Colorless Welds

Gentex Corporation will demonstrate a revolutionary, patented technology for laser welding clear, colored and opaque thermoplastics at NPE 2003, June 23 27, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. The result is a weld that eliminates the problems of particulates, flash and adhe sives without adding unwanted color. The process is ideal for applications ranging from micro fluidics to electronic packaging components. Called Clearweld®, the process uses near infrared absorbing material systems to convert laser energy into heat. A thin layer of these materials applied at the interface of two pieces of plastic absorbs the light, acting as a focal point for the laser. Localized heating of the substrates occurs at the joint interface, producing an instant weld with no material deformation.

For more information, contact L.P. Frieder, III, Gentex Corporation, PO. Box 315, Carbondale, PA 18407, 570 282 8631, Fax: 570 282 8555, E mail: clearweld@gentexcorp.com, Web: www.clearweld.com.