By Josh Perry, Editor
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Scientists from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland) demonstrated a new manufacturing process that utilizes an ultrafast laser system to weld glass and metal together, which could impact industries ranging from aerospace to optics to medical.

Researchers developed a new method for welding glass and metal together.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Researchers were able to weld materials ranging from quartz, borosilicate glass, and sapphire to metals such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel used a laser system that sends picosecond pulses of infrared light in tracks along the material, according to a report from the university.

Previous attempts at welding glass and metal have been limited by their disparate thermal properties. High heat and different thermal expansions could cause the glass to shatter. Fusing the materials with this process is an advancement from standard methods that use adhesives.

The report explained that the materials are placed in close contact and the laser is focused to provide high heat to a very small point of contact (just a few microns across). The result is a “microplasma” surrounded by a precise melt region.

Welds were tested in conditions ranging from -50°C up to 90°C. Laser companies Oxford Lasers and Coherent Scotland were also involved in the research, as were potential end users Leonardo and Gooch & Housego.