Gentex®, Branson partner to promote Clearweld® laser welding process
4/25/2003
Gentex Corporation and Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Danbury, Conn., have entered into a non-exclusive agreement in the U.S. to accelerate adoption of Gentex’s Clearweld technology for laser welding transmissive (clear, colored and opaque) thermoplastics.
The Clearweld process produces welds without particulate or flash. It uses Gentex’s near-infrared-absorbing materials to convert laser energy into heat. A thin layer of these materials applied at the interface of two pieces of plastic to be joined absorbs the light, acting as a focal point for the laser.
Localized heating of the substrates occurs at the joint interface, producing an instant weld with no material deformation and making it ideal for applications ranging from micro-fluidics to electronic packaging components.
Branson offers a unique laser welding solution with its laser IRAM (STTIr) technology, a diode-based laser welding system that provides the ability to simultaneously heat the entire joint area. This results in fast, consistent welds.
“Both Gentex and Branson offer unique solutions for laser welding,” explained Branson’s director of marketing, Sylvio Mainolfi. “This relationship makes it easier for users to access the proper combination of materials and equipment needed to efficiently implement the Clearweld process.”
L.P. Frieder, III, marketing manager for light management products at Gentex, added, “By working closely with Branson, we expect to optimize even further the immediate productivity benefits of Clearweld.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the Clearweld process will be sold by Branson’s extensive sales organization. And Branson will gain access to Gentex’s R&D and technical support for the Clearweld technology. In addition, Gentex will develop materials designed specifically for use with Branson’s Laser IRAM system.
Clearweld was developed jointly by Gentex and TWI, a U.K.-based industrial research and development organization, with Gentex retaining the exclusive rights to commercialize the process worldwide.
About Gentex
Established in 1892, Gentex is a privately owned corporation with four operating units: helmet systems, performance materials, respiratory products and electro-acoustic products. One of the company’s major markets is defense, encompassing both U.S. armed forces and the military units of other nations. The company is a world leader in both military and commercial markets with extensive research and development capabilities.
About Branson
Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., Branson is the global leader in supplying plastics joining equipment, including ultrasonic, linear and orbital vibration, hot plate, laser IRAM and spin welders for assembling thermoplastics. Branson also manufactures ultrasonic equipment for the sealing and slitting of synthetic textiles and thermoplastic films, welding non-ferrous metals and processing biological and chemical solutions, as well as precision commercial and industrial cleaning systems. Branson was founded in 1946 and is a subsidiary of Emerson based in St. Louis, Mo.