Laser Ablation of Titanium Alloy (Ti64): Effects of Process Parameters on Performance of Laser Welded Ti64 – Polyamide 6.6 Joints.

Abstract

Laser welding of metals – polymers has gained strong scientific and industrial interest because of its ability to produce miniaturized joints in lightweight products with customized properties. Surface pretreatments before joining process have shown significant impact on enhancing properties of laser welded metal – polymer joints. This work adopts a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach to investigate the influence of titanium alloy (Ti64) laser ablation parameters on the performance of laser welded Ti64 – polyamide (PA6.6) assemblies. In this first study, significant laser ablation parameters were highlighted, process window outlined, and optimal parameters identified. Laser ablation pretreatment parameters demonstrated a strong influence on joint resistance to failure. Effects of laser ablation parameters on titanium surface morphology were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In a second study, the effects of ablation parameters on Ti64 surface properties and welding quality will be investigated.