CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/51 1 ,439 filed on May 26, 2017. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to plastics welding and, more particularly, relates to providing plastics welding apparatuses with integral annealing capabilities. BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Laser and infrared welding are commonly used to weld plastic

components together. The plastic components prior to being welded are referred to herein as work pieces and the plastic components after they are welded together are referred to herein as a resultant welded plastic part. In many laser welding

applications, a plurality of work pieces are joined together at a weld joint by inducing melting of at least one of the work pieces at the weld joint. Another welding

application, infrared lamp welding, involves heating and melting a plurality of work pieces via broad-band infrared emitters selected based upon the absorption of non- reflected radiation energy by the underlying work pieces. In both laser welding and infrared welding applications, the welding apparatus causes undesirable stress in the work pieces to build up such as due to the force exerted on the work pieces as they are held together in the welding apparatus and/or due to stress resulting from the weld itself. It is known to, post welding, transfer welded plastic parts to an oven to subsequently anneal the welded plastic part and relieve the stress. It would be desirable to streamline the process of welding work pieces, including reducing the overall time required to manufacture and anneal welded plastic parts. It would also be desirable to reduce the factory footprint of apparatuses used to manufacture and anneal welded plastic parts, to streamline the amount of labor associated with manufacturing and annealing welded plastic parts, and to limit the number of physical mechanisms attendant to manufacturing and annealing welded plastic parts. SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] The present technology provides a method of annealing and welding together a plurality of plastic components. The method includes placing the plastic components in a welding apparatus. The plastic components are welded together, and the plastic components are annealed in the welding apparatus before the plastic components are removed from the welding apparatus by heating the plastic components to an annealing temperature and holding the plastic components at the annealing temperature for an annealing period. In other embodiments, the annealing of the plastic components begins before, during, or after welding the plastic components together. In yet other embodiments, welding the plastic components together includes laser welding the plastic components together. In further embodiments, placing the plastic components in the welding apparatus includes placing the plastic components in a heatable welding chamber of the welding apparatus and heating the plastic components to the annealing temperature includes heating the welding chamber to a temperature to heat the plastic components to the annealing temperature. In even further embodiments, the annealing comprises heating with pressurized, heated air. In additional embodiments, the annealing comprises heating with an infrared lamp. In other embodiments, the annealing comprises heating with a heated fixture and/or tooling. In yet other embodiments, the annealing comprises directing a laser output at an intensity below the intensity required to weld the plastic components together. In yet other such embodiments, the laser output is spread out over an area greater than the area under which the plastic components are welded together.

[0007] The present technology also provides a welding system having integral annealing. The welding system includes a laser welder integrated with an annealing heat source. The laser welder welds a plurality of plastic components, and the annealing heat source anneals the plurality of plastic components. In other embodiments, the laser welder comprises a heatable welding chamber and the annealing heat source comprises an oven. In yet other embodiments, the annealing heat source comprises an infrared lamp. In further embodiments, the annealing heat source comprises a heated fixture and/or tooling. In even further embodiments, the annealing heat source comprises a laser source configured to direct a laser output at an intensity below the intensity required to weld the plastic components together. In other even further such embodiments, the laser output is spread out over an area greater than the area under which the plastic components are welded together.

[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a laser plastics welding system having an integral annealing heat source according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrammatic views of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrammatic views of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding

apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding

apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of another laser plastics welding apparatus having an integral annealing heat source according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0021] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific compositions, components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, unless otherwise indicated.

[0025] When a component, element, or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other component, element, or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion {e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various steps, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these steps, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms, unless otherwise indicated. These terms may be only used to distinguish one step, element, component, region, layer or section from another step, element, component, region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first step, element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second step, element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0027] Spatially or temporally relative terms, such as "before," "after," "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially or temporally relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device or system in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0028] It should be understood for any recitation of a method, composition, device, or system that "comprises" certain steps, ingredients, or features, that in certain alternative variations, it is also contemplated that such a method, composition, device, or system may also "consist essentially of" the enumerated steps, ingredients, or features, so that any other steps, ingredients, or features that would materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the invention are excluded therefrom.

[0029] Throughout this disclosure, the numerical values represent approximate measures or limits to ranges to encompass minor deviations from the given values and embodiments having about the value mentioned as well as those having exactly the value mentioned. Other than in the working examples provided at the end of the detailed description, all numerical values of parameters {e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein may indicate a possible variation of up to 5% of the indicated value or 5% variance from usual methods of measurement.

[0030] As used herein, the term "composition" refers broadly to a substance containing at least the preferred metal elements or compounds, but which optionally comprises additional substances or compounds, including additives and impurities. The term "material" also broadly refers to matter containing the preferred compounds or composition.

[0031] In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range, including endpoints and sub-ranges given for the ranges.

[0032] The present disclosure provides methods of annealing plastic components used as work pieces to form welded plastic parts. Generally, the plastic components described herein include a wide array of compositions that are susceptible to laser welding and/or broad-band infrared welding and, by way of non- limiting example, include materials prepared from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), acrylics, cyclic olefin copolymers, elastomers, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides, polycarbonates, polymethyl methacrylate, polyoxymethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polystyrene, thermoplastic polyurethane, high- density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polysulphone.

[0033] The term "annealing" as used herein is the process of relieving stresses and strains and dimensional stabilization while reducing or eliminating the occurrences of defects and improving physical properties in a plastic component by heating the plastic component to a temperature below its melting point, holding that temperature for a suitable period of time (i.e. , an annealing period), and then allowing the part to cool to room temperature. Annealing may be accomplished by various heat transfer processes, such as, by non-limiting example, convection, air heating, or laser energy absorption. The particular materials selected as the plastic components can dictate the annealing process.

[0034] Because the annealing and welding occur in the same apparatus, it is further contemplated that annealing may occur before, during, or after welding. Each provides their own benefits. More specifically, annealing before and/or during welding can alleviate part warpage and provide better bond lines. Annealing after welding, on the other hand, alleviates stresses and strains that welding the work pieces generates. Notably, therefore, the annealing process may begin before starting welding (i.e., before the plurality of work pieces forms the welded plastic part), begin during welding, or occur after starting welding. In other words, annealing the plurality of plastic components in the welding apparatus can begin before, during, or after welding the plurality of plastic components together in a welding apparatus. Further, annealing may occur after welding such that the resultant welded plastic part is annealed, as opposed to the starting work pieces. Further, the annealing process may end before welding begins, during the weld cycle, or after the weld cycle has finished. Further, it should be understood that the work pieces and/or welded plastic part can be heated to different annealing temperatures and/or at different times. For example, the work pieces can be annealed at an annealing temperature prior to welding, or the resultant welded plastic part is annealed at a different annealing temperature after welding.

[0035] In many of the following embodiments, embodiments are described using laser plastics welding apparatuses. It should be understood, however, that the scope of the disclosure extends to broad-band infrared welding apparatuses, as well.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1 , a plastics welding apparatus 10 for welding a plurality of work pieces is provided having therein a welding chamber 12, in which the work pieces are disposed. The welding chamber 12 is configured to be heated to anneal the plastic components before, during, and/or after welding. As an example, welding chamber 12 may concurrently act as an oven that heats the plastic components to an annealing temperature, so that as recognized by those in the art, the temperature in welding chamber 12 may potentially exceed the annealing temperature of the plastic components. It should be understood that the plastic components can be heated before, during or after welding. The plastic components are held at that temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the plastic components. If welding has not yet occurred, the work pieces are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the heated welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in plastics welding apparatus 10, or after having been removed from plastics welding apparatus 10.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 20 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 20 includes a laser scan head 21 for welding a first work piece 22 to a second work piece 24. Laser plastics welding apparatus 20 further includes an annealing heat source in the manner of an infrared lamp 26 for heating the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by heating the first work piece 22 and second work piece 24 (if annealing begins before or during the laser weld cycle) and/or by heating the welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 22 to second work piece 24 (if annealing finishes after the laser weld cycle to anneal the work pieces 22, 24 into a resultant welded plastic part). Infrared lamp 26 heats the plastic components to an annealing temperature and holds at that temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the welded plastic components. If welding has not yet occurred, the work pieces are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in the apparatus 20, or after having been removed from apparatus 20

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 30 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 30 includes laser bank 31 with at least a fiber optic member 39 and associated laser tooling 38 (which may include, by way of non-limiting example, a laser waveguide) for welding a first work piece 32 to a second work piece 34. Laser plastics welding apparatus 30 further includes at least an annealing heat source in the manner of an infrared lamp 36 for heating the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by heating first work piece 32 and second work piece 34 (if annealing before the weld is contemplated) and/or by heating the resultant welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 32 to second work piece 34 (if finishing the annealing after the weld is contemplated). Infrared lamp 36 heats the plastic components to an annealing temperature and holds at that temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the plastic components. During welding, it is contemplated that associated laser tooling 38 will be moved downward against second work piece 34 (as shown in FIG. 3B), such as by an actuator controlled by a controller of the laser welder. If annealing before welding is contemplated, infrared lamp 36 is directed over first work piece 32 and second work piece 34 before associated laser tooling 38 is moved downward towards second work piece 34. If annealing after welding is contemplated, infrared lamp 36 is directed over first work piece 32 and second work piece 34 after associated laser tooling 38 is moved away from second work piece 34 (as shown in FIG. 3A). After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 30, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 30.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 40 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 40 includes laser scan head 41 for welding a first work piece 42 to a second work piece 44. Laser plastics welding apparatus 40 further includes an annealing heat source in the manner of a source of pressurized, heated air (e.g., hot air jet 46) for heating the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by heating first work piece 42 and second work piece 44 (if annealing begins before or during the laser weld cycle) and/or by heating the welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 42 to second work piece 44 (if annealing finishes after the laser weld cycle). Hot air jet 46 heats the plastic components to an annealing temperature so that as recognized by those in the art, the temperature in laser plastics welding apparatus 40 may potentially exceed the annealing temperature of the plastic components. Hot air jet 46 ensures the plastic components are held at the annealing temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the plastic components; it should be appreciated that hot air jet 46 need not blow heated air continuously during the time required for annealing. If welding has not yet occurred, the work pieces are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 40, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 40.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 50 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 50 includes laser bank 51 with at least a fiber optic member 59 and associated laser tooling 58 (which may include, by way of non-limiting example, at least a laser waveguide) for welding a first work piece 52 to a second work piece 54. Laser plastics welding apparatus 50 further includes at least an annealing heat source in the manner of a source of pressurized, heated air (e.g., hot air jet 56) for heating the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by heating first work piece 52 and second work piece 54 (if annealing before the weld is contemplated) and/or by heating the resultant welded plastic part (if finishing the annealing after the weld is contemplated). During welding, it is contemplated that associated laser tooling 58 will be directed downward towards second work piece 54 (as shown in FIG. 5B), such as by an actuator controlled by a controller of the laser welder. If annealing before the weld is contemplated, the pressurized, heated air is directed over first work piece 52 and second work piece 54 before associated laser tooling 58 is directed downward towards second work piece 54. If annealing after the weld is contemplated, the pressurized, heated air is directed over first work piece 52 and second work piece 54 after associated laser tooling 58 is positioned in a direction closer to laser bank 51 (as shown in FIG. 5A). Regardless of when annealing occurs, hot air jet 56 heats the plastic components to an annealing temperature so that as recognized by those in the art, the temperature in the oven may potentially exceed the annealing temperature of the plastic components. Hot air jet 56 ensures the plastic components are held at the annealing temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the plastic components; it should be appreciated that hot air jet 56 need not blow heated air continuously during the time required for annealing. If welding has not yet occurred, the work pieces are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 50, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 50.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 60 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 60 includes laser scan head 61 for welding a first work piece 62 to a second work piece 64. Laser plastics welding apparatus 60 further includes an annealing heat source in the manner of a heatable fixture 66 that secures the first work piece 62 and second work piece 64. Fixture 66 optionally applies pressure to first work piece 62 and second work piece 64 to further ensure a satisfactory weld. Fixture 66 is heatable {e.g., electrically) and heats the plurality of plastic components, e.g. , by heating the first work piece 62 and second work piece 64 (if annealing begins before or during the laser weld cycle) and/or by heating the welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 62 to second work piece 64 (if annealing finishes after the laser weld cycle). Fixture 66 secures the plastic components and holds the temperature of the plastic components at an annealing temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the plastic components. If welding has not yet occurred, first work piece 62 and second work piece 64 are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 60, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 60.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 70 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 70 includes laser bank 71 with at least a fiber optic member 79 and associated laser tooling 78 (which may include, by way of non-limiting example, at least a laser waveguide) for welding a first work piece 72 to a second work piece 74. Laser plastics welding apparatus 70 further includes an annealing heat source in the manner of both a heatable fixture 76 and heatable tooling 78 that secure the first work piece 72 and second work piece 74. Fixture 76 and tooling 78 optionally apply pressure to first work piece 72 and second work piece 74 to further ensure a satisfactory weld. Either or both of fixture 76 and tooling 78 are heatable (e.g. , electrically) and heat the plurality of plastic parts, e.g., by heating the first work piece 72 and second work piece 74 (if annealing begins before the laser weld cycle) and/or by heating the welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 72 to second work piece 74 (if annealing occurs after the laser weld cycle). Either or both of fixture 76 and tooling 78 secure the plastic components and hold the temperature of the plastic components at an annealing temperature for a time sufficient to anneal the plastic components. If welding has not yet occurred, first work piece 72 and second work piece 74 are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 70, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 70. [0043] Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus

80 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 80 includes laser scan head 81 for welding a first work piece 82 to a second work piece 84 to an area shown where laser line 86 intersects with the top surface of second work piece 84. Laser scan head 81 is operable at an intensity at least great enough to initiate a weld between first work piece 82 and second work piece 84. Laser scan head 81 is further operable as an annealing heat source by operating at a lower intensity that is high enough to anneal the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by annealing first work piece 82 and second work piece 84 (if annealing occurs before or during welding) or by annealing the resultant welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 82 and second work piece 84 (if annealing finished after welding). Laser scan head

81 delivers sufficient energy that is converted to heat during the annealing time to provide satisfactory annealing. If welding has not yet occurred, first work piece 82 and second work piece 84 are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 80, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 80.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 90 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 90 includes laser scan head 91 for welding a first work piece 92 to a second work piece 94. Laser scan head 91 is operable at an intensity at least great enough to initiate a weld between first work piece 92 and second work piece 94 to an area shown where laser line 96 intersects with the top surface of second work piece 94. Laser scan head 91 is further operable as an annealing heat source by operating at a lower intensity that is high enough to anneal the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by annealing first work piece 92 and second work piece 94 (if annealing occurs before or during welding) or by annealing the resultant welded plastic part resulting from welding first work piece 92 and second work piece 94 (if annealing finished after welding). Further, laser scan head 91 spreads the lower intensity laser to an area shown between laser lines 98a and 98b to the points where said lines intersect with the top surface of second work piece 94. Laser scan head 91 delivers sufficient energy that is converted to heat during the annealing time to provide satisfactory annealing. If welding has not yet occurred, first work piece 92 and second work piece 94 are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 90, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 90.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus

100 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 100

includes laser bank 101 with at least a fiber optic member 108 and associated laser tooling 106 (which may include, by way of non-limiting example, at least a laser waveguide) for welding a first work piece 102 to a second work piece 104. Laser bank

101 is operable at an intensity at least great enough to initiate a weld between first work piece 102 and second work piece 104. Laser bank 101 is further operable as an annealing heat source by operating at a lower intensity that is high enough to anneal the plurality of plastic components, e.g., by annealing first work piece 102 and second work piece 104 (if annealing occurs before or during welding) or by annealing the resultant welded plastic part from welding first work piece 102 and second work piece 104 (if annealing finishes after welding). Laser bank 101 delivers sufficient energy that is converted to heat during the annealing time to provide satisfactory annealing. If welding has not yet occurred, first work piece 102 and second work piece 104 are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 100, or after having been removed from laser plastics welding apparatus 100.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 11 , an embodiment of laser plastics welding apparatus 110 with integral annealing is disclosed. Laser plastics welding apparatus 110

includes laser bank 111 with at least a fiber optic member 119 and associated laser tooling 116 (which may include, by way of non-limiting example, at least a laser waveguide) for welding a first work piece 112 to a second work piece 114. Laser bank 111 is operable at an intensity at least great enough to initiate a weld between first work piece 112 and second work piece 114. At least a fiber optic member 119, and associated laser tooling 116 are further movable closer or farther away from second work piece 114, such as by an actuator controlled by a controller of the laser welder. During a weld cycle, laser tooling 116 is close enough to second work piece 114 and first work piece 112 such that concentrated (e.g., by a laser waveguide) laser energy is imparted to the work pieces, resulting in a welded plastic part. Laser tooling 116, however, may act as an annealing heat source, as laser tooling 116 is movable in a direction farther away from the work pieces, resulting in a spread out laser path, as evinced by the area falling between lines 118a and 118b, at an overall intensity lower than that when the laser tooling 116 is moved to a closer position. The area falling between lines 118a and 118b, rather than being welded, is annealed. If welding has not yet occurred, first work piece 112 and second work piece 114 are then welded together. After annealing and welding, the welded plastic part is allowed to cool to reach room temperature, either in laser plastics welding apparatus 110, or after having been removed from laser plastics apparatus 110.

[0047] The integral annealing heat sources according to the present disclosure afford additional advantages. First, the integrated annealing heat sources according to the present disclosure take up less of a footprint on a factory floor, as opposed to having an annealing chamber separate from the welding apparatus. Second, as there is one unitary apparatus, less labor is required to unload welded plastic parts from the welding apparatus and conveying the parts to and loading them into an annealing chamber. Third, while there may be some additional time annealing in the welding apparatus to provide the annealing contemplated according to the present disclosure, overall processing time is reduced as a second machine process step need not be performed. Finally, in several of the annealing processes using laser energy to anneal the applicable materials, no additional physical mechanics need be added to the welding apparatus to conduct the annealing, as the laser sources that weld the work pieces together themselves anneal the applicable materials.

[0048] Further, it is contemplated that any of the aforementioned annealing processes may be used with one another.

[0049] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.