5. Choose the laser for thermoplastic welding

There are several ways of generating the laser beam and "transporting" it to the parting line:

• diode lasers or laser diodes: they are relatively compact and lightweight, and the investment is "reasonable";

• direct beam: the optics are mounted directly on the housing generating the laser beam. Focal distances and precise positions must be respected. The direct beam is mainly used on robots that can carry the device;

• Fiber lasers: small, consisting of a single rod or fiber, mounted on a robot, these lasers enable access to tight spaces. The complete device for generating the laser beam upstream is placed in a unit further down the line, while the fiber itself is merely a pipe for transporting it.