Infrared Welding & Staking: Infrared Heaters and systems from Heraeus Noblelight, Inc.

ABOUT INFRARED WELDING For plastic parts- Infrared Welding can be a beneficial replacement for certain traditional hot-plate and vibration welding applications. The use of a controlled IR light source (heater) with accurately regulated time and temperature in a precise location allows more accurate process control on plastic assemblies.

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Different heat levels for varying welding conditions can be accomplished on a single fixture. The ability to place the infrared lamp in various positions makes it possible to weld multiple surfaces in one setup. Because the infrared heat source does not touch the part, the process is cleaner. Unlike the hot-plate process, plastic does not stick to the heat source.

PRODUCTION GOES UP The downtime required to clean or remove a hot plate two or three times per shift is eliminated. With the instant-on of IR heaters, no time is wasted waiting for tooling to heat up.

New setup changeover happens faster because you don't have to wait for tooling to cool down (as you would with hot-plate setups).

REDUCED COSTS -- There are several cost reduction opportunities with Infrared Welding systems. Capital investment is reduced. Backup tools are not needed. An IR Welding machine takes up less floor space, and electric consumption is much less. Injection molding tooling costs can be reduced since tongue-and-groove part designs for surface joining requirements are eliminated. More consistent hermetically sealed parts result.

IR WELDING ADVANTAGES

• Low maintenance
• No contact to part surface
• Eliminates plastic sticking to tooling
• Back-up tools eliminated
• Instant start-up
• More accurate part temperature control
• Smaller machines / less floor space
• Lower tool cost; tongue-and-groove not required
• Hermetic sealing of parts
• Replaces hot plate and vibration welding
• Lower energy consumption
• Non-contact process results in higher quality level

ABOUT HEAT STAKING This cost-effective method of assembling plastic components uses concentrated IR energy to focus heat on the plastic stake.

IR HEAT STAKING ADVANTAGES

• Reduce cycle time ‹ 10 seconds
• Non-contact heat
• Instant on/off
• Dramatically reduced compressed air consumption
• Low/no maintenance due to non-contact heat method
• Reduced energy costs
• Focused energy eliminates heat damage to temperature sensitive areas