Soniqtwist merges welding methods
Soniqtwist is the name of the new welding method - classified between vibration and ultasonic welding - introduced by Telsonic AG at K 2007. A patent is pending.
A generator sets a frequency of 20 kilohertz. It is connected to a converter that is positioned at right angle to the combination booster/sonotrode. Up to four converters can be used with one sonotrode, which produces a high frequency, giving a very high-energy output in less than one second. The unit contacts the upper component of the two parts to be joined, creating molecular friction between the two and plasticizes the plastic in the weld zone.
Once the ultrasound is switched off, the sonotrode immediately returns to its initial setting.
Telsonic said Soniqtwist does not require external heat. There is minimal vibration of the lower part.
The equipment maker in Bronschhofen, Switzerland, also announced it opened a subsidiary in Shanghai on Oct. 1.
Its U.S. unit, Telsonic Ultrasonics Inc. is in Shelby Township, Mich.
Tel. 586-802-0033, fax 586-802-0034, e-mail [email protected]
Firms' foam process works inside mold
Hot-runner supplier Incoe International Inc. working with Stieler Kunststoff Service GmbH, developed a technology for interior foaming of injection molded parts, inside the mold.
The technique debuted at K 2007 molding a flying disc on a Boy injection press.
The surface of the part is made from unfoamed plastic, and the core of the part is filled with foamed material. In a third step, unfoamed plastic is again injected, so the following shot can start with unfoamed resin again.
The fluids to generate the foaming - natural substances like nitrogen, carbon dioxide or water - are introduced into the hot runner and mixed with the plastic during the injection process. The companies said the process does not require chemical additives for the foaming.
The foaming method can be used on any injection molding machine. Advantages include a reduced clamping force, the gas bubbles can compensate for part shrinkage, and faster cooling time.
Incoe International, based in Rödermark, Germany, is a subsidiary of Incoe Corp. of Troy, Mich. Stieler Kunststofftechnik is in Goslar, Germany.
Incoe also showed its GasCore gas-assisted injection molding process where gas gets introduced through the valve pin of the hot-runner nozzle. Because the valve pin does not penetrate into the cavity, GasCore is not limited to a minimum wall section.
Incoe also showed a ``back-to-back'' design for hot runners on a stack mold. Common valve gate designs require cylinders that operate the gate to be offset, to reduce stack height dimensions, but Incoe said that results in larger molds, and even the need for larger-tonnage presses. Incoe's back-to-back design eliminates the offset requirement, while making no compromise in stack height.
Tel. 248-616-0220, fax 248-616-0227, e-mail [email protected]
Beckhoff control is computer based
Beckhoff Automation GmbH of Verl, Germany, exhibited at its first K show, with a personal computer-based control for injection molding and blow molding machines, and extruders.
The open-architecture XFC stands for eXtreme Fast Control technology. Features include ultrafast input/output terminals, the company's EtherCAR high-speed Ethernet fieldbus, and its TwinCAT automated software. It attains new accuracy levels for switching over to holding pressure during the injection molding process, Beckhoff said.
At K 2007, Beckhoff molded parts on a microinjection press with a linear drive, to make medical devices, which was developed with medical technology faculty from the Technical University of Munich. It was equipped with the XFC controller on the press, which uses a single synchronous linear motor to drive all functions, eliminating the need for a second motor and additional gearing components.
The company's U.S. headquarters, Beckhoff Automation LLC, is in Burnsville, Minn.
Tel. 952-890-0000, fax 952-890-2888, e-mail [email protected]
SimpaTec represents Beaumont products
Beaumont Technologies Inc. announced that Aachen, Germany-based SimpaTec Simulations & Technology Consulting GmbH will sell its core products: MeltFlipper, MeltFlipper MAX and 5 Step Process Advanced Mold Balance Analysis software.
SimpaTec will represent Beaumont's products in Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and the German-speaking regions of Switzerland.
Beaumont Technologies, of Erie, Pa., exhibited at the North American Pavilion at the K show.
Tel. 814-899-6390, fax 814-899-7117, e-mail [email protected]