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Clear-on-Clear Welding For Medical Devices A new laser-welding system reportedly offers manufacturers of medical devices the ability to achieve a clean, clear-on-clear, particulate-free, hermeti- cally sealed weld. The new 3G Laser Welding System from Branson Ultrasonics, Danbury, Conn., is the result of a collaborative development effort with Sono-Tek, Milton, N.Y., a leader in ultrasonic spray systems for applying precise thin-film coatings. Branson's 3G welder is based on a Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared (STTIr) laser-welding technique, which applies thin-film deposition of a 0.5-mm-wide line of laser absorber to the weld area for joining clear-on-clear plastics. STTIr technology is said to address the manufacturing demands of small, geometrically complex devices and does not use vibration force, suiting it to delicate parts or those with embedded electronics. Whereas laser-welding techniques such as scan or trace welding require a laser beam to travel along the weld line of a plastic part, heating and cooling as it goes, STTIr shapes multiple stationary laser beams in a wave guide along the entire length of the weld line. Discreet beam-zone intensity control via a tool map protects delicate structures while ensuring uniform weld performance. The wave guide that houses the laser ferrules can be configured on multiple axes to accommodate highly complex 3D contours. The compact, benchtop 3G laser welder consists of a control designed to interface with a single 2000X actuator and up to two Radiance laser banks capable of delivering up to 250 W of laser power. The unit is designed to be operated with an external chiller. 888-282-9353 • bransonultrasonics.com WELDING Make Perfect Parts and Save Money! • Preload cores for perfect parts. • Save $$$$ with a smaller cylinder. • Simplify mold operation and design. • Smaller mold base = low cost parts. • Fully Preloads at only 1,500 psi. • Stays locked without hydraulics. • 400˚ F systems available. • Rush 0-2 day shipping available. pfa-inc.com N118 W18251 Bunsen Drive Germantown, WI 53022 (262) 250-4410 Fax (262) 250-4409 KOR-LOK ® , Hydra-Latch ™ and Hydra-Jaws ™ are trademarks of PFA, Inc. ©2016 PFA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mold OPEN Core Out Mold CLOSED Core OUT Mold CLOSED Core IN Core PRE-LOADED Against FULL Injection Pressure CAN'T DO IT! CAN'T DO IT! KOR-LOK ® TRADITIONAL SIDE-ACTION VS. SIDE-ACTION SYSTEMS SYSTEMS YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! SIDE-ACTION SYSTEMS Designed & Made in USA HYDRA-JAWS ™ Every Mold, Every Machine, Every Time! Adjusts to Fit Every Mold Quick and Secure Consistent Clamping Force 60 AUGUST 2016 Plastics Technology PTonline.com Keeping Up W it h Technolog y