Ultrasonic welders Herrmann Ultrasonics has added new security features to the welding tools and fixtures used in its ultrasonic welding equipment. The features, which are designed to ensure that the correct welding tool is always used for the parts being welded, can easily be integrated into the company's HiQ series, HiQ Dialog and HiQ Vario ultrasonic welding machines without adding any external hardware or software.
What's new? A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader that is integrated into both the sonotrode and the fixture. The reader communicates with the machine controller to check that the parameters for the part to be welded match the installed tooling. Additionally, a new optical sensor verifies that a part of the right shape and color has been placed into the welding fixture. If the part is incorrect, the system notifies the operator and halts the process.
Benefits Fewer errors, which makes the features especially suited for the demanding medical and consumer electronics markets.
Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc., Bartlett, Ill., 630-626-1626, www.herrmannultrasonics.com
