Emerson Introduces New Laser Welder For Efficient And Flexible Processing Of Medical Precision Parts

Emerson, a global leader in industrial automation, recently launched the new Branson™ GLX-1 laser welder, which precisely meets the market's urgent need for joining small, complex or delicate plastic parts with its outstanding flexibility and innovative technology. Its compact size and modular design allow for easy integration into ISO-8 cleanroom environments, while the integrated automation controller simplifies installation and enables seamless integration with production robots.
The GLX-1 laser welder is particularly well suited for small part applications in the medical market, where it enables the precise and flexible design and joining of three-dimensional contoured components such as catheters and wearable devices with microfluidic components. It is also widely used in the electronics, automotive and appliance markets, providing efficient welding solutions for precision components such as sensors.
It is worth mentioning that the new welder is not only capable of joining high-performance and hybrid polymers, but also safely handles assemblies with complex 3D joint geometries or pre-assembled parts without any thermal or vibration damage throughout the entire process, and the weld process has no flash or part marking, ensuring a clean and aesthetically pleasing part appearance.
In response to calls from device manufacturers for closed-loop product recycling, the GLX-1 is equipped with a "non-welding" feature that allows for the safe and non-destructive disassembly of plastic components in common medical devices and wearables. This innovative technology not only helps to recycle and reuse valuable internal components, but also greatly enhances sustainability and reduces waste.
With the growing market demand for smaller, more complex, high-quality plastic parts, we introduced the GLX-1 laser welder," said Emma Wood, global product manager for non-ultrasonic at Emerson. This welder delivers robust, clean welds and advanced joining features in a compact package, allowing manufacturers to design higher quality products and realize efficient production."
The GLX-1 welder utilizes Emerson's unique Synchronized Transmission Through Infrared® (STTlr) laser welding technology, which outperforms other plastics welding methods with superior productivity, weld strength and aesthetics. Its Branson™ high-power laser library provides configurable power levels up to 250 watts, ensuring consistent and reliable weld results.
Advanced servo-driven actuators provide the welder with precise, repeatable, closed-loop downforce control for both low and high pressure levels. At the same time, its fast weld cycle time supports high-volume, high-quality production in a wide range of applications. With Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability, the welder recognizes and matches the weld recipe with the correct production tool, ensuring efficient and accurate tool changeover.
In addition, advanced servo-driven actuators provide the welder with precise, repeatable, closed-loop downforce control from low to high levels with ease. Its fast weld cycle time supports high-volume, high-quality production. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) functionality ensures accurate matching of welding recipes to production tools for efficient and accurate tool changeover.
The GLX-1 laser welder also excels in connectivity and safety. Its data collection, transmission and security features simplify the transfer of welding data on internal customer networks. Operation and safety functions are accessed through the welder's intuitive, easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreen HMI, which is mounted on a rotating pendant arm for optimal viewing.
The welder also features 99 levels of customizable password protection to ensure safe operation. In addition, it easily connects to the plant network for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or communication requirements, offering Data Interface Gateway (DIG) and Fieldbus Interface Gateway compatibility, as well as USB ports and OPC-UA interfaces.