Laser Weld Technology and Compression Tool Improvement to Increase Capability and Prevent Continuity Failures

Abstract

Laser beam welding is a non-contact, high power density welding process which uses the energy emanating from a laser beam to join materials together. Benefits of continuous laser beam welding include a deep weld penetration that canbe closely controlled by engineers. Additionally, laser beam welding has a high feed rate making it more cost efficient. Conducting this weld process correctly is key for the appropriate performance of medical devices toprevent malfunctions such as continuity failures. This project is focused on reducing data variation by standardizing compression technique when performing the weld process with a compression tool fixture so the data can fit on a normal distribution and a process capability can be runed to understand the actual process capability. Benefits from this improvement can be the mitigation of continuity failures, blown welds and ergonomic issues. A DMAIC methodology was applied in this project to implement actions for improvement. Key Terms- Continuity Failures, Laser Beam Welding, Medical Devices, Process Capability.