Using solvent-based adhesives to join the parts resulted in the emission of volatile organic compounds which was not a satisfactory condition for the manufacturer.
Excessive Cost
More environmentally safe bonding techniques, such as the use of sonic welders, were effective but expensive.
Production Output Requirements
The manufacturer required that the bonding process be complete within 12 seconds.
Solution
Heat
Two sets of four Model 5194-05 Infrared Line Heaters with 1200 watt lamps applied heat to the plastic parts to prepare them for bonding.
Power Control
A Model 5620 Phase Angle SCR Power Controller controlled the power to each set of four heaters.
System Integration
The Infrared Line Heaters were installed on movable racks on the assembly line. The six-second heating cycle was controlled by a programmable logic controller connected to the SCR Power Controllers. After each heating cycle was complete, the heaters were retracted and a pair of hydraulic rams pressed the parts together to complete the bonding process.
Benefits
Environmentally Safe
The Model 5194-05 Infrared Line Heaters provided the manufacturer with an environmentally safe method of bonding the plastic glovebox parts.
Cost Effective
The infrared bonding system was installed for a fraction of the cost of other environmentally friendly bonding systems, such as sonic welders.
Production Output
With the infrared bonding system, the manufacturer was able to complete the bonding process within 12 seconds to meet production output requirements.
