Workaround, ALBIS PLASTIC and BASF Optimise Smart Glove
In close cooperation, Workaround GmbH, ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH and BASF have modified an important component of the smart glove ProGlove.
After careful analysis, Ultramid Vision is now being used on the integrated scanning unit, allowing even simpler, quicker and safer work processes. The ProGlove is already in everyday use by leading branded manufacturers in the automotive, logistics and chemical sectors. The optimized version is now being presented to a wide specialist audience at Fakuma 2018 in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Ultramid Vision allows light to pass through unhindered
The semi-transparent polyamide, Ultramid Vision B3K, is used as a significant component of the glove. This partially crystalline polyamide allows light to pass through and impresses with its very high light transmission and low light scatter. After injection moulding, metallic contacts are pressed into the polyamide and connected to the internal electronics. In addition, Ultramid Vision allows a clear view of the status LEDs in the display area. As a result, workers have both hands free and do not have to interrupt their work flow. “Last year, we brought Ultramid Vision to market, the world’s first partially crystalline polyamide for semi-transparent to transparent components,” said Rainer Xalter, product developer in the Performance Materials division at BASF. “Thanks to its excellent media resistance and temperature stability as well as its good scratch resistance, this outstanding material is suitable for use in demanding environments.”
When used in factories and warehouses, where contact with aggressive fluids and hot surfaces can occur, the demands on the housing material are particularly high. In such environments, the area of view for the laser scanner must work perfectly and must not be damaged by external influences. “The ProGlove smart glove is exposed to harsh conditions of use in industry,” explains Thomas Kirchner, CEO and founder of Workaround GmbH (ProGlove). “The part of the scanner which was previously manufactured from amorphous plastic didn’t always meet our requirements for this specific area of application.”
High media resistance offers a wide range of applications
“The requirements were appropriate resistance to chemicals and translucence to ensure that workers can see the signals from the internally fitted LEDs”, explains Benjamin Schindler, who assisted with the project at ALBIS. “Polyamide proved to be suitable for this application right from the outset. Thanks to its outstanding properties, using the new Ultramid Vision was therefore an obvious choice.”
In addition to the unpigmented Ultramid Vision B3K UN, BASF also offers other product specifications. Depending on their requirements, customers can select different light scatter levels and also colours. This polyamide can be used especially where visual inspection is necessary. Whether in the automotive, construction or consumer goods industry or as a design element for bright colour effects – Ultramid Vision leaves scope for a variety of design Options.
