Lasers throw vital beams on thermoplastics

To ease up and automate the processing of raw materials used in automotive, aviation and aerospace industries, Fraunhofer researchers are now using laser technology. The infrared laser melts the surface of the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components. When compressed at fluid stage and then hardened, the result is a strong and stable bond. During the tape placement, carbon fibers are integrated into long strips of resilient thermoplastic resin. Multiple laminate layers are stacked on top of each other by means of lasers. Tape strips cool down and fuse with each other quickly.

Not only small components, even bulky components made of fiber-reinforced plastic can be joined together strongly. Laser-made components can find their applications in the form of airplane fuselages, load-bearing structures for cars, components of boat hulls, rocket tanks, aircraft components and rotary blades.