Advanced engineering service provider EWI is pleased to announce that Sunstone Engineering LLC, maker of micro-welding and engraving systems, has become a new EWI strategic technology member. Together, the two companies will collaborate to advance the state of pulsed arc welding and micro-resistance welding technology.
As part of the cooperative endeavor, Sunstone is providing three pulsed-arc welders, two resistance welding systems, and a small tabletop spot welding laser to EWI. “These additional systems expand the joining process capabilities within our microjoining lab,” said Tim Frech, EWI Senior Engineer. “EWI and Sunstone plan to develop joining applications based on Sunstone’s unique technology to benefit our clients in the electronics and consumer products industries.”
Pulsed-arc welding utilizes a precision power supply coupled to a retracting welding electrode to create an intense, short burst of energy. This electric arc welds metals with minimal heating of the component. Unlike competing processes, pulsed-arc welding is not influenced by electrical conductivity and optical reflectivity. This technology can be used for joining battery materials, knife blades to test samples, magnet wire for higher-temperature coils, and other wire applications such as tipping and strand consolidation.
The micro-resistance welding equipment provides pulse shaping and on-board statistical control capabilities, both of which offer energy control and process monitoring for challenging resistance welds. This technique is particularly useful for microjoining copper, aluminum, nickel, and other metals for which minimizing distortion is critical.
“EWI is pleased to have Sunstone join as our second strategic technology member and eager to integrate their innovative technology into our internal R&D programs,” said Chris Kiminas, President of EWI Ohio. “Our engineers look forward to working the Sunstone team to develop new applications that will be relevant for our members and customers.
“Combining our expertise with EWI’s will enable our customers to leverage the world’s best welding knowledgebase and provide an exceptional level of weld analysis for micro-welding,” said Sunstone President, Jonathan Young. “We are excited about this collaboration and ready to begin as soon as possible.”
For more information about EWI and Sunstone’s innovative work in pulsed arc welding and micro-resistance welding, contact Tim Frech at [email protected] or David Holloway at [email protected]. To learn more about EWI Strategic Technology Member program, contact Dale Robinson at [email protected].
About EWI
EWI empowers industry leaders to overcome complex manufacturing challenges and integrate new processes to bring products to market more quickly and efficiently. Since 1984, EWI’s comprehensive engineering services have helped companies identify, develop, and implement the best options for their specific applications. Our customers include but are not limited to aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, industrial products, defense, and heavy equipment. Backed by unmatched professional expertise, state-of-the-art lab facilities, and technology resources, we offer customized solutions that deliver game-changing results. How can EWI help your organization? Visit ewi.org or call 614.688.5000 to learn more.
About Sunstone Engineering
Sunstone Engineering LLC designs, engineers and manufactures high-tech micro welding and engraving solutions for many different industries. The Sunstone product line includes laser, pulse arc, capacitive discharge, AC, and hot bar reflow welding systems that are used in a variety of research and manufacturing fields and industries. Sunstone welders are used by accomplished jewelers, Apple, NASA, MIT, GE, HP, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and multiple government and military agencies. For more information visit www.sunstonewelders.com or call 801.658.0015.