Anaheim, Calif. — Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc. of Bartlett, Ill., can integrate a radio-frequency-identification reader and secure optical sensor with its HiQ Vario ultrasonic welding machine.
Herrmann can build the RFID reader into the sonotrode and fixture assuring correct installation during the changing of welding tools for production processes.
“The color camera in the welder determines if the correct part is loaded and if the right program is being used,” Tom Browne, account manager for plastics automation, said at the UBM Advanced Manufacturing expo in Anaheim.
Herrmann can incorporate the features in its mid line HiQ Vario bench-top press without needing to add an external program logic controller or other external hardware or software. Herrmann's proprietary software handles preset functions or tasks that can be linked to the RFID sensor.
The RFID chip is located in the bottom of the fixture, and the RFID reader is integrated in the baseplate. In the ultrasonic stack, the reader is located behind the stack, allowing reading from the sensor in the column.
Numerous medical device manufacturers incorporate RFID technology into their products to meet customer requirements.
The technology is also applicable to Herrmann's HiQ Dialog SpeedControl ultrasonic welding machine with its patented pneumatic HMC drive concept.
Parent company Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH & Co. KG of Karlsbad, Germany, initially displayed the innovation in October at the K 2016 show in Germany.
In addition, Browne said Herrmann's line of ultrasonic VE-brand actuators enable manual processing of 10 to 15 parts per minute and automated processing of 60 to 70 parts per minute. The actuators fix and guide the ultrasonic stack and can be installed closely together in a row.
Herrmann Ultrasonics in Illinois employs 50 — an increase of 10 in 23 months — and occupies 20,000 square feet that is close to being “maxed out” or fully utilized, Browne noted. In 1990, Herrmann started the U.S. operation in Schaumburg, Ill., and in 2006, moved the operation about eight miles to Bartlett.