HILLSBORO, Ore. — August 21, 2017 — High demand for coated filaments across a wide and growing spectrum of applications ranging from cell phones to fabrics, is causing manufacturers to increasingly turn to Phoseon Technology’s revolutionary UV LED curing because of the advantages it offers compared with traditional UV or arc light curing methods.

There are many types of coated filaments, ranging from copper wire covered with a thin layer of insulation used in everyday appliances, to coated threads used in specialized clothing materials that improve athletic performance, personal comfort and protection from the elements.

Until recently, manufacturers cured the coating on filaments using UV or arc lights. Now an increasing number of manufacturers utilize Phoseon Technology’s UV LED curing for filament coating because it produces faster and more consistent results than traditional curing methods.

“UV LED curing uses a fine-tuned light source that enables better process control, resulting in a superior and more consistent overall product,” said Ed Kiyoi, technical marketing engineer at Phoseon Technology. “That process control leads to higher yields and reduces scrap for manufacturers.”

The communications industry is fueling increasing demand for coated filaments, with needs ranging from fiber optic cable to copper wire.

“Fiber optic cable is used for most of the world’s data networking and telecommunications, including internet, cable television and telephone systems, because it can transmit data over long distances,” said Kiyoi. “Other technologies, such as cell phones, also are driving up demand for coated filaments. Most people aren’t aware how much fine copper wire is used in a single cell phone speaker, and most cellphones contain three or more small speakers.”

Rapid curing and improved process consistency are important benefits, but UV LED curing also can reduce operation costs and energy usage up to 70 percent. In addition, because UV LED curing does not contain mercury, which is used in arc lights, it is safer for the environment and workplace.

Furthermore, UV LED curing enables manufacturers to produce filament coatings that are not possible with conventional methods. For example, because UV LED curing creates less heat than traditional arc or microwave lamps, it allows manufacturers to coat fine thread with specialized chemicals to produce “smart textiles” for applications such as protective clothing.

“There have been tremendous advancements in coating materials in recent years,” said Kiyoi. “We’re working closely with companies that develop coating materials so we can continue to improve the curing process and adapt our technology to keep pace with coatings advancements.

“In some cases, UV LED curing allows manufacturers the ability to do coatings they otherwise couldn’t,” he added “In all cases, UV LED technology enables the curing process to be done faster and more efficiently with less waste.”

In addition to “smart textiles”- fabrics used in clothing that can do everything from heat or cool the wearer to biometric clothing that monitors the wearer’s energy usage, heart rate and sweat level — another coating advancement is for medical applications in which the threads of bandages are coated with medications that are released in select doses at specified intervals.

“While there is an investment in the UV LED curing equipment, and the company may have to change its process to adapt to the new curing equipment, many companies see a return on their investment very quickly,” Kiyoi said. “The adoption rate of UV LED curing is accelerating, and the more companies that change over, the more it influences others to make the change.”

In addition to curing filament coatings, Phoseon Technology’s UV LED technology also is used in a wide range of other applications, such as printing on paper, film, plastic and glass, as well as in manufacturing and wood coating.

Posted August 21, 2017

Source: Phoseon Technology

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — August 17, 2017 — The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating, announced today the results of its research on robotics and automation trends, sales, and growth. A3 provides quarterly statistical reports to its members for benchmarking and business intelligence purposes. As expected, many records were set in the areas of robotics, machine vision, motion control and motor technology for the first half of 2017.

A snapshot of some of A3’s research findings includes:

Robotics

The North American robotics market had its best opening half ever to begin 2017, setting new records in all four statistical categories (order units, order revenue, shipment units, and shipment revenue). In total, 19,331 robots valued at approximately $1.031 billion were sold in North America during the first half of 2017, which is the highest level ever recorded to begin a year. These figures represent growth of 33 percent in units and 26 percent in dollars over 2016. Automotive related orders grew substantially in that time, increasing 39 percent in units and 37 percent in dollars, while non-automotive orders also grew 21 percent in units and 10% in dollars over the first half of 2016.

Motion Control & Motors

For the first half of 2017, orders for motion control and motor products amounted to $1.622 billion, up 14 percent over the first six months of 2016. Shipments totaled $1.757 billion, up 10 percent over the first half of 2016, and the fastest growing categories in that timeframe, in terms of shipments, were Motion Controllers (21 percent to $97 million), Sensors & Feedback Devices (20 percent to $76 million), Actuators & Mechanical Systems (17 percent to $318 million), and AC Drives (17 percent to $199 million).

Vision & Imaging

In 2017, the machine vision market in North America also posted its best first half performance compared to any other year. A total of $1.241 billion was sold in the first six months of the year, with an increase of 11 percent over the same period in 2016. Machine vision component markets were up 11 percent in total to $177 million and systems increased 10 percent to $1.058 billion. Some notable growth rates were: Lighting (20 percent to $35 million), Smart Cameras (16 percent to $183 million), and Optics (16 percent to $20 million).

Experts expect software to trend up, cameras, lighting, and imaging boards to be flat, and optics to trend down over the next six months. Additionally, expectations are for Application Specific Machine Vision (ASMV) systems to increase and smart cameras to remain flat in the next two quarters.

A3 Expertise

A longtime advocate for and supporter of the robotics, machine vision, motion control and motor markets, A3 is comprised of three sister associations: the Robotic Industries Association (RIA); the Advancing Vision + Imaging Association (AIA); and the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA). A3 is currently at a record combined membership of 1,064 as of July 31, 2017.

“Year over year, our membership has been on a steady growth trajectory, the result of more companies understanding, and embracing, the direct impact automation can have on their bottom line,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “We look forward to the continued advancement of our industry and helping companies of all sizes access the connections, information, and training they need to succeed with automation.”

A3 On the Road

A3 will host several events in the fall of 2017 that support the organizations and industries noted in its research findings. They include:

• The National Robot Safety Conference, taking place in Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 10-12;
• The MCMA Technical Conference, taking place in Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 16-18; and
• The Collaborative Robots & Advanced Vision Conference, taking place in San Jose, CA, Nov. 15-16.

For more details or to sign up, visit: www.a3automate.org.

Posted August 17, 2017

Source: The Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

CARMEL, Ind. — August 16, 2017 — Top Value Fabrics has expanded its textiles for latex printing with a new line of Latex Performance Textiles, specifically engineered to create durable, high-quality production graphics utilizing HP Latex Technology.

“Working closely in our partnership with HP, Top Value Fabrics has developed a proprietary coating for our top-selling digitally printable textile products to enhance the durability of HP Latex inks,” said Mike Compton, product marketing manager, Top Value Fabrics. “Printing on our coated textiles with HP Latex print systems and inks provides finished graphic products with rich, brilliant colors with exceptional durability and fastness properties. Our new line of Latex coated products cover a broad spectrum of end use needs including: backlit, frontlit, stretch, banner and sheer fabric applications. These fabrics can be utilized for SEG frame systems, high-end retail, POP, banner stands, backdrops, roll-up displays, tradeshow exhibits and interior decor,” Compton said.

The media in this high-performance line is constructed with a superior print receptive treatment for maximizing the beauty of printing with latex ink technology. After imaging, these fabrics are designed to provide outstanding color consistency, excellent image sharpness and a wide color range. Several of the fabrics are built on similar constructions of best-selling fabrics in our Direct Print Textile line. The new fabrics are called Latex Performance as they feature a proprietary coating for HP Latex Inks.

Posted August 16, 2017

Source: Top Value Fabrics