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Tag Archive: 3DT LLC

  1. 3DT Adds Allen-Bradley’s PanelView Plus to Options

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    3DT now offers Allen-Bradley’s PanelView Plus 7 HMI with MicroLogix 1400 PLC as a standard operator console in many of our systems.  While we still offer Maple Systems’ HMI in many products in 3DT’s line, the PanelView Plus 7 goes a step further in enhancing the user interface.  It is built with an aluminum housing, giving the HMI a quality look and feel.  The touch screen also provides a higher resolution, allowing for clearer images on-screen.

    Allen Bradley PanelView Plus*Picture from Allen-Bradley Website (7 inch PanelView Plus 7)

    The PanelView Plus 7 is a great option for those who use other Allen-Bradley products in their facility with Ethernet/IP communication.  While data logging can be done using Ethernet/IP, the PanelView Plus 7 can also create a CSV file of the system data and store it on a USB drive.  The data stored can provide insight on the system’s productivity and overall status.  Real-time data trends can also be viewed on the PanelView.  The data trend graphs also provide a look back function to view previous system data.

    Example images from the PanelView Plus 7.  Top 2 images: Real Time Data Trends.

    Real Time Data Trends

    Real Time Data Trends

    Below: System Menu

    System Menu

    Below: Graph created using temperature data from CSV file.

    Graph created using temperature data from CSV file.

    Both options, PanelView Plus 7 and Maple Systems, provide an excellent interface for 3DT’s systems while allowing for different options based on specific needs and budgets.

    Contact us one of our sales engineers today at sales@3DTLLC.com to discuss your application.

  2. Principle of the MultiDyne: Gliding Arc Discharge

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    The MultiDyne system operates using the gliding arc discharge principle.  The electrode arrangement is the key to this type of discharge.  As shown in the diagram, the arc forms at the closest distance between the electrodes.  The electrodes are curved to allow the arc to travel between them while increasing in size.  The arc however does not travel along the electrodes without the assistance of airflow behind it.  The airflow is carefully set to maximize the size of the discharge without prematurely extinguishing the arc.

    Principle of the MultiDyne: Gliding Arc Discharge

    The other major component to maximizing the gliding arc discharge is the specialized high voltage transformer.  The transformer is a dry, oil free, transformer capable of providing over ten thousand volts.  The transformer also offers safety features.  The first of the safety features is the ability for the transformer to current limit itself in the event of a short circuit.  The other safety feature is a center tap connected to ground, reducing the potential between the high voltage leads and ground to 50%.

    Application

    Utilizing the MultiDyne, 3DT has been a solution for numerous industries.  Without the need for a separate ground plate, the MultiDyne is easily incorporated into existing or new product lines.  Adjusting the gap, along with product speed, allows for adjustability of the intensity and size of the discharge on the product.  This allows for most products, regardless of material sensitivity, to be treated.  The size of the arc discharge allows for treatment of three-dimensional objects in addition to flat linear applications.

    The diagram below shows how adjusting the gap alters the width of the discharge.

    Principle of the MultiDyne: Gliding Arc Discharge

    The MultiDyne system may be designed around a basic principle, but 3DT has developed it into a solid, reliable surface treatment system. Contact our sales team for more information and to discuss your application at 262-253-6700 or sales@3DTLLC.com.

    Principle of the MultiDyne: Gliding Arc Discharge

    3DT’s MultiDyne 1000 with 1 treating head. Systems are available with 1-4 treating heads depending on the application. Learn more about MultiDyne on our MultiDyne page.

    References:

    Bruggeman, Peter J. “2.6.3 Gliding Arc Discharge.” Low Temperature Plasma Technology: Methods and Applications, edited by Paul K. Chu and Xinpei Lu, CRC Press, 2014, pp. 27–28.

  3. 3DT’s Updated Plasma System: Smart Technology, Adjustable Power Levels

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    Read About the Advances and Advantages of 3DT’s New Plasma System

    3DT’s hardworking, classic plasma treatment system for 3-D parts, PlasmaDyne, has been thoroughly updated as a part of the company’s effort toward continual technological improvement and meeting the needs of the industry. Updates include the newest in electrical engineering, components and design. Renamed PlasmaDyne Pro, the upgraded system features an optimized, sophisticated control panel, adjustable plasma treatment levels, energy efficiency, modular replacement parts, it’s compact and economical.

    New Features and Advantages

    As with 3DT’s previous plasma system, PlasmaDyne is known for providing highly effective surface treatment, flexibility in adapting to varied applications, thoughtful engineering and durability. The new PlasmaDyne Pro has several important upgrades but of most importance PlasmaDyne Pro is the only system in the market to offer adjustable treatment and power levels. 3DT’s Updated Plasma System: Smart Technology, Adjustable Power Levels

    The new PlasmaDyne Pro system includes these new features and benefits:

    • Adjustable power level up to 600W to achieve desired treatment levels; turn up the power to raise surface energy on resistant substrates or lower the power for delicate substrates. Treatment levels can be programmed for each individual treating head.
    • Color touch display for monitoring all system parameters, including troubleshooting and fault log.
    • Modular power factor supply for treating heads allows for quick, easy changes to keep production running.
    • Active power correction for highest efficiency and lowest operating cost.
    • Compact and economical: PlasmaDyne Pro systems with 3 or more treating heads are now smaller than systems previously produced and more economical as a result.

    Overcoming Adhesion Challenges

    PlasmaDyne Pro utilizes atmospheric plasma technology to effectively and uniformly treat surfaces for the improved adhesion of glue, paint, ink, flocking, coatings, and laminates. Plasma technology raises surface energy by modifying the molecular structure of many difficult-to-bond materials without causing harm to the substrate. PlasmaDyne Pro’s plasma process improves the surface tension on polymers, rubber, metal, glass, ceramic, paperboard and composites. It is adaptable to countless applications.

    The 3DT PlasmaDyne Pro completes two functions in a single step: it cleans organic contaminants from the surface and alters the molecular structure of the substrate, thereby raising the surface energy and producing a stronger bond between the substrate and media.

    As mentioned, PlasmaDyne Pro micro cleans surfaces by removing impurities, contaminants, residue, organic compounds and some hydrocarbons. This process provides another important aspect in improving adhesion and enhancing surfaces for secondary processes.

    PlasmaDyne Pro produces plasma from a high voltage electric current within a treating head. The plasma is then applied to a substrate by means of pressurized air. Power/treatment levels can be adjusted for each application. The treating heads produce a discharge area of 10 – 40mm in width depending on the type of treating head chosen for the application.

    3DT’s Updated Plasma System: Smart Technology, Adjustable Power Levels

    PlasmaDyne Pro can be customized with one or more stationary and rotating heads. At this point, 3DT has supplied system configurations with up to 12 treating heads. Importantly, each treating head is independently programmed for mode of operation and power level. This feature allows greater flexibility in applications with limited downtime between setups.

    PlasmaDyne Pro can operate as a stand-alone unit or incorporated into a production line, such as an indexing table, conveyor system or the heads can be secured onto a robotic arm.

    What Customers Say

    The first customers to receive the new PlasmaDyne Pro are very excited and happy about the system’s performance. In fact, one customer said purchasing a PlasmaDyne Pro was one of the best investments he’s made. This company is sending 3DT information about an application for another PlasmaDyne Pro.

    Customers have come to appreciate 3DT’s classic PlasmaDyne for its dependability and durability. In fact, there are numerous systems in the field with more than 25,000 hours of operation and they are still running strong. PlasmaDyne is a proven system designed for powerful adhesion. Considering the improvements made to this system, 3DT anticipates customers to experience the same long-lasting, consistent performance with the new PlasmaDyne Pro.

    All 3DT’s systems, including PlasmaDyne Pro, are produced in Germantown, Wisconsin, USA, offering the advantages of stateside sales, service and replacement parts.

    Technical Data

    3DT’s PlasmaDyne Pro system includes:

    • Single cabinet generator and transformer
    • Electrical enclosures meet IP43 standards
    • Adjustable power level up to 600W
    • Customizable with 1 – 12 stationary and/or rotating treating heads
    • Treatment area from 10 – 40mm
    • 2, 3 or 4 meter treating head cable
    • Internal air supply- eliminating the need for costly compressed air and extending nozzle life
    • Downloadable USB operation log to review performance
    • Local or remote PLC control modes
    • Color touch display monitors all system parameters
    • Intelligent fault monitoring system
    • Safe: chemical and ozone-free
    • Built to US NFPA machine safety standards

    For more information and to discuss your application please contact us at sales@3DTLLC.com or call 262-253-6700. Learn more about 3DT and our full line of surface treatment systems at www.3DTLLC.com.