Clearweld Resin Additives
Clearweld additives are a drop-in, easy-to-use materials for laser welding plastics via conversion of laser energy to heat. This allows the laser welding of typically non-weldable thermoplastic resins. Clearweld additives can be compounded into resins to allow the laser welding of plastics when using infrared (IR) and near infrared (NIR) lasers. The Clearweld additives offers flexibility of color selection by directly compounding our additives into your desired resin formulation. These materials can be compounded into a wide range of thermoplastic resins. Clearweld additives come in two forms, LWA 267 and LWA 983A.
The specific product depends on the type of resin and the wavelength of your laser welding system. Clearweld additives, when compounded as a master batch system, can be injection molded, blown into a film, 3D printed or applied using any method that takes advantage of standard polymer processing techniques. Additives are chosen not only for color and weld performance, but also for stability in a variety of plastic processing scenarios. Clearweld works with laser welding systems designed to laser weld plastic parts using 900 to 1100 nm lasers. However, be aware that pressure must be maintained when using a laser welding system.
Clearweld LWA 267
Clearweld LWA 267 is an additive material for use with laser welding systems.
Clearweld LWA 267 is used with laser systems between 900 and 1000 nm. Clearweld LWA 267 acts as an infrared absorber when compounded into plastic. Clearweld LWA 267 can be compounded into a large variety of resins including, but not limited to: ABS, COC, PA 12, PA 6, PBT, PC, HDPE, LDPE, PEEK, PMMA, PP< PS, PSU, and many others. Be aware that Clearweld LWA 267 can cause colorization of a clear part. We recommend limiting concentrations to the lowest amount needed to ensure a strong weld. To find out if LWA 267 will work in your system, contact us.
Laser wavelengths: 940, 980 and 900 – 1000 nm wavelength
Clearweld LWA 983A
Clearweld LWA 983 is an additive material for use with laser welding systems.
Clearweld LWA 983A is used with laser systems between 1000 and 1094 nm. Clearweld LWA 983A acts as an infrared absorber when compounded into plastic. Clearweld LWA 983A can be compounded into a large variety of resins including, but not limited to: ABS, COC, PA 12, PA 6, PBT, PC, HDPE, LDPE, PMMA, PP< PS, PSU, and many others. Temperature and time in barrel must be minimized. Be aware that Clearweld LWA 983A can cause colorization of a clear part. We recommend limiting concentrations to the lowest amount needed to ensure a strong weld. To find out is LWA 983A will work in your system, contact us.
Laser wavelengths: 1000 to 1094 nm
Resources
Want to verify that a Clearweld resin additive works with your system?
Contact us for more information and a sample of LWA 267 or LWA 983A. Please use a professional compounder such as Americhem or RTP Company, who can perform the proper compounding of your resin formulation with the added Clearweld additive.
