Datwyler raises elastomer O-ring capacity in China, Mexico

Altdorf, Switzerland – Datwyler Group has expanded the production capabilities for elastomer O-rings at its manufacturing plants in Silao, Mexico and Ningguo, China.

Each site has seen the introduction of new injection moulding machines, capable of producing thousands of O-rings every hour, Datwyler said 29 June.

Using “the latest injection moulding technology [the machines] produce top quality elastomer components” for various applications, added the Swiss group.

End-product applications include battery thermal management, power electronics, transmission, sensors, electric braking and driveline systems.

The sites join Datwyler facilities in Schattdorf, Switzerland; Daegu, South Korea;, Ontario, California; Vandalia, Ohio and Viadanica, Italy, in producing such O-rings for local markets.

The enhanced global network, commented Datwyler, will further support customers in terms of security of supply and sustainability.

The "local-to-local" model, said Richard Katona, key account manager, is more reliable and is more sustainable in terms of transport.

Furthermore, Katona noted, the new machines provide “high levels of automation” while minimising unavoidable, process-related waste volumes.

The new injection moulding machines feature cold runner technology designed by Datwyler, which offers increased control of the compound temperature.

The feature, the manufacturer pointed out, keeps the elastomer compound at low viscosity for the production of high-precision components.

The machines, continued Datwyler, also allow more cavities and therefore more parts per run, and enable compound to be injected into different areas of the tool.

Different injection points mean “greater precision and control over the finished product”, which ultimately reduces waste, explained the company.

Furthermore, Datwyler said the investment would ensure that parts produced across its various manufacturing facilities are identical and of the same quality.

Alongside increasing production capabilities, Datwyler is also developing new coating solutions for O-rings: towards increasing production efficiency.

The market for O-rings has "huge potential", as it covers a range of high-growth areas, including mobility, energy, sanitary and air-conditioning technology, concluded Datwyler.