The Best of Two Worlds
(Bronschhofen) The Swiss company Telsonic AG is presenting a
global innovation at the Interpack. The new impulse sealing process brings the
advantages of both sealing processes together. This is the first time that
thermal sealing and ultrasonic welding were successfully united in one sealing
unit. With it, multi-layer seal edges as well as thin foils can be securely
sealed. The welding process becomes considerably more flexible.
"Together with our partner Ropex, we've succeeded in
considerably strengthening the advantages of both thermal sealing and
ultrasonic welding while eliminating the disadvantages of both,"
emphasizes Hartmut Möglich, responsible for the packaging area at Telsonic AG.
The ultrasound experts have brought both processes together in one sealing
station. In the process, thermal sealing prepares the foils by preheating. This
improves the flow characteristics of the material. The Cirus impulse sealing
technology from Ropex GmbH is used for this. Accordingly, a secure sealing
process is prepared on a vertical form fill and seal machine, even with several
layers on the longitudinal seam. Ultrasonic welding then ensures a secure edge
sealing seam, since it also seals reliably in product-humidified zones.
Less heat and lower amplitude preserves
Since the thermal process gets by with less heat and the
amplitude can be reduced during ultrasonic welding, the inherent disadvantages
of both processes can be eliminated. For example, food is no longer heated
unnecessarily and thin foils are no longer damaged. The cleaning power of
ultrasound remains intact, however, and multiple layers are also securely
sealed through the thermal process. In the sealing zone, there are no flaws due
to contaminated surfaces, but only a clean welded bond. The welding process itself
is now made considerably more flexible through the use of both processes.
"Users can also take on previously difficult sealing situations,"
Möglich assures. For example, impulse sealing time can also be defined more
precisely.
Möglich describes the idea for new impulse welding processes
as follows: "Both processes, thermal impulse sealing and ultrasonic
welding, have their inherent disadvantages, which disqualify them for certain
applications. And so, at TELSONIC we gave the combination some thought. What
came out of this is impulse sealing, which we developed together with Ropex and
will bring to market with them."
Pioneer and technology leader from Switzerland
The Swiss company TELSONIC AG is a pioneer in the field of
ultrasonic technology. The company, founded in 1966, with subsidiaries in
Germany, England, South-East Europe, China and the USA as well as a joint
venture in India and representatives in many countries, holds numerous patents.
It applies ultrasonic technology to welding, separation welding, cleaning and
screening as well as to chemical processes and packaging.