Gentex® partners with EFD to commercialize Clearweld® process

8/30/2004

Gentex Corporation and EFD Inc., East Providence, R.I., have entered into a strategic partnership to facilitate implementation of Gentex's patented Clearweld process for laser welding plastics. EFD will provide precision liquid dispensing systems for applying Gentex's near-IR absorptive coatings, which are critical to implementing the process. Systems will be available through EFD's extensive worldwide distribution network, as well as directly from Gentex.

Gentex entered into a similar partnership in 2002 with EFD's parent company, Nordson Corporation, Westlake, Ohio, which also manufactures liquid dispensing systems. The two companies' complementary technologies allow them to provide a solution for virtually any dispensing application, from benchtop assembly operations to high-speed, fully automated manufacturing processes.

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 EFD
Acquired by Nordson Corporation in 2000, EFD designs and manufactures precision dispensing devices for applying controlled amounts of adhesives, sealants, lubricants and other assembly fluids used in almost every manufacturing process throughout the world. Other products include the Microcoat® system for applying lubricants in the metal stamping industry and a complete line of high-quality solder pastes for surface-mount and electromechanical assembly applications.

About Nordson
Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ symbol NDSN) is the world's leading producer of precision dispensing equipment. Nordson systems apply adhesives, sealants and coatings to a broad range of consumer and industrial products during manufacturing operations, helping customers meet quality, productivity and environmental targets. The company also manufactures technology-based systems for curing and surface treatment processes. Headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Nordson has direct operations in 31 countries.