Telsonic matches technology to volumes with welding system

The original system, currently in full production, manufactures a cup holder assembly comprising two components, base moulding & bezel, that are joined using the company's ultrasonic technology. This variant of cup holder, produced at the rate of one every 12 seconds, is fitted to the majority of vehicles in the range.

Now the challenge was to provide a cost-effective system for the assembly of the four individual component parts that make up this higher specification version of cup holder, allowing for lower volume and cycle rates, and enabling one part to be made every 45 seconds.

An ultrasonic system could be used to successfully join the components of the new cup holder; however, the fast cycle times associated with the technology are not required. The approach offered by Telsonic was therefore based upon Hot Air Cold Staking (HACS) technology.

The machine, designed and manufactured by Telsonic at their Poole facility, uses a motorised fixture table to transfer the components between the operator load / unload position, heating area and staking station. The assembly comprises three ABS moulded components, an elasticated mesh pocket and retaining clips. The presence of each component is confirmed using sensors before each cycle begins. There are a total of 15 staking points on the assembly, two of which are used to secure the elasticated strap of the mesh pocket to the "B" surface of the component.

Individual controllers are used to monitor and maintain the correct temperature profile within the system to ensure consistent results for each weld staking point and for each machine cycle. Operator safety is assured by the use of light guards at the load / unload station.

As for all systems and products from Telsonic UK, prototype trials were conducted at the concept stage. In this instance the trials were used to ensure no negative effects of heat on the soft flock material used on the "A" surface of the part or on the elasticated mesh strap staked into position on the B side.

Now in full production at Lear, this compact machine is providing an efficient and cost-effective approach to the application. The decision by Lear to use Telsonic UK for this project was based upon a number of factors, including Telsonics' proven track record on the previous Cup Holder assembly system, customer references and a partnership approach to determining the optimum system.

For more information about Telsonic's ultrasonic welding system, please go to www.telsonic.com.