In this case study, Techsil provided emergency LED lighting manufacturer, Mackwell Electronics, with an automated solution for dispensing a clear, fast curing, 1-part silicone adhesive, to seal a clear plastic lens in an emergency luminaire housing. This provided an accurate, reliable IP65 rated seal, improved productivity, yield and accuracy; and the system installed can be adapted to suit other in-house bonding applications.
Operating from a purpose designed R&D and manufacturing facility, Mackwell's philosophy of never leaving safety to chance has led to the design of a portfolio of high quality, durable emergency LED lighting products for a wide range of applications such as entrance lobbies, hospitals, hotels, lifts, offices and staircases.
Application
Mackwell were trying to reliably bond a clear plastic lens into a self-contained emergency light housing. This had to be sealed to IP65 standards for challenging environments. Techsil were invited in to discuss various clear bonding options including cyanoacrylates, UV curing adhesives and silicones. The lighting units were being produced in volume batches on the shop floor. Hand bonding was not viewed as efficient. A semi-automatic bond application was envisaged. Techsil took away a housing and lens for assessment and trials back at its testing facility at Bidford HQ.
Solution
After a number of in-house trials, Techsil prescribed and sampled Momentive’s Snapsil TN3005-C. This is a clear 1-part, low volatile siloxane, thixotropic silicone sealant with a fast tack-free time. TN3005 C offers primerless adhesion to most substrates and cures at room temperature to a 22 Shore A rubber. Bonded units were sent away for rigorous testing and passed with flying colours.
Techsil liaised with Mackwell’s engineering department regarding a dispensing system; the Nordson Performus™ III was the one recommended. This is a compact, operator-controlled benchtop system which is used with an electric foot pedal with the advantage that it could be used with a preparatory feed valve, that Mackwell already had on site, to power the dispenser.
Conclusion
The Performus™ dispenser can handle all assembly fluids; with fast, controlled application it can make dots, beads and fills. Mackwell now have this system in operation and will adapt it further to complete a variety of other in-house bonding applications. This dispensing system has increased throughput, improved yields and reduced production costs overall.
Snapsil TN3005-C silicone adhesive sealant has proved to be a high performance material that stood up to rigorous testing and will last for the life of the product. Being a 1-part material there is no mixing and no primer needed, making it very easy to use.
Techsil’s insightful knowledge of adhesives and application knowledge in real production environments was used to find a cost effective, reliable solution which in turn enhanced product performance and profitability.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
