Crystal growers are used to for heating galium arsinide, synthetic rubies, and other crystalin materials in a zirconium or platinum crucible to 950° and higher. The primary use of crystal growers is the pulling of galium arsenide crystals for the laser and IC industries. A crystal grower is designed to have a very accurate control system to maintain temperature within ±3°C for a period of up to 6 weeks continous. Any variance greater than this is the difference between a good crystal and a bad one. Pillar has been suppling equipment for this application since 1981. We developed our first design as part of the Crystal Grower line as a 50 kW 10 kHz Crystal Grower. These have been a secessful and popular line for us. We then developed in 1985 a 30 kW 10Khz Crystal Grower for smaller growth applications.The application required the following additions to the basic system.

• Precision Power Control Circuitry
• Coil Current Control
• UPS or Autostart for Control Circuitry
• Coil Current Feedback
• 4 to 20 mA Control
• Secialized Output Configuration
• Line Monitor Circuitry
• Integral Heat Station

Tip Forming Pillar/Cycle-Dyne has been involved in a variety of medical applications over the years including: Catheter tip forming, Welding tubing of different durometers, Hardening of needles and annealing of tubing. Our equipment is often integrated into custom material handling for catheter tip forming and bonding systems or applications requiring process research & development.

 Shrink fitting is often used to replace conventional mechanical fasteners and fastening methods. Localized heating of the mating surface provides temporary expansion and allows slip fit assembly. The resulting interference fit exhibits exceptional strength without surface deformation at ambient temperatures.

Induction heating offers repeatability when brazing, soldering and joining. Direct localized heating of the braze area minimizes radiant heat to the environment or work cell. Both high volume and mixed production processes area compatible with induction for controlled repeatability, strength and quality. As in any manufacturing system, the proper selection of equipment, combined with good manufacturing practices can lead to safe long-term, trouble-free operation.

Brazing Images (click on an image to enlarge it):

 Glass to Metal Bonding- Increased productivity and smooth, efficient operations are hallmarks for Pillar bonding and soldering systems. Uniform heating provided by induction results in enhanced bond/cure characteristics. Plastic to Metal, Glass to Metal including the joining of non-conducting materials is accomplished through direct induction heating or by means of susceptor. Other advantages include accelerated line speeds, reduced line length and increased quality
 

Plastic to Metal Bonding

Induction heating offers a greater level of flexibility in fastener applications in both high and low temperature requirements. High speed - high temperature systems for hardening, upsetting and thread rolling. Low temperature applications include powder coating, adhesive patch curing and stress relief in construction, automotive and aerospace applications. Direct localized heating of the specific area minimizes radiant or conducted heat to the remaining work piece providing a more operator friendly environment or work cell.

Both high volume and mixed production processes are compatible with induction for controlled repeatability, strength and quality. As in any manufacturing system, the proper selection of equipment, combined with good manufacturing practices can lead to safe long-term, trouble-free operation.