The Intertronics Blog
New thermally conductive adhesives in practical packaging
We have added three products to our range of thermally conductive adhesives from our partner Polytec PT. You will benefit from convenient side-by-side cartridge packaging, which simplifies application. The adhesives have added functionality, including high thermal conductivity (2.2 W/mK), very good adhesion, flexibility and high temperature resistance. When used as a bonding technique, thermally conductive […]
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Integrating dispensing, curing and surface preparation equipment
We have a wide experience of integrating dispensing, curing and surface preparation equipment with our robots. Combining one or more of these processes onto one platform can deliver production efficiency and productivity – often at realistic cost which can payback very quickly. This two minute video explains the benefits we have delivered to customers over […]
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Upgraded fluid dispensing controller offers increased repeatability
Our popular Fisnar DC100 digital dispensing controller has been upgraded to feature a high precision pressure regulator. As a result, the levels of dispense accuracy and repeatability the controller offers are now even higher. As a versatile dispenser for adhesives, sealants, coatings, inks, greases, and other fluids, the DC100 digital dispenser is designed to suit […]
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Adhesion ’19 Conference to feature paper from Relyon Plasma
Corinna Little, from our partner Relyon Plasma GmbH, will be presenting her paper on “Enhancing the bonding properties of pressure-sensitive adhesives on white goods by means of atmospheric plasma treatment” at the Adhesion ’19 Conference, a symposium on the science and technology of adhesion and adhesives. Her synopsis is as follows: Atmospheric-pressure plasma can enhance […]
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Centrifugal mixing for polymer nanocomposites
Just published in its second edition is Polymer Nanocomposites: Processing, Characterization, and Applications by Dr Joseph Koo. This thoroughly revised guide offers a concise introduction to polymer nanocomposites that is ideal for engineers who need to use nanomaterials in real-world situations. Written by a recognized expert in the field, the book explains how polymer nanocomposites […]
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Seminar: When to use silicones in electronics applications
We are happy to be presenting a seminar at the next FAST Live exhibition on September 19 2019, entitled When to use silicones in electronics applications. When it comes to adhesives and sealants, there are a variety of chemistries to choose from. Epoxies, polyurethanes, UV-curing adhesives, methacrylates, and others all have their own strengths, but when […]
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adhere academy: what is adhesive fixture time?
The fixture time for an adhesive (sometimes called the set time) is the shortest time required by the adhesive to develop handling strength such that substrates can be removed from fixtures, unclamped, or handled without stressing the bond – stress which might affect the ultimate bond strength. We can define handling strength as a (relatively) […]
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What is a planetary mixer?
THINKY Mixers are industrial non-contact “planetary ” mixers for all liquids, pastes, powders and fillers – and any combination of liquids or liquids/solids. This includes engineering compounds, pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations, and nano-particle dispersions. They mix, disperse and degas your materials in seconds to minutes, in a sealed or lid-less container such as a jar, […]
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How to bond POM or acetal plastic
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a high density thermoplastic, also called acetal or polyacetal. Brand names include Delrin, Ultraform and Hostaform*. It is often used as an engineering grade plastic, especially for precision parts. POM is extremely solid, hard and stiff in a wide temperature range. It maintains its high ductility up to -40°C and has excellent […]
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Adhesives – keeping the finishing line in sight
The June 2019 issue of Industrial Technology magazine contains a great piece from our Technical Manager, Kevin Cook, entitled Keeping the Finishing Line in Sight. The Sydney Opera House turned out to be one of the most disastrous construction projects in history, running vastly over time and budget. Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, the […]
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Dymax BlueWave MX-series LED UV curing lamps now operate up to four emitters simultaneously
A new addition to the Dymax BlueWave MX-Series LED UV Curing System offers the ability to control up to four LED UV emitters with one controller, saving space and money while offering greater flexibility for curing applications. The BlueWave MX-series Multichannel Controller is available in 2- and 4-channel versions. This allows manufacturers to use just […]
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Case study: automation expertise for aerospace temporary masking
The Challenge “A leading UK aerospace company commissioned Astech Projects to build a bespoke Automated Masking System to mask complex areas of aircraft components to avoid precious metal coverage during the manufacturing process,” explained Craig Hamilton, Business Development Manager at Astech Projects. “The system was required to have the capability to mask 14 component variants, […]
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Choosing an adhesive for optics and optical assembly
Optics engineers commonly require optical adhesives to bond components together during optical assembly, lens and prism bonding, optical element positioning and fixturing, and fibre-optic assembly. Every adhesive has its own strengths and limitations, which can make it challenging to determine which is the most suitable material for the task at hand. Selecting an adhesive requires […]
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Shining a light on UV curing for 3D models
Design teams test the aerodynamics of a Formula 1 car by putting a prototype in a wind tunnel. Engineers often use smaller scale 3D models during testing – but how can they be sure that the prototype will be up to scratch? The time-scales and competitive nature of Formula 1 mean that engineers must quickly […]
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Adhesive consideration – designing with production in mind
The April 2019 issue of Design Products & Applications magazine is now available, and it contains a piece from our Technical Manager, Kevin Cook, entitled Adhesive Consideration – Designing with Production in Mind. In 2018, the New South Wales Government faced embarrassment after ordering $2 billion worth of new trains that were too wide for […]
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White Paper: Plasma Technology for Surface Cleaning
Whilst our customers typically use plasma technology to improve their bonding, another use of plasma is ultrafine surface cleaning. Relyon Plasma, our sales partner, has produced an in-depth explanation of how plasma technology can clean surfaces, which we have added to our library of technical resources. You can read the White Paper on Plasma Technology […]
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Mixing a slurry in stem cell research
It is pleasing to report that one of our Thinky Mixers has helped some research by a team from UCL. Their just published paper is entitled Argon plasma surface modification promotes the therapeutic angiogenesis and tissue formation of tissue-engineered scaffolds in vivo by adipose-derived stem cells. Synthetic implants are being used to restore injured or […]
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Time to bond with plasma technology
The January/February 2019 issue of Plastic News Europe features our article Time to bond with plasma technology. The piece concludes: “Plasma is not limited to natural phenomena like stars and the Northern Lights. Manufacturers should consider plasma treatment if they are frequently faced with difficult-to-bond substrates. The benefits can be particularly compelling for medical device, […]
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We help to make electronic textile yarns (E-yarns)
The latest issue of the journal Fibres features an article from the Advanced Textiles Research Group at Nottingham Trent University entitled A Novel Method for Embedding Semiconductor Dies within Textile Yarn to Create Electronic Textiles. The group have been working on Electronic yarns (E-yarns) – yarns which contain electronics fully incorporated into the yarn’s structure prior to […]
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THINKY mixers prove successful in battery slurry formulation
We have recently had excellent feedback from several of our customers on the success of THINKY mixers for their research and development and small-scale production of battery slurries. The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries has inspired businesses to develop electrode slurry materials, including optimisation of formulations. The slurry consists of electrode particles, small carbon particles to help conduction and […]
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Temporary masking for surface treatment in aerospace
Many harsh surface treatment processes are used during the manufacture of aerospace and other high technology components. During many of these processes, some areas of the component do not require the treatment, requiring temporary protection. Dymax SpeedMask® temporary masking materials provide aerospace manufacturing companies with reliable surface protection without the challenges of traditional masking materials […]
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Increased Capability in Automated Dispensing
The modular connectivity design of the new F4000 ADVANCE series of benchtop dispensing robots from Fisnar gives manufacturers more control in specifying an automated fluid dispensing system that will meet their own particular requirements. The ADVANCE series comprises the most extensive range of 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis robots in the industry and allows a simple […]
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25 Years of Quality – John Heap
Intertronics is celebrating 25 years of having John Heap as part of our team. John is our Quality and Materials Manager, responsible for keeping all of our policies and procedures in check so that we can provide a consistently high level of reliability and service to our customers and suppliers. On the rare occasions when […]
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Merry Christmas from us to you
Thank you for working with us in 2018. We wish you a Delightful Christmas, and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. In lieu of sending out printed Christmas cards, we have donated to two charities. North Oxfordshire Community Food Bank supports families in Kidlington, Woodstock, Chipping Norton and Charlbury areas by providing food parcels. The parcels […]
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Excellence achieved by our external sales team
At our semi-annual company meeting yesterday, the Intertronics Award for Excellence was bestowed upon our external sales team of Paul Whitehead, David Peat and Simon Gibbs. These road warriors spend their days visiting customers, helping them figure out their production needs, and assisting our customers with specifying products delivering productivity enhancements. Their face-to-face relationships with […]
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Our company volunteering scheme – Rachel’s story
For her volunteering day this year, our Marketing Manager, Rachel Chancellor, spent the day at the Thames Street Living Room baking festive biscuits with visitors. The Thames Street Living Room is located in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, and is open on Mondays for anyone who would like to socialise with other members of the community. It opened […]
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adhere academy: shelf life of adhesives
We wrote about shelf life in this adhere academy blog post pot life v shelf life v working life – part 1. Our partners at Dymax have written a blog post entitled 5 Questions to Help You Understand Shelf Life with answers to these questions: How is the shelf life of a product determined? Where do […]
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Automated dispensing across industry
Another excellent issue of FAST magazine has recently crossed our desk; editor Brian Wall continues to pack it with great content about fastening & assembly solutions and technology. It includes an article from us entitled Automated dispensing across industry – the applications and benefits of automated adhesive and sealant dispensing are manifold, with manufacturers reaping […]
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Control in 50ml cartridge dispensing
Many two-part adhesive materials are supplied in side-by-side cartridges, particularly in 50ml quantities. If you are using a material packaged in 50ml cartridges, the most likely associated dispensing method is a simple, manual dispensing gun. Manual dispensing guns are convenient and inexpensive. This is ideal if you are sampling a material or using it in […]
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Why use a rotary dispensing table?
A rotary dispensing table is a simple robot which holds a round or cylindrical object, rotating it while a material is applied to it via a dispensing syringe, pump or valve. Whilst it is a simple tool, it will provide consistent results, reducing manual labour, rejects, and wasted material. When dispensing onto round objects or […]
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Video: WACKER SilGel 612 potting compound offers transparency and shock absorption
WACKER SilGel 612 silicone gel potting compound has a cured consistency that is really hard to describe in words, so we have demonstrated it in video format. This soft silicone gel provides excellent shock and vibration absorption in addition to the usual benefits of potting compounds such as component protection from water and other environmental […]
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Everything you need to know about air dusters… but were afraid to ask
Our partners Techspray have a new blog post about Dusters – also called “air duster”, “canned air”, “compressed air”, and “dusting gas”, they are used to provide a pressurised blast, knocking loose dust and dirt. Think of them as a portable replacement for an air compressor line. They can be used to blow out biscuit […]
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Case study: improving the UV adhesive dispense and cure process
Reducing material waste during the UV curing adhesive dispense and cure process is a common challenge faced by manufacturers. For innovative pump manufacturer Franklin Electric, our partners at preeflow were able to provide a fully integrated adhesive dispensing system to do just this. The preeflow eco-PEN450 not only reduced the manufacturer’s waste and minimised material consumption but […]
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Employment to grow under automation, study shows
From the iPad version of today’s The Times: More than half the world’s workplace tasks will be carried out by a machine within the next seven years but the relentless rise of the robots will create more jobs than it will destroy, research has found. A study by the World Economic Forum suggests that 52 […]
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adhere academy: are RTV silicone sealants corrosive?
Yes, some are. It is good to understand this chemistry and the different types so that you can make sure you choose an appropriate RTV silicone sealant for your application. RTV silicone sealants are very useful products, because of their outstanding long term thermal resistance and stability (-50° to +180°C or more), long-lasting flexibility and […]
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IUV101 handheld LED UV curing spot lamp
Bringing portability, precision and power to UV curing To improve UV curing options available for the medical, industrial, electronics, automotive and optical industries, we have launched the IUV101 LED UV Spot Lamp for Handheld UV Light Curing. The new 370nm handheld spot lamp offers up to 2,000 mW/cm2 intensity in a cost-effective and portable package. It […]
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ELASTOSIL N9111 silicone sealant is fast curing and tin free
WACKER ELASTOSIL® N9111 is a tin-free single part RTV silicone sealant, with a neutral cure chemistry, producing a non-corrosive seal that does not inhibit other materials such as platinum cure silicones. This, along with its flame retardancy (it meets UL94 V-0), makes it a strong candidate for electronics manufacturing, especially for gap filling, component ruggedisation, […]
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Case study: preeflow precision dispensing improves automotive gasket quality
The automobile manufacturing industry places high demands on suppliers with regard to process reliability, quality and efficiency. To meet these challenges, a preeflow® customer had to optimise his application of a two-part sealant to make a form-in-place (FIP) automotive gasket. In his previous process, the dispensed sealant bead exceeded the tolerance limits at the point […]
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Our company volunteering scheme – Kevin’s story
We are proud to support Kevin Cook, our technical manager and product guru, in his company volunteering mission this year. As a keen rugby fan and parent of seven year old rugby player Louis, Kevin chose to spend his volunteering time helping out at the under 7’s and 8’s annual county rugby tournament ‘Tagfest 2018’. […]
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Intertronics Team Meeting at The Racehut Oxford
We held our mid-year company meeting at the The Racehut in Oxford recently – an inspired choice for an inspiring get together. We enjoyed an motivating afternoon of sharing presentations with the entire business, discussing future plans and celebrating record financial results. Our operations team shared exciting news about the rollout of a new training system […]
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Insights from Billie Jean
Picture credit Getty Images/Dennis Oulds This weekend, I listened to the recent Desert Island Discs episode featuring the tennis champion Billie Jean King. Not only did Billie Jean King win 39 Grand Slam tennis titles (12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles), but also has been and remains a powerful […]
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Pistons for dispensing low viscosity fluids
In time/pressure fluid dispensing, the use of a dispensing piston in the syringe barrel can benefit in a number of ways: a piston helps to apply even pressure across the liquid surface, giving a more uniform dispense, it acts as a barrier between the liquid and the air, and it reduces waste and residue in […]
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Fast cure conformal coating – selector guide
Simple application, fast cure, no solvents – these are the features many pcb assemblers are looking for when specifying a printed circuit board conformal coating. You want good protection of your pcb assemblies with efficient process and high throughput. If this is you, then Dymax’s Light-Curable Conformal Coatings Selector Guide should be on your reading […]
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Come Fly With Me
Kevin Cook, our Technical Manager, recently celebrated his 10th anniversary at Intertronics. Having started in our sales team, and progressed to Internal Sales Manager, and now Technical Manager, Kevin has accumulated an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of our products and our customers, and is a real asset to the team. To mark his 10th anniversary and […]
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WACKER Signs Up Intertronics for Silicone Distribution
Munich based chemical company WACKER and Intertronics are pleased to announce the signing of a distribution contract under which Intertronics will sell WACKER’s range of RTV silicone encapsulants and potting compounds, adhesive sealants, and thermally conductive compounds to customers in the UK and Ireland. Our customers are involved in technology manufacturing in areas such as […]
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Integrated UV light cure systems to increase efficiency, enhance quality of production
We know that light curing adhesives can improve productivity. This infographic from our partners Dymax highlights efficiencies that can be gained when a UV light cure systems technology is looked at holistically as an integral part of a full production process, leading to an average 30% savings in overall process costs. The benefits include: Minimised […]
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How to specify a dispensing robot
The application of adhesives, potting compounds or encapsulants, sealants, FIP gaskets, temporary masking or lubricants (or other liquids, fluids or pastes – in summary, “a material”) is something which is readily automated with a dispensing robot. If you are doing this manually now, then you could be missing out on productivity benefits, including consistency, speed […]
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Case study: automated sealant dispensing proves a winner for innovative golfing product
Shot Scope Technologies, based in Edinburgh, designs and manufactures innovative wearable technology which helps both professional and amateur golfers to improve their game. A keen golfer with a background in electronics design, CEO David Hunter set up the company in 2014 to develop the golf wearable, which collects and analyses over 100 key statistics from […]
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What is a structural adhesive?
A structural adhesive is an adhesive which “hardens” or cures into a material capable of holding two or more substrates together, bearing the forces involved for the lifetime of the product. It is often termed a “load-bearing” adhesive. The product may undergo shock, vibration, chemical exposure, temperature excursions or many other types of potentially weakening or […]
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Linseed oil paint – fast drying with UV light
Linseed oil is a “drying oil”; the oil hardens through a chemical reaction in which the components crosslink, and hence polymerise into a solid form. The addition of pigments to the oil makes paint, and this technique has been used since the Middle Ages, even in fine art. Today, linseed oil paints are used for a variety […]
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Large area benchtop dispensing robot
The latest dispensing product from us is the Fisnar F4500N Benchtop Dispensing Robot which shares all the technical advantages of the F4000 range in an expanded format of 500x500mm, still in a convenient benchtop design. The Fisnar F4500N is a full function robot that enables cost effective automation of liquid dispensing operations, allowing increased productivity […]
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Choosing a Structural Adhesive: Free Seminar
Peter Swanson, our Managing Director, will be delivering a seminar titled ‘The Art and Science of Choosing a Structural Adhesive’ at FAST Live, held at the National Motorcycle Museum on May 10. The seminar, and the co-located exhibition, are free to attend. With an increasing number of structural adhesives on the market, this technical seminar […]
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THINKY ARM-310: an affordable mixing machine for liquids, pastes and powders
We have a new addition to our line of THINKY mixing machines: the THINKY ARM-310 mixing machine for liquids, pastes and powders. The new Thinky ARM-310 Engineering Compounds Mixer offers an alternative to mixing by hand, with simple operation and fully homogeneous results in a few minutes, and results which are repeatable time after time. The […]
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Next generation needle bonding adhesive
Our partners Dymax have recently introduced Dymax 1406-M, a next generation needle bonding adhesive for manufacturers looking to switch to UV LED curing in small gauge needle applications. It provides superior bonding performance on the reduced surface area of smaller cannulas, even after aging and sterilization, to reduce the possibility of cannula substrate failure. Optimized for […]
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Fisnar robot programming is simple – just watch the video
One of the great benefits of our Fisnar dispensing robots is that they can be simply user-programmed via the standard teach pendant, supplied in the box. Fisnar robot programming is simple, with easy to understand English language instructions. Commands are followed and responses entered by the teach pendant. An LCD display prompts the user for a […]
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Thinky mixers and precision dosing at Making Pharmaceuticals Exhibition, 24-25th April 2018, Coventry
The mixing together of liquids, pastes, powders and fillers is a critical process in many sectors, not least in pharmaceutical and cosmetics R&D and production. Getting a fully homogeneous bubble-free mix of materials, especially those with different forms or viscosities, is of paramount concern. Speed and repeatability of the pharmaceutical mixing process will aid productivity […]
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Article: tips and hints for UV curing
We were very pleased to see some extensive coverage of some of our tips and hints for UV curing in the latest issue of FAST (Fastening & Assembly Solutions And Technology) Magazine – the UK’s only journal dedicated 100% to the subject of fastening, bonding and assembly in manufacturing applications. We recommend that you subscribe. […]
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Factors for consideration when bonding composite materials
Composites continue to be the subject of rapid advancement in terms of formulation, production and types of applications. Incorporating composites in your assemblies requires adhesives that contribute to the highest possible performance and reliability, exploit their qualities of strength and light weight and meet the demanding conditions of the automotive, defence, aerospace, marine, medical, electronics/electrical, […]
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preeflow eco-PEN330 volumetric dispenser
The preeflow® eco-PEN330 Volumetric Dosing Pump is now available, joining a range of very successful sibling preeflow eco-PENs. It offers manufacturers precision application of fluids and pastes from a minimum of 0.002ml, at rates of up to 3.3 ml/min. The preeflow progressive cavity pump technology handles delicate fluids from watery up to a pasty consistency without damage, and […]
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Case study: mixing and degassing PDMS for microfluidic manufacture
This paper describes the development of a microfluidic platform for the formation and maintenance of blood microvessels. A mould is fabricated using photolithography, which is then used to cast the microfluidic from PDMS (poly-dimethylsiloxane). One of the key issues during the microfluidic production is the complete filling of all the microstructures with the uncured PDMS. […]
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Seminar: Future Trends for Adhesives and Adhesion from Biomimetics to Space Applications
We are taking part in a one day seminar, entitled Future Trends for Adhesives and Adhesion: From Biomimetics to Space Applications. Organised by the Society for Adhesion and Adhesives which is part of the IOM3 Surface Engineering Division, it takes place in London on March 15 2018. This one day event considers some of the […]
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UV Curing Guide offers top tips
The curing of materials like adhesives, coating, encapsulants, potting compounds, temporary masking materials or gaskets with UV light offers many process advantages, and can deliver productivity enhancements to manufacturers. The ability of the technology to deliver full cure in seconds (rather than minutes or hours) is a prime example. The materials are predominantly single part […]
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Vacancies: accounts, marketing – Kidlington, Oxfordshire
If the last few celebratory moments of New Year are fading, and you think it’s time for a fresh boost to your career, have a look at our job vacancies. Located at our offices in Kidlington, just north of Oxford, we have full time positions available for: Accounts Administrator Marketing Executive Have a look at […]
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Precision liquid dispensing – ultra-fast, super accurate jetting valve
The Vermes MDS 3010+ and Vermes MDS 3020+ Microdispensing Jetting Valves are designed for precision dispensing of material in small volumes at fast speeds with extremely high accuracy and repeatability. The piezo-actuated valves satisfy the trend for increasing miniaturisation of components in production processes – demanding ever-smaller deposits of beads and lines – as well as the requirement to […]
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LED flood curing system for UV/light cure materials
The Dymax BlueWave® MX-250™ LED flood curing system offers all the benefits of curing using UV LED technology, in a flood lamp configuration which has the power and control suitable for production. There are significant potential advantages in using LEDs to generate UV light suitable for curing adhesives and coatings in a manufacturing environment. No […]
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Productivity affected by sporting results
In today’s The Times, in an article about the Northampton Saints rugby team, it was revealed that this season’s string of poor results for the Saints has impacted on the local manufacturing industry. Dylan Hartley, the club captain, revealed that productivity falls in the town’s Carlsberg factory and at Church’s shoes, another of the club’s leading […]
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Ultra-fast reliable bonding – uv adhesive for plastics
One of our new print advertisements!
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Happy Christmas from the Intertronics team
We will close for the Christmas break on Friday 22nd December and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 2nd January. In lieu of sending out printed Christmas cards, we have donated to two local charities. Oxford Against Cutting works to prevent female genital mutilation (FGM) of girls and women in Oxfordshire. North Oxfordshire Community Food Bank supports […]
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Brief reflections on an exciting year
At our company meeting yesterday, we reflected on the many interesting, exciting and challenging projects we have been a part of this year. Our customers continue to impress us with incredible innovation, and we love being a part of so many world-changing ideas. From saving lives, to improving car and home safety, to saving the […]
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Accurate, consistent dispensing you can trust
One of our new print advertisements!
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Advantages of UV LED curing
A nice infographic from our friends at Dymax discussing the advantages of curing using LED-based equipment. Click on the image for a larger version. Check out our range of adhesives which have been formulated to cure with LED UV curing lamps.
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New aerosol duster complies with EU F-Gas Regulation
We are stocking the Techspray Vortex 360° Renew Duster, which provides an answer for companies facing the restriction on technical aerosols using HFCs with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) greater than 150. The EU F-Gas Regulation (517/2014) which comes into effect on 1 January 2018 controls the use and emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases, and will […]
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White Paper – dispensing quality measurement
The flowplus16 is an inline fluid sensor for monitoring the pressure of adhesive, coating or other material being dispensed or dosed. By understanding changes in pressure of material flow, consistency or other quality issues (like blockages or air inclusions) can be identified in order to produce consistent dosing results and dispensing quality. In this White […]
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Technology seminars at your place
Our Managing Director Peter Swanson was delighted to be quoted in Brian Wall’s editorial in the latest issue of FAST (Fastening & Assembly Solutions And Technology) magazine. The context concerned the value of exhibitions and other conventions where industry meets: In an age where the Internet and digital technology have become so powerful in delivering […]
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Case study: UV curing gasket aids serviceable Li-Ion battery packaging in automotive industry
GenZe dedicate themselves purely to getting customers where they need to be with their two wheeled electric vehicles. A leading pioneer in the field, GenZe has developed leading edge engineering, R&D, and design innovations in areas including Li-Ion battery production. Packaging state-of-the-art electronics with energy-dense Li-Ion battery cells presents some unique challenges and opportunities The Problem […]
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How to degas a syringe using a THINKY ARE-250 mixing and degassing machine
How to degas a syringe using a THINKY mixing and degassing machine is a visual guide to removing air from syringe packaged materials. Suitable for degassing materials from low to high viscosity the THINKY ARE-250 can also uniformly mix your compound, epoxy, adhesive, silicone, paste, powder or other material before being decanted into syringes and degassed ready […]
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Beyond the benchtop: gantry robots for larger applications and production lines
Gantry robots provide the reliability of precisely positioned dispensing for conveyor operations requiring a Cartesian gantry robot, or for bench applications that require XYZ movement above the work. These robots can increase your production output and product quality with consistent results on every piece. With simple, fully-supported implementation from our Technical Team here at Intertronics you will […]
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Case study: adhesive alternative to welding for bonding polycarbonate
The Problem A world leader in electrical explosion protection and sensor technology, was looking for an alternative to laser welding for an application that requires sealing two polycarbonate parts in their photoelectric sensors. The customer was bonding polycarbonate clear covers to a polycarbonate PCB enclosure by laser welding. However, they were unsatisfied with the results, as […]
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adhere academy: how much UV curing energy will I need?
In setting up a UV light curing process, the key to success is ensuring that the adhesive or other light curing material receives the correct dose or UV curing energy in order to cure as completely as possible. Dose is the total energy arriving at the surface per unit area and is made up of the […]
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Case study: precision epoxy dispensing helps electrical manufacturer improve quality and yield, and reduce waste
Based in Boston, Lincolnshire, Parkinson Harness Technology is a manufacturer of bespoke electrical products to industries such as construction, agriculture, rail and defence. It produces a variety of products including wiring harnesses, control panels, battery/power leads, PCBs and control systems mainly for use in specialist vehicle manufacture. Parkinson Harness Technology also offers engineering support services […]
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Mind the gap! FAST magazine features our productivity focus
Make sure you read the latest issue of FAST magazine, where on page 42 you can catch up on our thoughts about manufacturing productivity in the UK, and how we are helping our customers bridge the productivity gap. We recommend taking out a free subscription, if you don’t already have one.
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Low viscosity conformal coating cures with light
Dymax 9452-FC is an advanced low viscosity conformal coating for printed circuit boards, formulated with a revolutionary new technology as an alternative to thin, solvent-based conformal coatings. Whilst it has a very low viscosity – 20 cP – it still provides good electrical insulation and protection against humidity, plus very good thermal shock and corrosion resistance. It offers […]
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How much adhesive will I need?
We have added a new Technical Bulletin to our Technical Resources to help answer the commonly asked question: “How much adhesive will I need?“. The Technical Bulletin is a guide to calculating approximate amounts of material required, based on the bondline dimensions. “How much adhesive will I need?” also includes a link to download our Adhesive Usage […]
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Plasma surface treatment for bonding composites
The bonding with adhesives of plastics to metals is an application which is growing. A typical example is the bonding of composite materials (carbon fiber, CFRP) and aluminium (Al) materials in the automotive sector. Various adhesives can meet the structural requirements of the bond. However, a polymer matrix of carbon fiber reinforced materials can have […]
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How to get started with your THINKY ARE-250 mixing and degassing machine
The latest addition to our YouTube channel features an explanation of just how quick and easy it is to get going with a THINKY mixing and degassing machine. THINKY Mixers are industrial non-contact “planetary” mixers for all engineering compounds. They mix, disperse and degas your materials in seconds to minutes, in a sealed or lid-less […]
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Investors in Education Award
Huzzah! Our team was so pleased to receive an Investors in Education award recently. These are given every other year by the Oxfordshire Business Education Alliance to organisations that support the schools in the alliance. We were nominated by local Gosford Hill School to receive an award this year. Managing Director, Peter Swanson: “Whilst my […]
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Handheld diaphragm dispensing valves offer affordable, accurate fluid application
Our IDM HDV Handheld Diaphragm Dispensing Valves are suitable for applications which demand accurate dispensing of adhesives alongside the flexibility of manual operation. They provide controlled dosing, and offer a number of benefits over other dispensing methods such as: Accurate dispensing of low viscosity fluids such as cyanoacrylates Comfortable shape for handheld operation Pneumatic or […]
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FAST Exhibition – time to register!
Just six weeks to go until the FAST Exhibition comes to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on 21st September 2017. For those of you who have attended the FAST exhibition in recent years, you’ll know Intertronics are a regular for both exhibiting and presenting at the show. In the upcoming FAST Exhibition, our MD Peter Swanson […]
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Is the productivity puzzle as difficult as a Rubik’s Cube?
Economic productivity fell in the first three months of this year, the first decline since late 2015, according the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today. The figures suggest a continuation of the “productivity puzzle”, the ONS said. The puzzle refers to the flatlining of productivity since 2010, which is unprecedented in the post-war era and is […]
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Plasma surface functionalisation for improved structural bonding of plastics
Thinking about improved structural bonding of plastics? Plastics are usually characterised by inert surfaces with surface energies between 20 and 40 mN/m. In order to wet a surface, however, the surface energy of the polymer must exceed the one of the paint, ink or the adhesive. This condition can be achieved through a plasma treatment […]
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Project Treeflow 2017
Our supplier partner ViscoTec, manufacturers of our preeflow® Precision Volumetric Dosing Pump range have launched their treeflow project, choosing to donate to the Fairventures organization for each preeflow dispenser sold in 2017. Through this venture ViscoTec aim to help improve the rural livelihoods of the population in Indonesia and to protect the rainforests. Fairventures is a […]
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Case study: preeflow volumetric spray dispenser ensures the highest sound quality in beyerdynamic headphones
With more than 90 years of experience in the development of audio electronics, beyerdynamic, based in Heilbronn, Germany, stands for innovative audio products with the highest sound quality and groundbreaking technology. The different divisions provide tailor-made solutions for professional and private users. All products are developed in Germany and are mainly manufactured by hand – […]
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UV/Visible light cure temporary mask for electronics
DYMAX Speedmask® 9-7001 is a temporary mask for electronics. It offers significant time saving in assembly of electronics connectors and other board level components to pcb’s. Once cured in seconds with UV/visible light, the (pink) maskant enables easy visual checks, while its low shrinkage rate ensures accurate reliable coverage. Speedmask® 9-7001 is designed for protecting connectors […]
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Adhesive bonding can replace soldering in power modules
Adhesive bonding of power modules can often be an alternative to usual joining techniques. Epoxy-based adhesives can generally produce high-strength and stable connections. Whether this also applies to the high requirements in power circuits was the subject of a research project recently performed by the IMTEK Department of Microsystems Engineering and the IESY Institute of […]
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Case study: automated silicone dispensing for illuminators in the detector and security industry
Our customer, GJD designs, produces and sells intruder detection products at its factory and head office in Heywood, Greater Manchester. One of GJD’s main products is its line of white-light and infra-red LED illuminators, marketed under the company’s Clarius® brand. Used principally in security applications, they also find other uses, including broadcast production. High performance […]
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Industrial cleaning wipes: order today and receive them tomorrow!
“Our technicians wanted me to source your wipes, as they are better than any wipes we have been using.” “The sample IPA wipes have been approved by management – they’re over the moon with the quality and performance.” We are delighted with how happy our customers are with our cleaning wipes. Available from stock for […]
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It’s DoE Gold for our James Heydon!
James Heydon, who is a key member of our Order Fulfilment Team, has earned a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. We had a chat with James to find out more about his award and what it took to achieve it. Why did you decide to pursue a Duke of Edinburgh award, and particularly to keep […]
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Seminar: Choosing an Adhesive @ The Engineering Materials Show, Derby
We will be sharing our knowledge of adhesives next week on Friday 2nd June 2017 in a seminar entitled The Art and Science of Choosing a Structural Adhesive at The Engineering Materials Show, Derby. The seminar, delivered by Peter Swanson, will focus on how to choose and evaluate the best adhesives from the increasing number […]
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Nanoparticle preparation with new THINKY NP-100 Nano Pulveriser
In the impressive world of nanotechnology, getting to even smaller scale is increasingly important. For example, pharmaceutical companies who want their drugs to be faster acting on patients are considering nanoparticle formulation to improve the dissolution rate and solubility of their compounds. The THINKY NP-100 Nano Pulveriser breaks up particles using impact fragmentation, taking larger […]
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Case study: improving quality and increasing pcb production with UV curing conformal coating
The Problem A leading industrial electronics company was developing a new industrial inverter model that required a high cured thickness of conformal coating to meet electric performance. The product they were using at the time was a solvent-based coating with a low cured thickness. Air pollution and odours from solvent based coatings were a concern for […]
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Smooth flow dispensing tips – new smaller sizes
We have two new precision dispensing tips to add to our smooth flow tapered dispensing tips range. Responding to research conducted, the dispensing tips were developed to aid the problems associated with the increasing miniaturisation of applications. Smaller applications tend to require more precision and smaller deposit sizes of material. Some methods using conventional tips like straight blunt […]
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Pros & Cons of UV Light Curing Using LEDs – Seminar @ the FAST Exhibition, National Motorcycle Museum
Only one week to go until we exhibit at the FAST Exhibition on Thursday 11th May 2017! Our MD Peter Swanson will be giving a seminar entitled Adhesives: Pros and Cons of UV Light Curing Using LEDs. The seminar will discuss how light-curing adhesives, coatings and protective materials work and the significant improvements they can provide in the […]
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We receive an Appreciation Award from key partner, Thinky
At the recent Thinky European sales meeting in Oxford, we absolutely delighted to be presented with this Appreciation Award. It reads: We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to you for being actively engaged in the sales activity and making great contributions to the sales of our products over the years. We hereby present […]
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Our customers solving the productivity puzzle
The much discussed “productivity puzzle” continues to haunt the UK economy. Whilst the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that manufacturing productivity in the last quarter of 2016 grew by 1.7% on the previous quarter, overall growth still lags behind the curve. Nevertheless, UK manufacturers recognise the need to enhance their […]
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Mixing and sub-micron degassing in 20 litre quantities
The new Thinky ARV-10K Twin planetary mixer offers the mixing and degassing capabilities of the Thinky technology in a size suitable for larger production. The planetary action on the twin 10 litre containers results in repeatable and fully homogeneous mixing, combined with simultaneous deaeration and degassing down to sub-micron levels. This twin mixer system offers […]
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How to set up a pressure pot for dispensing
We have added a “how to” video to our YouTube channel. Setting Up a Pressure Pot for Dispensing is a short visual guide for preparing a pressure reservoir for dispensing materials such as adhesives, paints, lacquers, solvents, inks, coatings, oils and many other low to medium viscosity liquids from a pail or bottle. How to set […]
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Intertronics welcomes Kidlington work experience students
Student Roy with James from our Customer Service Support Last week we welcomed two local students for the week as part of the Gosford Hill School work experience programme. The two students, currently studying for their GCSE’s, got stuck in to everyday life here at our offices in Kidlington, with Roy keen to understand some […]
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New nanoparticle deagglomeration technology
The tendency for some nanoparticles to agglomerate or cluster into denser masses can lead to homogeneity and performance issues in their subsequent use. Existing methodologies to de-agglomerate them do not always produce uniform results, or can be invasive and wasteful. The Thinky PR-1 Nanoparticle Dispersion Machine is a desktop unit which can disperse carbon nanotubes […]
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UV radiometer aids process control in broad spectrum or LED-based UV curing
The Dymax ACCU-CAL™ 160 Radiometer is an essential tool for users of UV curing processes, where both validating and subsequent monitoring of the lamp output is vital to consistent production quality. It is designed to be used with both benchtop flood curing lamps and conveyorised systems, and comes in two versions for either broad spectrum […]
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Versatile, general purpose, industrial epoxy adhesives available next day
IRS 2111 All-Purpose Epoxy Adhesive and IRS 2112 Fast Curing General Purpose Epoxy Adhesive are versatile and simple to use two part industrial epoxy adhesives which can be used for bonding, sealing and structural support applications. They are supplied in convenient side by side syringe cartridges for efficient mixing and application, and are supported by […]
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Automated plasma surface treatment package available
Visitors to the our Technology Centre near Oxford will have noticed the enclosure containing a robot-mounted Relyon PB3 Plasmabrush plasma surface treatment system. We have created an integrated plasma surface treatment package which is being used for customer demonstrations and evaluations, and is available for purchase as a turnkey automated workstation. The Relyon PB3 Plasmabrush plasma treatment […]
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Side-by-side syringe cartridges – dispensing two part adhesives
Some of the two-part adhesives, sealants and other materials we supply are packaged in side-by-side syringe cartridges. In this packaging, the materials are already pre-measured in the correct ratio, saving time and material handling. The correct amounts of material are fed into a static mixing nozzle, which ensures thorough mixing whilst no air is introduced. The entire cartridge does […]
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UK is starting to see a growth in the take-up of robotic automation
According to the IFR (International Federation of Robotics) World Robotics Report 2015, there are 16,935 robots in the UK. There are 1,200 large UK manufacturing companies and 87,000 SMEs – between 10,000 and 20,000 of these are potential candidates for robotic automation. The latest forecast from the IFR says that by 2019, more than 1.4 […]
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preeflow® eco-SPRAY dispenses abrasive solder paste
The preeflow® eco-SPRAY’s reliable, extremely precise and repeatable dosing results are finding new applications; for example, it can spray solder paste. A series of trials testing the capabilities of the preeflow eco-SPRAY for the application of solder paste had excellent results. Manual application of solder paste (left) vs. eco-SPRAY (right) Solder pastes are mixtures of solder powder and flux […]
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Fast cure, easy removal temporary mask for PCBs aids productivity
Dymax Speedmask® 9-20479-B-Rev-A UV/light cure temporary masking agent is specifically designed to meet the needs of the electronics industry, where its fast cure and simple removal will improve productivity in printed circuit board assembly. It is formulated for the protection of pcb connectors and other components, either during the soldering process, or during conformal coating. […]
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Transparent adhesive Araldite 2028-1
Araldite 2028-1 is a transparent, two-part polyurethane adhesive developed by Huntsman Advanced Materials for the bonding of a wide range of plastic and metal materials across a multitude of applications: Automotive: Turn signals, brake lights, mirrors LED industrial lighting Sport: Surfboards, equis, recreational boats Advertising Sector: Stands, advertising panels, logos, signage Electronics: Encapsulation of electronic […]
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Wearable technology and patient mobility
Advances in wearable technology are coming thick and fast. Even that most conservative of investor, Warren Buffet, has seen fit to put his weight behind the wearable tech industry. With these advances comes multiple benefits, none more so than in the medical field. We all understand the idea of smart watches and other gizmos which […]
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ADH1616 Low linting dry wipes for industrial cleaning
We have added a new wipe to our range of cleaning products, which offers robust performance and excellent absorption. The ADH1616 Low Linting Dry Industrial Wipe is a strong and durable wipe composed of a non-woven polyester cellulose. It can be used dry, to absorb liquids or spills, or with a solvent like IPA. You won’t have to worry […]
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Challenging surface activation applications met by the PiezoBrush PZ2
The Relyon Plasma PiezoBrush® PZ2 has nozzle attachment options for surface activation across a wide range of applications. Treatment of metals, and smaller and more precise applications are now possible. The use of a variety of special gases enhance the possibilities of PDD (Piezoelectric Direct Discharge) on challenging substrates. Based on the direct, electric discharge at […]
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Dymax SpeedMask temporary masking for electronics soldering, conformal coating
Dymax SpeedMask masking resins for electronics applications cure on demand, in seconds, with UV/visible light. Used for temporary masking in printed circuit board assembly, they are suitable for either soldering or conformal coating processes. Rapid cure speed allows for flexibility, efficiency and productivity in production as the pcb’s are immediately ready for further processing – reducing […]
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Dispensing or dosing under vacuum
Sometimes, materials are dispensed or dosed under vacuum – for example, the potting of intricate electronics assemblies may be done under vacuum in order to prevent unwanted air entrapment. Selecting dosing equipment under this scenario might be tricky. Dispensing systems based on time/pressure can be inaccurate in changing atmospheric pressure! The preeflow eco-PENs and eco-DUOs […]
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Robots – significant opportunity for productivity enhancement
Today I was made aware of this interview on the BBC News, given by friend Mike Wilson, President of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA). It takes place during the CBI Conference in London last November, and Mike is asked to comment on Theresa May’s pledge to invest £2bn a year in an effort to […]
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Achieving the Benefits of LED UV Curing
Ensuring Success When Switching from Conventional Lamp to LED Light Curing Sources, authored by our sales partner Dymax, is a new white paper available on our Technical Articles and White Papers webpage. Because of the differences in the technology, making the switch in UV curing equipment from broad spectrum lamps to LED curing sources is […]
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Precision metering, mixing & dispensing facilitates miniaturisation
Trends in miniaturisation call for smaller, more precise and ever more repeatable metering, mixing & dispensing units for two-part materials. The preeflow® eco-duo330 sets new standards in micro-dosing for two component systems by providing dosages as small as 0.2 to 32ml/min with precisely mixed material, complete repeatability and exceptional control. This is expected to be of particular value […]
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A Christmas Greeting from the INTERTRONICS Team
Thank you for working with us in 2016. We will close for the Christmas break at 12pm on Friday 23rd December and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3rd January. This Christmas we are not sending out printed Christmas cards. Instead, we have donated to the Sobell House Hospice at Churchill Hospital, Oxford. Sobell House provides specialist […]
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INTERTRONICS named Owler "Hot in Oxfordshire 2016" winner!
We are pleased to announce that we have been named a winner of the 2016 Hot in Oxfordshire Award by the crowd-sourced competitive intelligence platform Owler. Recipients are chosen based on several different metrics, including number of followers, insights collected from the community, social media followers, and blog posts over the past year. From these metrics, we have been […]
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Araldite 2021-1 & Araldite 2022-1
Araldite 2021 and Araldite 2022 have now been superseded by newer, equivalent performance products – Araldite 2021-1 and Araldite 2022-1. Designed for fast bonding of dissimilar substrates, Araldite 2021-1 and Araldite 2022-1 offer a range of benefits: Excellent adhesion to metals, thermoset composites and most thermoplastics Good adhesion with minimum surface preparation Tolerant to mix-ratio variations […]
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Automated plasma surface treatment on demonstration
If you’ve visited our Technology Centre here in Kidlington lately, you will have noticed the enclosure containing a robot-mounted Relyon PB3 Plasmabrush plasma surface treatment system. Relyon plasma surface treatment products improve adhesion and wetting of surfaces which are otherwise difficult to bond, print on, coat or laminate. Atmospheric plasma surface treatment is both […]
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Process protection for turbine components – UV/light cure masking resin
DYMAX Speedmask® 718 UV/light cure masking resin brings the benefits of reliable, quick, effective application and simple removal, to the protection of turbine blades, vanes and other components during specific area surface treatments such as APS and HVOF coating. Protecting areas being left untreated is crucial to high quality outcomes with these maximum performance parts […]
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Mixing silicones for facial and other prosthetics – in the press
It’s great to see our Thinky ARE-250 Mixing and Degassing Machine feature in the latest edition of the Journal of the Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists (IMPT). The piece describes how we worked with Jim Dimond, Consultant Clinical Maxillofacial Prosthetist at University Hospital Coventry to help him save time and improve the quality of their mixing process when mixing […]
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Video: Dymax SpeedMask – temporary masking resins with fast curing, easy removal
We offer a range of temporary masking resins that provide reliable and cost effective protection for critical surfaces and cavities during finishing operations. Dymax SpeedMasks cure in seconds upon exposure to UV/visible light and replace traditional masking materials such as tapes, lacquers, waxes, boots and caps. SpeedMask resins are easily applied, and are available in […]
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QuantX™ dispensing components compete with other leading brands
QuantX™ – the latest generation of dispensing components, designed and manufactured to compete – and be compatible – with other leading brands. We offer next day delivery and economical purchase price for engineers and buyers. The QuantX range has been developed by our partner Fisnar in response to market demands for a premium, compatible product, […]
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Case study: preeflow volumetric adhesive dispensing helps ensure integrity of life-saving medical device
Our customer BPR Medical, based in Mansfield, Nottingham, is a perfect example of a small British company which combines expertise, creativity and entrepreneurialism to design, develop and manufacture world-beating products for export worldwide and use in the United Kingdom, for which it was rewarded in 2012 with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. As with […]
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Relyon Plasma PB3 Plasmabrush for plasma cleaning and surface activation
The Relyon Plasma PB3 Plasmabrush offers convenient, high speed, high performance atmospheric plasma cleaning and surface activation. The PB3 Plasmabrush is a nozzle-type plasma generator which is particularly compact and offers long-term stability. Proprietary Pulsed Atmospheric Arc Technology uses a unipolar pulsed high voltage source and a vortex flow in the nozzle which delivers uniform […]
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Case study: mixing silicones for facial and other prosthetics
The manufacture of a medical prosthetic device for a patient’s face or similar area is a highly skilled job; each one is unique, and needs to be handled with great sensitivity, as both functional and cosmetic considerations are involved. It may require careful mixing and colour matching of a silicone moulding compound, with no air […]
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Twinpacks – mixing of adhesives and potting compounds
We supply a number of our adhesives and potting compounds in twinpacks. This convenient packaging offers benefits – the materials are pre-weighed in their correct mixing ratios, which saves time, and improves quality by removing the step of manually weighing out each part. Mixing within the twinpack reduces the handling of chemicals, cuts down on mess […]
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Epoxy adhesives & potting compounds for specialist applications
The new Polytec PT brochure offers information on specialist epoxy resin adhesives and potting compounds for electronics, electrical engineering, optical and medical industries. It details high strength optically transparent epoxies, including formulations with flexibility in the Shore A range. Medical device manufacturers will find products which are biocompatible and tested to USP Class VI. These materials […]
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BlueWave MX-150 high energy UV LED Spot Curing Lamp for superfast cures
The new Dymax BlueWave® MX-150™ LED UV Spot Curing Lamp offers the speed, consistency, reliability and long service life associated with LED UV curing. The modular unit has a separate, compact light emitter, suitable for benchtop use but small enough to be readily integrated into robotic or other fully automated systems. The BlueWave MX-150 UV LED Spot […]
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Dispensing Seminar @ FAST Exhibition September 2016
On the 22nd September 2016 we will be exhibiting and presenting at the FAST Exhibition at the The Williams Conference Centre, Grove, Oxfordshire. Managing Director Peter Swanson will be presenting a seminar entitled Adhesive & Coating Dispensing – Meeting the Challenges of Technology Manufacturing. Adhesives, protective materials, lubricants, etc, can only do their job if applied in the […]
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Black conformal coating enhances pcb security
Dymax Multi-Cure 9451 Black Conformal Coating is a true black and opaque printed circuit board coating that enhances the security of electronic products by covering the pcb and components, hiding them from visual inspection. This is an effective barrier to loss of confidentiality and possible copying or reverse engineering of proprietary designs, in addition to the normal […]
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Success with UV adhesive to make emergency services equipment more rugged
The Problem A leading manufacturer of premium portable lighting was looking to make its safety torches more rugged – they are used by fire fighters, police officers and military troops in the field. Their engineers needed the torches to withstand rough handling and extreme conditions in the field, and to work in a wide range […]
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Video: Fluid and liquid dispensing machine, fully digital, fully featured
Our digital benchtop fluid dispensers handle a wide range of tasks from depositing microdots to lines to small volume potting and filling. The Fisnar DC100 Precision Dispensing Controller & Automatic Liquid Dispenser provides control in the application of virtually any fluid. Latest features including ample program storage, programmable alarms and I/O integration help to improve […]
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The Engineering Materials Show
We are very pleased to announce our participation at the inaugural Engineering Materials Show, happening on June 2 2017 at the Roundhouse in Derby. The event will welcome decision makers and specifiers from across the UK’s engineering and manufacturing industry who share a professional interest in the practice, technology and science of materials. Key technology […]
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Video: compare Thinky mixers with silicone resin mixing and defoaming
This video on our YouTube channel compares and contrasts our most popular Thinky Mixers, using the mixing and defoaming of silicone resin as an example. The manufacturer’s video shows a Thinky ARE-310 – the equivalent machine available in Europe is the Thinky ARE-250, which is functionally the same. Thinky mixers use a combination of rotation […]
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The latest in thermally conductive adhesives
New developments and applications in energy and electrical engineering can require ever higher levels of thermal conductivity – hence our partners Polytec PT are developing the next generation of thermally conductive two-part epoxy adhesives. These new high performance adhesives offer excellent thermal conductivity, so enhancing the effectiveness of heat paths found in applications such as LED […]
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Technology Centre lab trials, demonstrations and evaluations
We’re delighted that our recently enlarged and refurbished Technology Centre is buzzing with activity, with customers visiting most days of the week to discuss their applications and to evaluate materials and processes with our technical specialists. For specific trials, we provide comprehensive reporting on bonding, dispensing and application, curing, mixing and/or surface preparation tests conducted in our […]
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Video: Light curing adhesives improve productivity for technology businesses
Light curing adhesives offer many design and manufacturing benefits spanning a wide range of industrial applications. These adhesives cure in seconds, forming high-strength, environmentally resistant bonds whilst maximising productivity. General and specific formulations are available for bonding plastics, metal, glass and other substrates. These adhesives can be applied by hand, or by semi or fully automated […]
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A fun and rewarding week for the Intertronics team
It has been a great week at Intertronics HQ! Here are some highlights: Having been a part of the Intertronics team for 25 years, our Technical Manager, Paul Whitehead, was rewarded this past weekend with a trip to The Open in Troon. He was accompanied by his wife, Carol, and they enjoyed the hospitality so […]
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Repeatability, precision, reliability and accuracy in dispensing
The method of using a positive displacement technology for the dispensing or dosing of liquids can bring many benefits to those for whom repeatability, precision, reliability and accuracy are important. preeflow volumetric dispensing pumps have found applications in sectors such as electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, medical device assembly and pharmaceuticals – from the application […]
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Video: Fisnar F5200N gantry dispensing robot automates dispensing & dosing
Low cost dispensing robots provide versatility , precision productivity in the automation of dispensing operations. The Fisnar F5200N.1 is a compact and economical gantry robot which enables unlimited work height and provides open access. It can form dots, lines, arcs and circles, and has a capacity of 100 programs, each with up to 4000 points. […]
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Thinky Mixers – new catalogues released
Thinky, our partner for mixing and degassing machines, has released a new set of catalogues detailing their products and technology. The Thinky Mixer Catalogue presents the principles of planetary mixing alongside practical advice about what materials can benefit from the technology. Comprehensive technical specifications are provided for each mixer in the Thinky range, from small benchtop […]
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Video: F4200N Dispensing Robot increases productivity
We offer a small-footprint benchtop robot that enables cost-effective automation of any dispensing operation. The Fisnar F4200N robot features a true three-axis design, and can be interfaced with any of our dispensing equipment. This makes it ideal for form-in-place gaskets, adhesives, coatings, potting, filling and shielding in the lab or on the line. Programming is straightforward, […]
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White Paper: Ensuring Success When Switching from Conventional Lamp to LED Light Curing Sources
The Dymax white paper Ensuring Success When Switching from Conventional Lamp to LED Light Curing Sources discusses topics such as how LED curing works, the advantages of LED curing, and getting enough information to switch successfully. LEDs, or light emitting diodes, continue to gain popularity as a replacement for traditional light bulbs, not only in homes […]
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Flexible electrically conductive adhesive for smart cards and more
We are witnessing the widespread adoption of contactless cards for payments, rather than the hitherto main applications of access control and ID. The key to the reliability and longevity of these dual interface smart cards is the effectiveness of the electrical connection between contact chip and RFID antenna. One solution is Polytec PT’s PU 1000, […]
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White Paper: Potting compounds for ATEX certification
Getting your product ATEX certified for use in explosive environments can be a challenging process. If your ATEX protection concept depends on a potting compound, then the certification body will have a number of technical and commercial demands of you, the material, and the material supplier/manufacturer. Our latest White Paper, ATEX Certification for Electronics Potting […]
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Video: accurate, positive displacement dispensing and dosing
The preeflow eco-PEN dispenses and doses with accuracy and repeatability whilst optimising material usage. It can dose or dispense any liquid, from free-flowing solvents to heavily filled conductive adhesives, in volumes as small as 0.001ml. Its positive displacement pump technology enables precision volumetric fluid control without stress to the material. The eco-PEN is suited to semi […]
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Precision dispensing for wearables
We have featured on the Facebook page of Nottingham Trent University’s Advanced Textiles Research Group. Here’s our own Matt Baseley with some precision dispensing equipment we have helped them with in their lab, including a dispensing robot and a volumetric dispensing pump. The focus of the Advanced Textiles Research Group is on electronic textiles with the aim […]
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adhere academy: premixed and frozen adhesives
You can buy two (or more) part adhesives which have been pre-measured into the correct proportions, mixed and degassed, filled into a dispensing syringe or cartridge, and then frozen to stop the cure. The adhesive is shipped from the factory to you in an insulated box also containing ice. Upon delivery, you store the adhesive […]
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Water white optically clear epoxy adhesive
Opti-tec 5013 high performance, two-part epoxy is a water white optically clear general adhesive for bonding glass, ceramics, plastics and metals as well as some optical and opto-electronic applications. It ensures strong, clear structural bonds, including for repair and restoration where aesthetics are a priority. It can also be used for small volume potting and […]
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Clear potting compound offers environmental & temperature resistance
Opti-tec 5020 two-part epoxy clear potting compound combines high clarity with resistance to a wide range of temperatures (-55°C to +115°C) and environmental conditions. It also offers excellent hardness and chemical resistance compared with typical polyurethane and silicone formulations. Opti-tec 5020 is suitable for delicate components thanks to low exothermic output during cure, which also […]
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UV post-cure for 3D printing
Recent developments in 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping) have popularised the SLA (stereolithography) methodology of laser printing in a bath of UV light curable photopolymer resin. This process effectively “grows” a component in the bath so that as it is withdrawn, each successive layer is light cured. It is a process […]
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Video: Opti-tec 4200 clear polyurethane resin for potting & encapsulating
Opti-tec 4200 is an optically clear potting compound suitable for encapsulating LEDs and other electronic components. Opti-tec 4200 is a clear polyurethane resin for applications including lighting, illumination or when the electronics needs to be visible. It features excellent non-yellowing colour stability owing to UV resistant base materials and stabilisers. In double syringe or twinpack sachets, the […]
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Award winning year with Dymax
At the Dymax Europe sales meeting, we were very proud to be awarded the Best Combined Sales trophy for 2015. Pictured is Dymax Europe Managing Director Stefan Katzenmayer with our own Sales Manager Kevin Cook. Huzzah! We have spent 25 years working with Dymax, and continue to be the leading partner for them in Europe. […]
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Relyon Plasma surface treatment now available in the UK
We are pleased to announce a new sales partnership with plasma treatment company Relyon Plasma GmbH which brings their advanced technology within reach of UK manufacturers. Plasma surface treatment can be a very effective way to activate a surface in order to prepare it for bonding or printing, enabling improved wetting and adhesion. We are […]
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Seminar: Enhancing Productivity with Light Curing Adhesives
On Thursday (21 April) this week, the FAST Exhibition opens its doors at The Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester. The FAST Exhibition has been created to provide you with a single location to meet fastening experts and discover the answers to your design problems. We are giving a seminar entitled Enhancing Productivity with Light Curing Adhesives and […]
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Video: Adhesives, protective materials and processing equipment for medical device assembly
We offer materials and processing equipment to meet the bonding and assembly needs of medical device manufacturers. A range of ISO 10993 and USP Class VI materials are compatible with the substrates commonly used in the industry. The range comprises structural adhesives, coatings, sealants, form-in-place gaskets and temporary masks – all for medical device assembly. And mixing, […]
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Adhesive Technology Seminars – performance and productivity
We offer a series of technical seminars to our customers in the technology manufacturing sector. The seminars focus on adhesives, protective materials and the associated application and curing equipment. The goal is to help design, production and quality engineers understand both the fundamentals and the cutting edge possibilities of the technologies, enabling you to deliver performance advances […]
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Video: Thinky ARE-250 benchtop mixer mixes & degasses
Intertronics offers a benchtop mixer that mixes, disperses and degasses liquids, pastes and powders without a vacuum. The Thinky ARE-250 features a planetary design that simultaneously revolves and rotates the ingredients being mixed. Materials are mixed in your sealed or lid-less containers such as jars, beakers, syringe barrels or cartridges. Used in critical applications in […]
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Thermally Conductive Materials for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Batteries
Responding to a strong and increasing demand in innovative manufacturing concepts for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries, our partners Polytec PT have adhesives, potting compounds and greases with high thermal conductivities that are customised with regard to processing parameters, thermal and mechanical properties, and service durability. The need for power dissipation from the cell to […]
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Advantages of Using Light-Curable Masking for Surface Protection
Dymax SpeedMask® temporary masking resins offer reliable surface protection of components, often more than traditional masking materials such as tapes, lacquers, and waxes. Learn about the advantages of our light-curable maskants in this informative infographic and see a real life example of how switching from thermal tape to a SpeedMask® maskant saved one company 40,000 […]
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Productivity, Productivity, Productivity
The newsletter from the Chief Economist of RBS landed in our in-box this morning. I quote: The UK’s labour market recovery has been impressive but the same cannot be said for productivity. Output per hour in the UK was 18 percentage points below the average for the rest of the major G7 advanced economies in […]
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Technology & magic
We recently completed a project to expand and refurbish the Technology Centre at our head office just north of Oxford. We have a comfortable meeting space with AV facilities, and a lab area with a wide range of equipment. Customers and colleagues are invited in to meet with us about their applications and challenges, evaluate […]
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Video: Dymax LED curing adhesives
For applications demanding fast cure bonding we offer a range of LED light curable adhesives. Dymax LED Curing Adhesives are optimised for use with the latest LED lamp curing systems, offering repeatable production proven bonding performance on rigid and flexible substrates, with formulations optimised for the needs of industries from medical devices and electronics to […]
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Update to eco-DUO widens possibilities for mixing and dispensing
The eco-DUO, a precision mixing and dispensing system manufactured by preeflow, has always provided volumetrically accurate, repeatable dispensing for two-component materials with a mixing ratio between 1:1 and 5:1. Now, preeflow has updated the eco-DUO to mix materials in up to a 10:1 ratio. The preeflow eco-DUO uses the precision dispensing technology of the preeflow […]
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High performance acrylic structural adhesives
A new series of two-component (methyl methacrylate) acrylic structural adhesives offers primerless, superior-strength bonds on most metals, thermoplastics and composites with fast room temperature cure times in the order of 9-15 minutes. This speed of cure is of great benefit in short cycle time production schedules where these high strength, lightweight adhesives produce durable, high […]
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High precision volumetric spray dispensing system
preeflow® eco-SPRAY technology brings exceptional levels of accuracy, repeatability and precise edge definition to micro-spray dispensing tasks. The combination of the preeflow positive displacement volumetric pump and a low-flow spray chamber guarantees high performance spraying of low to high viscosity fluids. This volumetric spray dispensing system provides a superior level of process reliability because viscosity variations in […]
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Success for our apprentice James
If you’re an Intertronics customer, you may have spoken to or exchanged emails with James Heydon over the last twelve months. James has been with us on an apprenticeship scheme, learning hands-on about the how a modern business works. James is a member of our Order Fulfilment Team, handling price and delivery queries, entering your purchase […]
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Will the new EC hazardous substances regulations affect your UV curing process?
Stricter EU regulations on the use of hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium and mercury, will significantly impact a number of industries, possibly including the use of mercury vapour UV curing lamps in industrial printing, bonding and coating processes. The full implications of the regulations need further clarification, but in the meantime many businesses are ahead […]
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Hi Vis temporary mask speeds metal finishing processes
DYMAX Speedmask® 731 speeds up and improves temporary masking prior to aggressive finishing processes in manufacturing, especially on darker colour substrates. Its unique bright yellow colour enables quick and accurate visual checking of coverage or removal which is enhanced by fluorescence under black light. Speedmask 731 is a 100% organic UV/visible curing masking resin which […]
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Video: Dymax ECE Series UV Curing Flood Lamps
Dymax ECE Series UV curing flood lamps enable rapid curing of UV adhesives, coatings and inks. These lamps provide moderate to high intensity UV/visible light in benchtop systems or integrated into assembly lines. Two sizes are available to meet the many demands of industries from medical devices to automotive assemblies. Electronic shutter systems provide precise […]
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Investment in robotics could boost British economy by £60 billion
Happy New Year! Let’s kick off with a report on our theme of 2016 – increasing productivity. Investing an additional £1.2bn into manufacturing processes, to increase robotics and automation over the next ten years, could add as much as £60.5bn to the UK economy over the next decade, forecasts research from Barclays. This is equivalent […]
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Improve productivity of FIP gaskets with UV curing material
The engineering and fitting of effective sealing has often been a rather unproductive and at times unsatisfactory business, frequently involving moulded or pre-punched gaskets, time-consuming installation of strip profiles or long waiting times while injected foams cure on stacked shelves. We have announced the new Dymax GA-201 UV cure FIP gasket material which in large measure […]
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A Christmas Greeting from the INTERTRONICS Team
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for working with us in 2015. We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We will close for the Christmas break at 12pm on Thursday 24th December and reopen at 9am on Monday 4th January. This Christmas we are not sending out printed Christmas cards. […]
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25 years with Paul Whitehead, Technical Manager
We have just celebrated 25 years of Paul Whitehead working for our company, giving him an award and our huge appreciation at the end of year company meeting. We have been the grateful recipients of Paul’s friendship, commitment, technical expertise, wit and wisdom. He has successfully built enduring relationships with our customers and our supplier partners, and you can […]
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Fast curing clear adhesive for plastics and metals
L&L A-K015 provides clear bondlines in plastics assemblies, with a very fast fixture time of 3-4 minutes and robust, primerless adhesion. It is especially valuable for bonding plastics such as acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS or PPMA. An example application is point of sale displays or signs, where it gives an unobtrusive transparent bond, even when squeeze-out […]
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New introductory guide for time/pressure dispensing
Our new An Introduction to Time/Pressure Dispensing guide is a clear, simple overview for engineers needing to quickly understand this area of dispensing, or to use as a training aid for operators and new colleagues. Time/pressure dispensing lets you apply a wide range of liquid or paste materials by using a dispensing controller to apply […]
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Positive displacement dispensing valve with disposable fluid path
The IDMVG DV5005DFS Positive Displacement Auger Valve solves some of the problems associated with the dispensing of medium-to-high viscosity materials, especially those which have short working lives or difficult rheology. It features a positive displacement auger mechanism in a short, disposable fluid path which minimises cleaning and maintenance. The DFS is an accurate, repeatable dispensing valve […]
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New guides to electrically conductive & thermally conductive adhesives
We have issued two new guides which offer an introduction to the Electrically Conductive Adhesives and Thermally Conductive Adhesives produced by Polytec PT. Each guide gives a descriptive overview of the technology involved and related product applications in industries such as microelectronics, electrical engineering, power engineering and general energy. New, next generation technologies are introduced. Conventional […]
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Medical device adhesive case study published in BP&R
Thank you to British Plastics and Rubber magazine, who feature one of our recent application stories regarding Brandon Medical in the latest issue. The company used one of our LED UV curing plastic bonding adhesives to save production time. Click on the image to open a copy of the article.
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Investment in Technology Centre for customers
We have always been keen to invite customers and prospects to our Technology Centre, so that we can discuss your bonding and coating projects. We have been delighted to host hundreds of you over the years, and to help you to evaluate materials and a wide range of dispensing, mixing and curing equipment. Well, we have decided to […]
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Introduction to time/pressure dispensing
If you ever thought about improving the manual application of your adhesives, oils, greases, solder pastes, sealants, inks or any other liquid or paste, then download a copy of our latest Technology Guide: An Introduction to Time/Pressure Dispensing. It talks about the advantages of this simple technology over brushing, daubing or squeeze bottles. The Guide […]
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Seminar – The Art and Science of Choosing a Structural Adhesive
Please come to our seminar next week, Wednesday 9 September, entitled The Art and Science of Choosing a Structural Adhesive. We’ll be talking about how to choose the best adhesives, from the increasing number of structural adhesives on the market, to evaluate for your application. Starting with design and working through production and processing considerations, […]
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Technical guide to light cure conformal coatings
We are delighted to offer a Technical Guide to Light-Cure Conformal Coatings for printed circuit boards, authored by Dymax. These coatings provide superior protective performance with the added benefit of UV/light cure for quick, convenient processing and cost saving. The guide enables customers to better understand the production savings possible from light curing. It discusses the choice […]
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Fisnar DC100 Programmable Precision Adhesive Dispenser
The new Fisnar DC100 Precision Dispensing Controller has a claim to be the most adjustable and adaptable programmable liquid dispenser on the market. Time/pressure dispensers have been used for decades for the application of adhesives, lubricants, inks, fluxes and a whole host of other materials, controlling the amount delivered in both manual and automated processes. […]
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High performance UV LED curing lamp with wands
The new DYMAX BlueWave QX4 UV LED curing lamp brings together the benefits of LED UV curing in a small and compact package that enables users to operate quickly and with more control. The QX4 multi-wand UV spot curing system puts the high intensity LEDs and lenses close to the substrate in each emitting head, with […]
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Harley Davidson selects adhesives over mechanical fasteners
Odyssey Motorcycles used a carbon fibre epoxy composite for parts of on a Harley Davidson Super Sport Roadster (SSR). The French manufacturer used the material to make up the bodywork, petrol and oil tanks of the custom made motorbike, but then faced challenges around how to join it with the rest of the structure. It […]
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UV adhesive cures time problem for Brandon Medical
Extended curing times for adhesives can often create a bottleneck in the production process which can interrupt work flow. This was exactly the problem experienced by Brandon Medical Ltd. Technical Director Nigel Davill explained: “We had a problem bonding three polycarbonate lenses together to make the large front lens of our Quasar® eLite operating theatre […]
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UV blocking smooth flow tapered dispensing tips
Smooth flow tapered dispensing tips allow for the dispensing of medium to high viscosity fluids and liquids without clogging or blocking. Read our 25 Top Dispensing Tips for more information. If you are dispensing materials which are light curing or sensitive to light, then our UV blocking range of tapered dispensing tips might just be […]
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Still hand dispensing beads of adhesive? Time to graduate to a robot solution!
The accurate placement of a bead of adhesive, sealant or gasket material from a syringe demands a steady hand, close co-ordination and patience. Manufacturing environments also demand the additional element of speed needed to keep up with the rest of the process. The combination of all of these is a rare talent indeed. A better […]
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Congratulations to Dymax in Europe
Dymax Corporation’s European subsidiary, Dymax Europe GmbH, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! Based in Wiesbaden Germany, our partner offers light-curable adhesives, coatings, and gasketing materials for applications in a variety of markets. In addition to adhesives and coatings, Dymax offers high-performance oligomers and a variety of dispensing and light-curing equipment to strengthen its […]
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