New joining technology: Even more possibilities for the technical center

The SKZ plastics center in Würzburg has two new welding systems. Joining technology thus benefits from new potential – such as joining transparent thermoplastics using laser-based quasi-simultaneous welding and highly automated heating element welding. This creates new opportunities for future projects.

The researchers at the SKZ Plastics Center are pleased about new technology in the field of thermal plastic joining. The new additions are the Evo1800 laser welding system from Evosys Laser GmbH and the HWT 400 CS workshop system from Hürner Schweisstechnik GmbH for heating element welding. The institute in Würzburg is thus expanding its options for research projects and educational activities with state-of-the-art machines. These help to gain current knowledge and transfer it promptly. Customers and course participants remain up to date with the latest technology.

Transparent plastic parts can be joined

Both welding systems offer the scientists, technicians and trainers at the SKZ a lot of new things. For example, the Evo1800 can weld with two lasers of different wavelengths (980 and 1940 nm). This increases the range of plastics that can be welded, so that even transparent plastic parts can now be joined. In addition to the common contour welding process, the new laser welding system also allows quasi-simultaneous welding. With the right component geometry, this approach enables shorter process times and more extensive process monitoring.

High-quality and powerful technology

The HWT 400 also offers the SKZ exciting fields of activity in the area of heating element welding, as the machine is characterized by high-quality and powerful technology. “The HWT400 is the luxury and not the small car in heating element welding. The numerous degrees of freedom in setting and operating options are ideal for our activities in particular,” explains Dr. Gernot Hochleitner, group leader for thermal joining at SKZ. At the same time, the high level of automation requires very controlled process management with regard to time, temperature and pressure – and thus lays the foundation for reproducible joining results at a high level. “This means we can offer our customers better solutions and modern training using brand new technologies,” says Hochleitner.

Fügen has a decades-long tradition at the SKZ

Joining has a decades-long tradition at the SKZ – and the expertise here is correspondingly great. Current technology therefore enables plastics experts, particularly in research, to create real innovations. The same applies to the subsequent transfer of knowledge to industry via the institute’s educational activities.