Gentex to demo laser welding of medical tubing at K show
8/9/2007
Gentex® to demo laser welding
of medical tubing at K Show
Carbondale, Pa., August 9, 2007 -- Gentex Corporation will demonstrate how to laser weld plastic fittings to medical tubing using its patented Clearweld® technology at this year’s K Show, October 24-31, Dusseldorf, Germany, Hall 11, Stand D23. The new technology represents a significant advance over conventional plastics-joining methods, such as adhesives which can contaminate components and degrade over time; solvents which pose aesthetic and environmental concerns; and ultrasonic welding which can generate troublesome particulates, especially in medical devices.
Gentex will conduct the demonstrations using Sure Bond™ medical tubing developed by Natvar Corporation, which incorporates Gentex’s laser-weldable resin additives, and an exclusive laser system from Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, which is designed to weld the tubing without rotating it. Both Natvar and Branson are strategic partners in Gentex’s global supply chain of laser companies, contract manufacturers, resin compounders and liquid dispensing equipment manufacturers that will accelerate adoption of Clearweld technology in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
The Clearweld process employs specialty coatings and resins to provide unique color and design flexibility in laser welding clear and opaque plastics. These light-absorbing materials focus laser energy and convert it to heat. Localized heating at the interface of two pieces of plastic to be joined produces strong, hermetically sealed welds with minimal thermal and mechanical stress, no particulates and very little flash, making it ideal for applications ranging from micro-fluidics to electronic packaging components.
Clearweld was developed jointly by TWI, a U.K.-based industrial research and development organization that specializes in material joining, and Gentex, which retains the sole right to commercialize the technology worldwide. The company offers a wide range of products and services for laser welding thermoplastics, TPEs, and textiles, including laser-absorbing resins and coatings, feasibility studies, engineering services, contract manufacturing and pilot production.
For further information, contact Gareth McGrath, Commercial Manager, Gentex Corporation, Granta Park, Great Abington Cambridge CB21 6AL, United Kingdom; Tel: +44 (1223) 893566; Fax: +44 (1223) 893666; Mobile: +44 7904954270; E-mail: gmcgrath@gentexcorp.com; Web: www.clearweld.com. Information may also be obtained from Lee Ann Spaulding, Customer Service, Gentex Corporation, Carbondale, PA, USA; Tel: 570-282-8648; Fax: 570-282-8555; E-mail lspaulding@gentexcorp.com.
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About Gentex
Established in 1892, Gentex is a privately owned corporation with four operating units: Helmet Systems, Performance Materials, Respiratory Products and Electro-acoustic Products. The company is a world leader in high performance products and systems for both the military and commercial markets with extensive research and development capabilities.
About Natvar
For over 50 years, Natvar, a Tekni-Plex Company, has been the leader in tubing extrusion technology for the medical and industrial markets. Natvar specializes in providing close-tolerance tubing components for such applications as intravenous therapy, hemodialysis equipment, cardiovascular procedures, urinary drainage, and catheterization. Natvar has a strong focus on innovative products that carry the highest quality standard in medical and other industries. Conveniently located on both the west and east coasts of the United States and also in Europe and China, Tekni-Plex is able to best service its Customer’s extrusion needs worldwide.
About Branson
Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., Branson is the global leader in supplying plastics joining equipment, including ultrasonic, linear and orbital vibration, hot plate, laser IRAM and spin welders for assembling thermoplastics. Branson also manufactures ultrasonic equipment for the sealing and slitting of synthetic textiles and thermoplastic films, welding non-ferrous metals and processing biological and chemical solutions, as well as precision commercial and industrial cleaning systems. Branson was founded in 1946 and is a subsidiary of Emerson based in St. Louis, Mo., USA.
Gentex® is a registered trademark of Gentex Corporation.
Clearweld® is a registered trademark of TWI.
The oval logo is a trademark of Gentex Corporation.