Journal of Welding and Joining

9: J Weld Join. 2014;32(4):358-363. Published online August 30, 2014.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5781/JWJ.2014.32.4.20; A Study on Joining of 3D Thermoset and Biodegradable Polymers; Sung Chul Yoon^*, Jae Kwon Ma^**, Dae Wook Bang^***, Hae Woon Choi^**; Corresponding author: Hae Woon Choi ,Email: hwchoi@kmu.ac.kr

Abstract: Laser heat source was applied on 3D poly urethane model built by 3D printer and cellulous acetate for joining. A diode laser with 808nm wavelength was transmitted through the 3D model and applied on the boundary of ABS/Acetate and 3D poly urethane model. Based on the experimental result, the ABS and 3D built poly-urethane polymers was successfully joined, but the mechanical strength was not enough at the joining boundaries in the range of 6watt to 8watt of laser heat source. However, biodegradable acetate was successfully joined without damaging the 3D built model and mechanical strength was properly achieved. The optimum laser power was found between 5watt and 8watt with scanning speed of 500mm/min, 700mm/min and 1,000mm/min. Based on the SEM analysis the filling mechanism was that the applied pressure on 3D built model squeezed the fluidic thermoplastics, ABS and acetate, into the structure of 3D model. Therefore soundness of joining was strongly depending on the viscosity of thermoplastics in polymers. The developed laser process is expected to increase productivity and minimize the cost for the final products.

Keywords :Laser process, Polymer joining, Thermoset, Acetate