Modeling and optimization of laser transmission joining process between PET and 316L stainless steel using response surface methodology

Laser joining parameters play a very significant role in determining the quality of laser transmission joining between PET films and 316L stainless steel plates. In the present work, Laser power, joining speed and stand-off-distance were considered as joining parameters. The parameters that influence the quality of laser transmission joining were optimized using response methodology for achieving good joint strength and minimal joint width. The central composite second-order Rotational Design (CCRD) has been utilized to plan the experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) is employed to develop mathematical relationships between joining parameters and desired responses. Based on the developed mathematical models, the interaction effects of the process parameters on laser transmission joining were investigated and optimum joining parameters were achieved. The experimental values nearly agree with the predicted values from mathematical models, indicates that the models can predict the responses adequately and optimize the key process parameters quickly. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.