Light guide for laser welding

A method for welding parts comprising:

• generating laser radiation;
• passing said laser radiation through a flexible sheet having an entrance surface and an exit surface, said exit surface aligned with a weld zone;
• permitting said laser radiation to exit said flexible sheet at said exit surface;
• and
• impacting the parts to be welded with said laser radiation to create a weld.

A method for creating a weld coupling connecting first and second parts comprising:

• coupling a laser source to a mounting structure, said laser source generating laser radiation;
• operatively coupling an entrance end of a light guide to said laser source such that said laser radiation passes into said light guide;
• positioning an exit end of said light guide in spaced relation to the parts and in alignment with the weld coupling to be formed, said exit end having an exit surface similar in contour to a weld zone;
• transmitting laser radiation through said light guide;
• and
• permitting said laser radiation to exit said light guide and impact the parts to create the weld coupling.