Comparing Adhesive Bonding and LAMP Joining Technology in Case of Hybrid Material Combination

As plastics are utilized more and more frequently in our devices, it becomes necessary that they can be adequately joined to other materials, like metals. Bonding different materials was carried so far out primarily by adhesives, however, novel technologies, like laser assisted metal-plastic joining are showing benefits against current technologies. In the course of this study, the authors joined PMMA plastic to structural steel by adhesives and by laser assisted metal-plastic joining. Mechanical tests were carried out to compare the two different technologies, and to be able to position the LAMP joining within the field of joining technologies. Results show clearly the advantages of laser transmission joining as compared to adhesives.