Gentex® partners with Bielomatik, LaserQuipment to promote laser welding process

8/12/2004

Gentex Corporation has entered into non-exclusive agreements with Bielomatik and LaserQuipment AG to provide equipment and implementation expertise for Gentex's patented Clearweld® process for laser welding plastics. In return, the companies will gain access to Gentex's materials technologies, application engineering support and extensive network of supply-chain partnerships to facilitate implementation of the process.

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.

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. One of the company's major markets is defense, encompassing both U.S. armed forces and the military units of other nations. The company is a world leader in both military and commercial markets with extensive research and development capabilities.

About Bielomatik
Part of the Leuze Group, Neuffen, Germany, Bielomatik pioneered hotplate welding over 40 years ago and continues to advance the technology for the vibration, hotplate and laser welding of thermoplastics. The company offers worldwide service and support from three manufacturing facilities and 10 agencies.

About LaserQuipment
Based in Erlangen, Germany, LaserQuipment AG develops, manufactures and distributes systems for laser welding plastics with modular, laser-assisted production systems. The company offers process development, prototyping and small-batch production capabilities for rapid integration of its technology into customers' production processes.