Next-generation ultrasonic plastic welding technology has been unveiled at Fakuma 2018 by Emerson Branson.
Branson
In a well-attended unveiling on the first morning of the plastics industry event, the new systems future-proofed for changing smart factories were proudly showcased, offering customised, flexible joining solutions for smaller, increasingly complex and delicate plastic parts.
The new generation of Branson ultrasonic welders has been designed to support the growing demand for the assembly of smaller and more intricate plastic components. The new modular flexible welding platform will provide greater welding precision, control and efficiency, ensuring weld quality and improved operational efficiency.
At the heart of the Branson welding platform is an advanced actuation system that reduces trigger force and improves position accuracy, leading to faster, high-performance welding. This is complemented by a range of hardware and software features that simplify set-up, operation and maintenance, whilst digital connectivity supports Industry 4.0/IIoT applications that provide access to actionable performance and diagnostic data.
Leveraging major advances in actuation and control, the GSX series provides superior weld strength and quality with speed and flexibility for complex geometries and precision applications.
Product Manager, Ultrasonics Europe, Christoph Manger, revealed that Emerson Branson technology is responsible for the plastic welding of three million smartphone speakers a day. To put this data into even sharper focus, he revealed that this is around half of all the smartphone speakers that are welded daily around the world.
The GSX system took three years of customer collaboration to get off the ground, listening to the needs of different types of customers all over the world to produce a system that would work for any company, wherever they are in the world. The technology is flexibly industry 4.0-ready, enabling it to fit into the global smart factory where official industry 4.0 standardisation is still to be set in stone.
“We got out there and asked customers what they need for their applications for production and we got the chance to listen to our customers, “ said Manger. “We looked at their specific needs across different regions – in Japan for instance the need for a compact system was strong – and took their needs into our development.”
“I’ve been working for Emerson Branson for 20 years,” he added, “and I’m really excited.”
“You know, sometimes it feels like I’m talking about my babies – and it is good for you to feel good about your work. We are very proud of our work and we have passion, and that’s what makes this system special.”
The system will be available worldwide from October 29th 2018.
