Temperature distribution during laser based heat conduction welding of CFRP

Abstract

For the implementation of carbon fiber reinforced (CFRP) parts, these need to be assembled to more complex structures. Therefore, laser transmission welding was transferred to heat conduction welding for joining thermoplastic CFRP to itself. The goal of these investigations was to determine the influence of the focal point geometry and the main fiber orientation within the CFRP on the temperature distribution at the upper joining member. A set-up was chosen consisting of two thermo cameras in order to measure the process temperatures on top and underneath the upper joining member. Furthermore, the heat affected width was determined and correlated to the process temperatures.