A laser focus on fantastic plastics

Laser Welding

Having the ability to fix together two elements without affecting their geometry and dimensions is essential in precision engineering tasks. Our materials experts have perfected laser welding techniques that can bond an upper element that is unaffected by a specific laser wavelength to a lower element that absorbs the waves. The resulting heat precisely melts the base layer material at the point of contact, creating a strong weld seam. Laser welding also allows us to fix different polymers together and even achieve invisible welding seams on colored plastics. REHAU mainly uses contour welding and simultaneous welding processes, with the final technique uniquely adjusted to match the properties of the polymers being welded.

Laser Scribing

REHAU engineers are now able to add inscriptions to products using an extremely precise laser scribing process. These inscriptions can be as small as just a few millimeters, making them perfect for many purposes including identifying pipes and customised extruded profiles. Depending on the characteristics of the polymer involved, various visual effects and contrasts can also be achieved. For instance, the color of the polymer can be changed through polymer foaming or carbonization. Where appropriate, laser engraving can leave a base polymer color unchanged but apply a subtle visual contrast by creating a differently structured surface. Laser scribing at REHAU is not only a magically precise process, the inscriptions it creates are hardwearing and rich in contrast for years to come. 

Laser Cutting

For very precise cutting you need a way to slice materials without physically touching it. That’s where the REHAU lasers come in, cutting through polymers and more without damaging or impacting the materials in any way. With recent laser advances, other tools like punching heads and matrices are no longer used. And, thanks to computerised controls, laser cutting is now commercially viable even when the quantities involved may be small. REHAU specialists have also perfected laser fusion cutting in the fabrication of vehicle bumpers and excel at laser sublimation cutting where seamless sharp edges are needed.