Laser has certain clear-cut advantages over other methods for welding plastics:
- Weld quality - Weld quality – Since there is no relative motion between the parts, no excitation or vibration, only the weld area is heated and melted, producing parts with excellent cosmetic properties.
- Minimal flash and no particulate - Because the process can be easily controlled by varying the power of the laser source, it is possible to accurately control the power dissipation within the weld, resulting in less flash and no particulate.
- Welds materials that are not easily welded with other welding technologies. Materials that have been successfully welded to date include PC, acrylics, PS, ABS, elastomers, polypropylene, high and low density polyethylene, PETG, and Nylon. The method also is effective with some dissimilar material combinations.
- Part design flexibility - This method allows for 3-D joint configurations.
- Pre-assembled parts can be welded. For some applications it is critical to allow internal components to be held in place during the welding process without becoming dislodged. This method allows for parts to be placed into the machine in the same position and orientation as the final, assembled position.
- Ability to weld materials that are not easily welded with other joining technologies – Materials that have been welded successfully to date include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylics, elastomers, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephtalate glycol, and nylon. This method is also effective with some dissimilar material combinations.
- Fast and flexible - Ideal for high volume applications; a typical weld cycle time ranges between 1 and 5 seconds.
Introducing Radiance™ Welders
More than sixty years in the plastics joining industry have provided Branson Ultrasonics Corp. with the knowledge and expertise needed to meet the specialized requirements of the markets we serve. In order to provide our customers with the most innovative and cost effective solutions Branson continually explores new methods of joining plastics. Recognizing that laser welding is becoming one of the most anticipated means of joining plastics...
Radiance® 3G Radiance® 3I
Branson proudly introduces the newest additions to our Laser product line, the Radiance 3G and 3I.
- Unmatched performance and flexibility in a completely modular system approach.
- Laser bank features a new closed loop control system.
- Flexibility and ease of integration is a key principal in the design of the Radiance 3G/3I laser bank.
- SmartFiber optic bundle provides high-efficiency power delivery.
Branson offers two standard models of Radiance controls: 3G and 3I. These units include DC laser power supplies, CANopen laser bank bus network, 6" LCD touch screen interface, and the ability to control a Branson 2000X Series actuator. The advanced controls include:
- Time and distance welding modes (both collapse and absolute)
- Force measurement
- Process limits with alarms
- Multiple preset memory
- Graphing and weld history data
- Multiple languages
Radiance Components
The 3G is a compact bench-top controller. It is designed to interface with a single 2000X actuator and up to two Radiance laser banks capable of delivering up to 250 Watts of laser power. This unit is designed to be operated with an external chiller.
The 3I is a free-standing controller. It is designed to interface with a single 2000X actuator and up to four Radiance laser banks capable of delivering up to 500 Watts of laser power. This unit features an internal chiller for laser cooling.
The 2000X actuator offers a precisely - controlled method of delivering the tooling to the workpiece and generating clamp force. The actuator includes a force transducer and optical linear encoder for accurate distance welding and results reporting. The actuator is available in various stroke lengths and air cylinder sizes so that it can be matched properly to the application. It is available with a standard Ergo base for manual operation or a compact hub mount for use in automation.
Download the Radiance™ Brochure here

The IRAM 200 is a modular system that can be configured in multiple ways. The base machine includes a laser safe enclosure, PLC controls and operator interface, an integrated chiller for laser cooling, and one laser bank which generates 125 Watts of power at 808 nm or 100 Watts at 980 nm. Options include a smart actuator with force transducer and linear encoder for weld-by-distance functionality, wide beam scanning system with servo slide for welding large surface areas, and up to two additional laser banks providing for a total power of 375 Watts at 808 nm or 300 Watts at 980 nm.
The IRAM 300 operates at 600 Watts at 980 nm and features global intensity control, individual laser diode control, extensive data logging and system monitoring, light enclosure with pneumatic door and safety interlocks, water flow controls, switches, and temperature monitoring, laser active indicator, safety light curtain, and an interior work light.
For the Model 200 data sheet, click here.
For the Model 300 data sheet, click here.
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