Aveiro, Portugal, Aug. 27, 2025 (Lusa) - A team of researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aveiro (UA) has developed a technology that enables laser welding between cellular and non-cellular polymeric materials, according to an academic source released on Wednesday.

According to a press release from the University of Aveiro, it was possible to overcome technical limitations that had previously prevented the effective joining of these materials.

"The invention, for which a European patent application is currently pending, represents a significant advance in the automotive, aeronautics and furniture industries, by proposing a faster, more precise and sustainable solution for joining dissimilar materials with different morphologies," the press release said.

According to the explanation provided, the method, which eliminates the use of adhesives, "promotes automation, precision and environmental sustainability".

"By allowing welding joints just one millimetre wide, the technology opens up new possibilities for small components or those with complex geometries, since it offers flexibility, speed, repeatability and quality in the joining process, compared to the traditional manual process," it added.

The research team consists of António Manuel de Bastos Pereira, Fábio António Oliveira Fernandes, and Cristiano Fernando Lopes Alves, from the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA) at the University of Aveiro.

The research began as part of a master's thesis in 2021 and a demonstrator prototype is planned for 2026, resulting from the work carried out as part of the LASEMORPH exploratory project, funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

"With the granting of this European patent, the University of Aveiro is taking another step towards valorising scientific and technological knowledge by protecting its research results, with a direct impact on industry and society," the press release pointed out.

MSO/ADB // ADB.

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