|

Emerson’s New Laser Welder Automates Assembly of Small Plastic Parts with Complex Geometries

June 12, 2024

Emerson’s New Laser Welder Automates Assembly of Small Plastic Parts with Complex Geometries

Branson GLX-1 platform offers automation-friendly solution for clean, vibration-free welding that supports closed-loop product recycling

Emerson has announced its new Branson™ GLX-1 Laser Welder, which offers users flexibility to meet the growing demand for joining small, complex or delicate plastic components and assemblies. Its small footprint and modular design make it compatible for use in ISO-8 cleanroom environments, while an integral automation controller simplifies installation and interfaces with production robotics.

The precise, servo-based actuation controls of the GLX-1 welder allow for greater freedom to design and join components with three-dimensional contours in small-part applications for the medical market, such as catheters and wearables with microfluidic parts, as well as sensors in the electronics, automotive and appliance markets. The new welder can join high-performance and blended polymers and components with critical or complex 3D joint geometries or preassembled parts without risk of damage due to heat or vibration. Laser welds are completed without flash or part marking, giving parts a superior aesthetic appearance.

To support device makers’ increased interest in closed-loop product recycling, the GLX-1 can also safely and nondestructively “un-weld” plastics used in common medical devices and wearables. This disassembly capability enables reclamation and reuse of valuable internal components while enhancing sustainability initiatives and reducing waste.

“There is increasing demand for smaller and more intricate high-quality plastic components, often housing sensitive electronic components in a range of important markets,” said Emma Wood, global product manager for non-ultrasonics at Emerson. “Delivering strong, clean joints and advanced connectivity features in an extremely compact package, the new GLX-1 Laser Welder enables manufacturers to design and efficiently produce the highest-quality products.”

The GLX-1 welder relies on Emerson’s Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTlr) laser-welding technology, which delivers unmatched production efficiency, weld strength and aesthetics that typically surpass those that are possible using other plastic welding methods. The GLX-1 delivers weld power using Branson’s high-power laser banks, which offer configurable power levels up to a maximum of 250 watts per bank.

An advanced servo-driven actuator provides precise, repeatable, closed-loop downforce control, from low to high levels. An optional, closed-loop pneumatic control is also available. The results are rapid weld cycle times that support high-volume, high-quality production in a range of applications. Efficient and accurate tool changeover is ensured, thanks to a radio frequency identification (RFID) function that recognizes and matches weld recipes with correct production tooling.

The GLX-1 also provides exceptional connectivity and security, with weld data collection, transfer, and security features simplifying weld-data transfer over internal customer networks. Operational and security features are accessed through the welder’s intuitive, easy-to-use 12-inch touchscreen HMI, which is mounted on a swiveling pendant arm for easy viewing at convenient angles.

The welder ensures maximum security, with 99 levels of customizable password protection. It also connects easily with plant networks to meet industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or communication requirements, offering Data Interface Gateway (DIG) and Fieldbus interface gateway compatibility, a USB port and an OPC-UA interface.

Source

More Information

Branson™ Series GLX-1 Laser Welder

Related Story

Emerson’s New Compact, Rugged PC Built to Connect Industrial Floor to Cloud

Emerson has announced the new PACSystems™ IPC 2010 Compact Industrial PC (IPC), a rugged industrial computer designed to handle a wide range of machine and discrete part manufacturing automation applications. The new solution is designed to serve manufacturing sites and OEM machine builders who need a ruggedized, compact, durable IPC to cost-effectively support their Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other digital transformation initiatives.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Building the Future of Smart Tool Manufacturing – Together

    Why now Is the time to join the AIMS ecosystem August 27, 2025 By Samuel Kirkpatrick, ANCA Senior Product Manager – AIMS The manufacturing industry is undergoing its most transformative shift in over a century. As smart automation, AI-driven production systems, and advanced robotics redefine what’s possible, manufacturers are seeking ways to scale efficiently, adapt… Read More…

  • Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

    August 19, 2025 The choice between maxon’s EC-i and ECX motor series depends on whether the application prioritizes torque or speed, rugged durability or quick responsiveness, and high load-handling capability or low-inertia performance. Both maxon product lines use brushless DC motor technology but are engineered with distinct rotor architectures and performance envelopes. This comparison outlines… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Emergent Vision Technologies Announces All EROS 10GigE Camera Models Now Shipping

    August 27, 2025 Emergent Vision Technologies is announcing that all models of the groundbreaking EROS 10GigE camera series are now officially shipping. Originally launched in December 2024, Emergent Vision Technologies says EROS is the smallest, lowest power10GigE camera in the world. “Thirty-nine new cameras across color, mono, SWIR, polarized, and UV sensors are now available… Read More…

  • Remote Display Unit Type EXCRDU2 from Lovato Electric

    August 26, 2025 LOVATO Electric expands its range of accessories for soft starters and variable speed drives with the new EXCRDU2 remote display unit. It is compatible with LOVATO Electric soft starters ADXL series and ADXNP type, as well as variable speed drives VLB series, equipped with an optional RS485 port. Up to 32 devices can be connected to the same unit, even… Read More…