and conducted heat. Experiments were carried out by varying working distance from 44mm to 50mm for the focus spot diameter control, laser input power from 10W to 25W, and scanning speed from 100 to 400mm/min. The weld bead and cross-section were analyzed for weld quality, and tensile results were presented through the joint force measurement. With focus distance at 48mm, laser power with 20W, and welding speed at 300mm/min, experimental results showed the best welding quality which bead size was measured to be 3.75mm. The shear strength at the given condition was $22.8N/mm^2$. Considering tensile strength of ABS is $43N/mm^2$, shear strength was sufficient to hold two materials. A single process was possible in a CNC machining system, surface processing, hole machining and welding. As a result, the process cycle time was reduced to 25%. Compared to a typical process, specimens were fabricated in a single process, with high precision.
