Forward Techology News

Sales and Apps Engineer Job Posting

September 10th, 2020

Forward Tech is hiring! Click the link below if you are interested in learning more about the Sales and Application Engineer position.

PPE Mask Automated Production Systems

June 30th, 2020

About Our Systems

Forward Technology has developed automated production systems
for formed respirators and disposable face masks, capable
of quickly producing mass quantities for use across multiple
industries.

Our production systems are ideal for mid to large size companies
looking to make their own masks to comply with government
mandates and provide additional protection for their employees.
The systems are also ideal for government centers that provide
masks for employees and visitors.

The process is highly-efficient with a small footprint, allowing
companies to seamlessly install the equipment in existing
infrastructure without disrupting existing process flows. Each
automation system contains Mecasonic Ultrasonic generators and
components, making for a fully-integrated automation line.

Capabilities

  • Automated mask production
  • Varying levels of automation available
  • Complete stand alone stations also available for reduced cost and further compressed lead time
  • N95 System throughput rate: 500+/hr
  • Surgical System throughput rate: 650+/hr (Second Strapping Machine can be added to increase throughput)
  • Equipment is provided on reduced lead times
  • Fully integrated Mecasonic Ultrasonic generators and components
  • Made in the USA

Formed Respirator System

Our Formed Respirator System produces 500+ masks per hour and can accept a wide range of filter medias, an optional fourth roll, and web feed for additional filtering or graphic layers. One operator can keep the equipment fully functional by loading and unloading the rotary based ultrasonic welding station and changing material rolls as necessary. It features a completely integrated controls package that allows complete system control from one central HMI. The respirator’s shape and strap options may be customized to meet each customer’s individual requirements.
*Please note that several items, stations, and features are not shown in system images above for clarity purposes.

Disposable Face Mask System

Our Disposable Face Mask System is capable of producing 1 mask every 4-6 seconds, which equates to over 650 masks per hour. An optional second strapping system may be added to further increase throughput. The equipment can accept a wide range of filter medias, an optional fourth roll, and web feed for additional filtering or graphic layers. This is a fully-automated system with no operator intervention required except for material roll change out and final packaging of completed product. It features a completely integrated controls package that allows complete system control from one central HMI.

N95 Mask Automated Production Systems

May 11th, 2020

Forward Technology has developed automated production systems for formed respirators and disposable face masks, capable of quickly producing mass quantities for use across multiple industries.

Our production systems are ideal for mid to large size companies looking to make their own masks to comply with government mandates and provide additional protection for their employees. The systems are also ideal for government centers that provide masks for employees and visitors.

The process is highly-efficient with a small footprint, allowing companies to seamlessly install the equipment in existing infrastructure without disrupting existing process flows. Each automation system contains Mecasonic Ultrasonic generators and components, making for a fully-integrated automation line.

Capabilities

  • Automated mask production
  • Varying levels of automation available
  • Complete stand alone stations also available for reduced cost and further compressed lead time
  • N95 System throughput rate: 500+/hr
  • Surgical System throughput rate: 650+/hr (Second Strapping Machine can be added to increase throughput).
  • Equipment is provided on reduced lead times
  • Fully integrated Mecasonic Ultrasonic generators and components
  • Made in the USA

Formed Respirator System

Our Formed Respirator System produces 500+ masks per hour and can accept a wide range of filter medias, an optional fourth roll, and web feed for additional filtering or graphic layers. One operator can keep the equipment fully functional by loading and unloading the rotary based ultrasonic welding station and changing material rolls as necessary. It features a completely integrated controls package that allows complete system control from one central HMI. The respirator’s shape and strap options may be customized to meet each customer’s individual requirements.

Disposable Face Mask System

Our Disposable Face Mask System is capable of producing 1 mask every 4-6 seconds, which equates to over 650 masks per hour. An optional second strapping system may be added to further increase throughput. The equipment can accept a wide range of filter medias, an optional fourth roll, and web feed for additional filtering or graphic layers. This is a fully-automated system with no operator intervention required except for material roll change out and final packaging of completed product. It features a completely integrated controls package that allows complete system control from one central HMI.

CALL US AT (320) 286-2578
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

Forward Technology Launches New Dual-Axis Servo Spin Welder with High Precision and Versatility

May 5th, 2020

Forward Technology, a leading manufacturer of standard and custom plastic welding equipment and testing systems, has announced the introduction of a new dual-axis servo spin welder designed for a wide range of injection molded applications requiring high rotational power and the highest degree of vertical and rotational precision. The company also announced enhancements for its industry-leading linear vibration welder for a range of large injection molded parts.

The new HD2X-OSW servo spin welder provides excellent rotational and vertical positioning, along with an industry-leading 24-in of stroke (weld height range). This large range allows for simple push-button recipe changes when switching from tall to short tools, or vice versa, without manually adjusting the head’s vertical position. The spin welder orients part halves relative to each other with rotational tolerance accuracy of
± 0.1-deg. and provides a finished vertical weld tolerance of ±0.002-in.

The industry-leading 600 lbs of press force gives process engineers plenty of head room when designing spin weld applications, including those with difficult-to-weld materials and large diameters. “The new HD2XOSW spin welder combines precision and versatility, thus making it suitable for large and small applications alike,” said Brett Raisanen, General Manager of Forward Technology.

The HD2X-OSW comes with an upgraded Allen-Bradley package which allows for robust controls and a range of opportunities for customization and automation, along with Statistical Process Control (SPC) options and other networking advantages.

When compared to other orienting or non-orienting models, the dual-servo system allows precise control of welding depth (collapse or absolute distance with an accuracy of ±0.002-in) and enables synchronization of
vertical and rotational movement to optimize the weld process. The full servo control also allows for setting a recipe adjustable load position, reducing the stroke during each cycle and saving valuable cycle time.

Forward Technology has been a designer and manufacturer of spin welders since 1993. The company offers a broad product line ranging in maximum speeds up to 16,000 rpm and available in both heavy-duty servo-electric (orientation based) and pneumatic (inertial based) models for a wide array of applications

Meanwhile, Forward Technology has upgraded its DLVW-4848-LX vibration welder with an enhanced drive for additional analytical options. The unit uses synchronized heads to provide substantial amounts of weld force and is capable of welding parts up to 48-in by 48-in or multiple smaller parts. The patented two-pole digital (servo) drive technology allows vastly improved process control while substantially increasing the available power.

The DLVW-4848-LX is particularly suited for welding of large automotive parts such as intake manifolds, instrument panels, and engine covers, along with plastic pallets for the transportation and logistics industries. In the fast-growing plastic pallet industry, the vibration welder is an effective alternative to hot plate systems, offering significant cycle time reductions. As a standard benefit with all Forward Technology equipment, these large welders can easily be integrated into automated systems for further labor reduction and increased throughput.

Forward Technology offers the DLVW-4848-LX in its laboratory for quick turnaround welding services for customers who are undertaking prototyping and concept testing. The company utilizes its inventory of existing prototype tooling to reduce both cost and lead times for prototype applications.

Forward Technology, a company of the Crest Group, designs and manufactures one of the broadest portfolios of standard and customized plastic assembly and testing systems specifically targeted for thermoplastics. The product line includes systems for hot plate welding, vibration welding, infrared welding, spin welding, and ultrasonic welding as well as systems for burst testing and custom leak testing. By combining knowledge, service, and support throughout the Crest Global Plastics group, member companies provide world-class products with local service and support.

YouTube Channel!

May 5th, 2020

We have  our own YouTube channel – click here to see some of our equipment in action!

Fanuc Robotics

December 10th, 2019

Forward Technology is a Fanuc Robotics Authorized Integrator.  Our core plastic welding and testing equipment can be integrated with robotic handling systems to develop turn-key automated assembly and testing system to meet your specific production requirements.

Expansion Announcement

September 30th, 2019

New Building 9-29-14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forward Technology Announces Major Expansion at Cokato, Minn. Headquarters

10,000-Sq-Ft Expansion Positions Company for Growth in Plastic Welding Equipment and Testing Systems

COKATO, Minn., September 12, 2014 – Forward Technology, a leading manufacturer of standard and custom plastic welding equipment and testing systems, has announced a major expansion at its Cokato, Minn. headquarters site, which will enable the company to significantly expand penetration into growing markets. Forward Technology’s 10,000-sq-ft expansion includes 6500 sq ft of extra manufacturing space and 3500 sq ft of new sales/office room.

Forward Technology, a company of the Crest Group, manufactures standard and customized plastic welding and testing systems specifically suited for thermoplastic parts for a broad range of applications in the automotive, medical, appliance, battery, filtration/fluid air, and consumer goods markets.

The new expansion, which was completed at the end of August, is part of a strategic effort to devote considerable new resources to help customers be more efficient and cut costs. Forward Technology plans to increase staffing for sales, marketing, and technology functions at its Cokato headquarters site and sales office in Detroit, according to Brian Kivisto, president of Forward Technology and executive vice president of the Crest Group.

“With our broad product portfolio of plastics assembly and testing equipment, we are firmly positioned as a strategic supplier and this expansion signals our further commitment to key national and multinational OEMs,” said Kivisto.

A growing U.S. economy has led to increased demand for welding equipment for the plastics manufacturing industry in a range of markets. In particular, Forward Technology has seen strong growth in infrared welding equipment for the automotive and appliance markets to meet the demand of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.

Forward Technology designs and manufactures one of the broadest portfolios of standard and customized plastic assembly and testing systems specifically targeted for thermoplastics. The product line includes systems for hot plate welding, vibration welding, infrared welding, spin welding, and ultrasonic welding as well as systems for burst testing and custom leak testing.

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About Forward Technology
Forward Technology is a world-class manufacturer that designs and builds one of the widest available arrays of standard and customized plastic assembly and testing systems specifically targeted for thermoplastic parts. The company is located in Cokato, Minn. with a satellite service center in Sterling Heights, Mich. Forward Technology is a unit of the Crest Group – a multinational corporation comprised of several entities (some with similar offerings) who share ideas and technological developments to enhance and expand the capabilities of the entire Crest Group Company. To visit our parent company’s website, go to www.thecrestgroupincorporated.com or www.crest-ultrasonics.com.

Forward Technology manufactures systems for hot plate welding, vibration welding, infrared welding, spin welding, and ultrasonic welding, as well as burst testing and custom leak testing. The company can incorporate standard core technology into an automation system, including robotic capabilities, to meet specific requirements. For more information, visit www.forwardtech.com.

Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
413.684.2463
joe@jgrandecommunications.com

2016 Expansion Announcement

September 22nd, 2019

COKATO, Minn., April, 2016 – Forward Technology, a leading manufacturer of standard and custom plastic welding equipment and testing systems, has announced a major expansion of its machining operations including construction of a new facility to house its CNC operations and the purchase of a state-of-the-art 4-axis machining center. The $1.2 million investment enables the company to consolidate its CNC operations and perform all of its machining in-house, according to Brian Kivisto, president of Forward Technology and executive vice president of the Crest Group.

DSCN0369

Forward Technology’s new 6600-sq-ft CNC machining facility, which is attached to the company’s main manufacturing/office complex in Cokato, will house Forward’s existing eight machining centers along with the new AmeraSeiki Model VB2432A four-axis vertical machining center (VMC). The focused investment on machining, which was completed earlier this year, is an integral part of the company’s strategic growth strategy which targets improved productivity and reduced cost for its customers, explained Kivisto.

“As a leading supplier of plastics assembly and testing equipment this is another initiative which solidifies our further commitment to key national and multinational OEMs,” said Kivisto. “The new machining center enables us to be 100% self-sufficient for the production of large metal castings and welded machine frames and other related component systems for our complete portfolio of welding equipment.”

Previously, Forward Technology was forced to outsource machining for larger castings and frames because of the limited size of its existing machining centers. The new four-axis machining center will enable Forward to better respond to market needs by eliminating outsourcing to local vendors, thus reducing lead times and improving quality control. In some cases, lead times will be shortened by two to four weeks, according to Kivisto.

The AmeraSeiki vertical machining center boasts a capacity of 48-in by 108-in. It also features a right angle head which permits the use of a fourth axis. The VMC is claimed to be one of the largest vertical machining centers in the state of Minnesota.

A growing U.S. economy has led to increased demand for welding equipment for the plastics manufacturing industry in a range of markets. In particular, Forward Technology has seen strong growth in infrared welding equipment for the automotive and appliance markets to meet the demand of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.

Forward Technology, a company of the Crest Group, manufactures standard and customized plastic welding and testing systems specifically suited for thermoplastic parts for a broad range of applications in the automotive, medical, appliance, battery, filtration/fluid air, and consumer goods markets. The product line includes systems for hot plate welding, vibration welding, infrared welding, spin welding, and ultrasonic welding as well as systems for burst testing and custom leak testing.

Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
413.684.2463
joe@jgrandecommunications.com