Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1391285
60 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2021 bulk materials mixing and incurring the poten- tial problems of introducing too much air (and moisture) into the mix, then it might be more appropriate to use automated metering and mixing equipment, which will accurately mix resin and hardener in the correct proportions, and usually in an inert atmosphere. Remember, incorrect ratios will lead to a poor cure and the physical properties, tensile strength, elongation, and modulus will differ from those specified in the manufacturer's data sheet. Important Considerations for Cure Temperature Once a resin and its associated hardener are mixed, the reaction can be very fast but also very exothermic, which can lead to the pos- sibility of a runaway reaction; remember that the exotherm will also increase as potting vol- ume increases. Not all reactions have a high exotherm; the exotherm temperature can be controlled by adjusting the chemistry or by using a filled system, as the fillers absorb some of the heat as well as reduce the concentration of the active component within the hardener that promotes this rapid cure. Controlling the temperature during the cure profile is impor- tant because the components requiring potting or encapsulation might be adversely affected by raised temperatures. It is important to follow the recommended cure profile to ensure resins are fully cured and the physical properties achieved match those specified on the manufacturer's datasheet. I hope these points have been useful and informative. Please contact our technical sup- port team if you need any advice with your resin application requirements. In the mean- time, please watch for my next column, where I will be examining resins in more depth. DESIGN007 Beth Turner is head of encapsu- lation resins at Electrolube. To read past columns from Elec- trolube, click here. Download your free copy of Electrol- ube's book, The Printed Circuit Assembler's Guide to… Confor- mal Coatings for Harsh Environments, and watch the micro webinar series "Coatings Uncoated!" Researchers at the National Robotarium, hosted by Heriot-Watt University, have secured £586,000 to develop 3D laser beams whose shape can be changed. The innovation is set to transform the manu- facturing and healthcare technology industries, making it easier and cheaper to produce prod- ucts that require highly-precise manufacturing, such as medical equipment and mobile devices. Lasers are a crucial component of modern manufacturing, with the global laser process- ing market projected to grow from £2.8 billion in 2020 to £4.1 billion by 2025. They are used widely by industry to produce precise incisions and mould materials into specific shapes. The research to be undertaken at the National Robotarium will develop laser beams which have been specifically designed to meet the exact manufacturing requirements of products, improv- ing efficiency and precision. UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: "This is cutting-edge technol- ogy in every sense of the phrase. "This exciting research is being supported both by a £586,000 UK Research and Innovation grant, and our £21 million investment in the National Robotarium through the Edinburgh City Region Deal." (Source: Heriot-Watt University) Researchers to Develop Made-to-Measure 3D Laser Beams