Sonobond's Ultrasonic Bonding Equipment is Speeding Production and Reducing Labor and Maintenance Costs for a Leading Manufacturer of Jet Fuel Filters


The SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder has Proven to be a
Reliable, Cost-Effective Addition to the Production Line
of Velcon Filters, Inc.

WEST CHESTER, Pennsylvania, July 10, 2008-Sonobond Ultrasonics announced today that its SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder has won praise for exceptional performance and cost-efficiency from Velcon Filters, a leading manufacturer of jet fuel filters. According to Sonobond's president, Janet Devine, "Velcon reports that our Sonobond ultrasonic bonding equipment is making a major contribution to speeding their production, while lowering maintenance and labor costs. Velcon had us install our unit at their facility in Sylacauga, Alabama, a few months ago. We are pleased that this is yet another example of how our ultrasonic bonding technology can make filtration assembly easier and more cost-efficient."

Faster and More Economical Than Sewing Machines

According to Rob Perkins, Manager of Process Engineering at Velcon's Sylacauga facility, the new Sonobond unit is used to bond two filtration components that are integral to commercial and military jet fuel handling. As a result of switching from sewing machines to Sonobond's ultrasonic technology, the company has seen very positive results. He explains, "The Sonobond unit replaced two industrial sewing machines. Those machines processed only about 20 feet of material per minute. But our Sonobond SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder runs approximately 30 or 40 feet per minute. That means our Sonobond bonder is definitely boosting efficiency, while reducing labor costs."

According to Perkins, Sonobond's SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder has another major advantage. It requires substantially less maintenance than the sewing machines. For example, Velcon had to shut down the sewing machines for approximately three hours of maintenance every week, and an outside service also came in to service the machines once a month. Perkins elaborates, "Total maintenance fees for the sewing machines cost us about $2,000 a year. But thanks to Sonobond, we no longer have to worry about those fees or about losing valuable production time every week for routine maintenance."

Pleased by Sonobond's Responsiveness

Velcon's decision to choose Sonobond ultrasonic bonding equipment was based on careful consideration of several factors, including the company's excellent reputation and the quality of technical support provided. Perkins explains, "We got consistently good feedback about Sonobond from everyone we talked to. Sonobond personnel were also very responsive and a pleasure to deal with. I didn't have to keep after them to get important information." He says that Velcon has been very pleased by the performance of the SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder, by the unit's cost-effectiveness, and by the solid technical and sales support provided by Sonobond throughout the acquisition and installation process. He adds, "Our experience has been so positive that I am keeping my eyes open for other applications where we may be able to use Sonobond ultrasonic bonding units in the future."

Seals, Sews, and Trims in One Quick Pass

The Sonobond SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder used by Velcon is similar in appearance to traditional sewing machines. However, it seals, sews, and trims nonwoven and synthetic fabrics in one quick pass without using thread, glue, or other consumables. The unit provides a high clearance between the wheel and horn and features a wide selection of interchangeable pattern wheels. Production speeds are up to four times faster than sewing machines and up to 10 times faster than adhesive methods. A special fixture can also be added to accommodate pleated filters, if desired. The SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder is ideal for hand-guided applications with tight tolerances, as well as for working around curves. Sonobond technology can be customized for most filtration bonding applications. It is also easy to operate with only minimal training.

A Leader in Ultrasonic Bonding Technology

Sonobond is a worldwide leader in the application of ultrasonic bonding and welding technology. In 1960, Sonobond, then known as Aeroprojects, received the first patent ever awarded for ultrasonic metal welding. During the intervening 48 years, Sonobond has earned an outstanding reputation for its pioneering work and quality-engineered products. Today, Sonobond manufactures a complete line of ultrasonic bonding and welding equipment for a wide variety of customers in the automotive, appliance, electrical, HVAC, aerospace, filtration, medical, and apparel industries.

Velcon Filters, Inc. now uses Sonobond's SeamMaster(TM) High Profile Ultrasonic Bonder to assemble jet fuel filter components. As a result, they report a significant improvement in production speeds, as well as lower maintenance and labor costs.

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