A new edge detector for film and other web products from AccuWeb Inc. combines infrared and ultrasonic detection in one sensor.
The WideArray Fusion is designed for converters running a range of materials. The unit is compatible with AccuWeb's Micro 1000 and Micro 4000 NET controllers, which automatically pick ultrasonic or infrared detection modes, based on the properties of the material.
AccuWeb is based in Madison, Wis.
Tel. (608) 223-0625.
PU spray machine modified, compact
Cannon USA Inc. has developed a new mixing head and process for making polyurethane spray-skin parts for automotive applications such as door interiors, seats, dashboards and instrument panels.
A PU-based elastomer is sprayed into heated, open molds. The surface texture gives the parts a leather look and feel. The elastomeric skin is an alternative to vinyl materials, according to the company.
Cannon USA's spray machine has a compact, single-frame design. Features include pressurized day tanks, radial piston pumps, magnetic couplings for both the isocyanate and polyol components, temperature control and closed-loop control.
Reaction temperatures are controlled independently by combining water-jacketed day tanks and in-line heat exchangers. That allows the chemicals to be heated for processing at the mix head, while it keeps the chemicals cooler, if needed, in the day tanks.
After the urethane is sprayed on, solvent is flushed through at high pressure to clean the system before the next shot.
The mix head is a modified version of Cannon's LN-5 style head, a hydraulically operated unit that uses a simple piston action.
The head allows the introduction of a third component, a pigment, for coloring the part.
Cannon also announced that a new Siemens control with a liquid-crystal-display touch screen now is standard on all its high-pressure dosing units for PU.
Cannon USA is based in Cranberry Township, near Mars, Pa.
Tel. (724) 772-5600, fax (724) 776-1070.
RoboWelder replaces 9 pneumatic welders
Stand back: RoboWelder is on the march.
Dukane Corp. said its RoboWelder replaced nine pneumatic welders at an automotive manufacturer welding plastic lens/reflector assemblies.
The company came to Dukane when it ran into problems with its original plan: to use a nine-head unit.
The unit could not be built because of size constraints and interference problems, according to Dukane.
St. Charles, Ill.-based Dukane replaced the nine welders with one six-axis robot. The agile welding arm requires no modification for different subassemblies, the firm said.
The fixture determines whether the automotive light assembly is a right-hand or left-hand unit, then selects the correct welding path. RoboWelder also adjusts the welding pressure at each tab.
The ultrasonic generator monitors the weld energy to ensure each value stays within specifications.
The only changes required to make different assemblies are a new part fixture and a new program laying out weld-path parameters, Dukane said.
Tel. (630) 797-4900, fax (630) 797-4949, e-mail [email protected]
