Originally Published MPMN May 2009

FOCUS ON EQUIPMENT

Welding

Mask Process Allows Selective Bonding

Suited for microfluidic plastic part assembly applications, a laser welding system features a mask process that allows for freely definable geometries to be selectively bonded. This technique involves inserting a mask between the laser source and the parts to be welded. A curtain or collimated laser beam then moves across the entire joining area of the parts; however, the laser beam only comes in contact with the components where they are not obscured by the mask. Weld widths as narrow as 100 μm in curved or straight lines can be achieved and changeovers can be completed in just a few minutes.
Leister Technologies LLC
Itasca, IL
www.leisterlaser.com

Shorter Impulse Times Increase Weld Quality
A company’s spot welders feature intelligent energy distribution of modeled impulses for accurate welding and prolonged electrode life. A special setting on the PUK 3 welders shortens impulse times to increase weld strength and quality when fusing metals in angles and deep areas. The machines create welding points with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 3 mm using low heat, which allows the user to manipulate workpieces by hand for more control. To prevent oxidation, the welders discharge a quick burst of argon gas around the electrode tip and work surface while welding, resulting in a smooth finish.
Paul H. Gesswein Co.
Bridgeport, CT
www.gesswein.com

Ultrasonic Welders Offer Medical Device OEMs More Control
Designed specifically for medical device assembly, a line of ultrasonic welders offers increased process control and other capabilities for improved ease of use. The 2000X welders feature a visual quality screen, a graphical weld-monitoring tool that statistically tracks preselected parameters and alerts the user in case of a problem. Touch screen controls and a variety of language settings are incorporated to simplify user operation. The machines’ diagnostic capabilities include six-weld process graphs and a horn signature graph for stack analysis. An external Ethernet connection allows access to the welders from remote locations and faster download of weld data.
Branson Ultrasonics
Danbury, CT
www.bransonultrasonics.com

Unit Produces Strong Hermetic Seals for Microfluidic Parts
Flexible and compact, a laser welding system is designed for processing small and medium batches of microfluidic components for medical applications. The LQ-Vario features a precise fiber laser that produces ultrafine joint lines required in microfluidic parts. Because medical microfluidic devices require strong hermetic seals to prevent contamination, the machine is equipped to produce precise welding geometries and is cleanroom compliant. The unit can produce weld seams in any pattern without harming the surrounding material, and fine-channel cross-section integrity is not affected. Weld contour modifications can be achieved by simply loading new layout data.
LPKF Laser & Electronics AGTualatin, OR
www.lpkfusa.com
For more features and articles on welding equipment, go to devicelink.com/mpmn/equipment
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