INFRARED (IR) welding is quickly gaining importance in the thermoplastics industry as a competitive alternative to classic joining techniques used in high-quality thermoplastic manufacturing processes. In order to meet this growing trend, Frimo Inc recently installed a JoinLine IR-H Highspeed infrared welding machine at its TechCentre in Wixom, Mich, UD.
The JoinLine IR Highspeed is part of Frimo’s range of JoinLine IR welding machines that allow for precise and controlled welding processes and offer customers reduced cycle times and unique possibilities for their design application needs. The Highspeed machine makes it possible to attain processing speeds – for both large and small components – that were previously unachievable in the market and allows for processing without gas, high temperature or debris, making IR technology a competitive alternative to established processes such as vibration and hot plate welding.
“Our JoinLine IR Highspeed machine welds without gas, high temperature or flash debris at top speeds approaching 3.5 m/second,” said Lee Hodson, technical director of Frimo Inc. “This very high-speed capability is becoming increasingly necessary for the energy-efficient and high-strength welding of high-performance thermoplastics. This is the reason why Frimo equips the Highspeed welder with linear motors. These motors feature trouble free operation along with high repeatability and low noise.”
Infrared welding technology also satisfies the ever increasing demands for particle free operation, such as for air or oil ducting components. It is also exceptionally well suited for welding high-performance reinforced plastics such as glass fibre-reinforced plastics and polyamides, which are becoming increasingly commonplace in structural components used in lightweight vehicle applications.
The process enables extraordinary weld strength durability, which makes it especially effective for safety related applications, while ensuring 100 per cent gas tight welds at the same time. Flexibility is assured, both in the use of the types of materials to be welded, but also in design freedom, which means that it is possible to weld complex 3D geometries.
Frimo offers a complete range of six JoinLine infrared welding machine styles including the IR Highspeed.
