Glass/Metal laser welding: Soda-lime & Aluminium

Joining materials that are seemingly incompatible – soda-lime glass and aluminium – while guaranteeing a high level of mechanical strength, hermeticity and transparency. The challenge is to control a fragile interface subjected to high thermal and mechanical stresses.

Implementation of a transmission welding process using ultrashort-pulse lasers. Complete development of the process, creating a direct bond at the glass/metal interface without filler material or any intermediate process.

Mastering complex joint geometries while eliminating heat-affected zones. The process must enable welding at the interface with the formation of stable volumetric weld seams, despite the very different expansion coefficients of the materials.

The process delivers transparent weld seams, very high mechanical strength and excellent resistance to thermal cycling. It also ensures controlled fluid flow, without post-processing, with highly competitive cycle times.