Aluminum pretreatment by a laser ablation process: influence of processing parameters on the joint strength of laser welded aluminum – polyamide assemblies

Laser welding of metal – polymer assemblies is an innovative bonding process. It was already demonstrated that laser surface pretreatments of aluminum (Al), prior to laser welding with a polymer, impacts joints strength. This work adopts a design of experiments (DoE) approach to investigate the influence of several Al laser ablation parameters on joint strength of laser welded Al – polyamide (PA6.6) assemblies. Significant parameters were highlighted, process window was outlined, and optimal parameters were identified. After assembly failure, the joint area was evaluated using optical microscopy. Depending on the laser ablation parameters, the joint area can be enhanced resulting in a significant increase in the corresponding bearable shear load.