Process Date: November 2001

Using CO₂ Laser for sealing plastic.    
Using a 125W Synrad CO2 laser, defocused to provide a 0.25" spot size,  a 0.2" wide weld was made on the 1.5 mil thick polyethylene film at a speed of 100" per minute.  The seal was then tested for strength using compressed air, revealing the strength of the weld is stronger than the actual plastic material.  Plastic welding can be used for a wide variety of applications, especially for the packaging industry (such as for creating seals on bags, food containers, grocery bags, safety seals, etc.).