EMERSON’S LASER WELDER IMPROVES MANUFACTURING EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF SMALLER PLASTIC PARTS

Emerson has introduced the Branson GLX Micro Laser Welder, supporting the need to manufacture smaller and more delicate plastic parts used in the medical and consumer electronics industries. The benchtop version of the GLX Series uses advanced laser technology and incredibly low clamp force to produce precise, clean and repeatable welds of superior aesthetic quality and performance. This provides manufacturers with greater design freedom and increased production throughput.

The GLX Micro uses the patented Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared^® (STTlr^®) laser welding technology, which enables manufacturers to achieve superior weld strength and quality with exceptional speed and flexibility. With STTIr, all lasers are fired simultaneously to heat, melt and bond the component parts along the entire weld surface in 0.5 to 5 seconds, depending on material and geometric complexity. This method is highly repeatable and stable, helping to increase production throughput.

STTlr eliminates the use of friction which may generate flash and particulates, thereby ensuring smooth and barely visible weld lines can be incorporated into product designs. With STTlr, highly complex 3D contours can be accommodated, allowing designers to create parts for maximum functionality and ergonomic appeal. The GLX-micro offers the industry’s lowest clamp force of 1 Newton, enabling the joining of small and very delicate parts, including those with embedded electronics and sensors.

“There is increasing demand for smaller and more intricate high-quality plastic components for the medical and consumer electronics markets,” said Priyank Kishor, global product manager for Branson products at Emerson’s Automation Solutions business. “By offering advanced welding performance and an unrivalled clamp force, the GLX Micro laser welder enables manufacturers to design and efficiently produce the highest quality products.”

The GLX Micro is cleanroom compatible, having a stainless-steel design, requiring no lubricants, and being powered from a remote electrical cabinet that can be positioned outside the production area. To support traceability, production data, including weld depth and clamp force, is available in a range of formats and can be outputted to the manufacturing execution system.

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