02 March, 2010

International heating systems specialist and manufacturer Ceramicx has fulfilled a number of demanding US-based projects in infrared technology and ceramic heaters for US partner WECO International, based in Clio, Michigan. WECO specialises in the engineering and supply of infrared ovens and control solutions for a variety of clients and industries in the US. Since 1972 WECO has been building its expertise in industrial heating and control – with superior service and attention to customer detail. Brett Wehner, Weco International owner and president says that ‘here at Weco we are delighted to be a part of all the new product developments and quality systems coming out of Ceramicx. The latest investments at Ceramicx – in new QA procedures and equipment; in metal fabrication and milling – are all of great service to us in Michigan and to the US infrared market generally. Wehner adds, ‘throughout the world, in fact, all users not only demand a great product – they also demand a great service life for that product – with QA and documentation to match. Ceramicx has more than stepped up to the plate for us in that regard. We applaud the Ceramicx infrared brand and all the hard work behind it.’ The distance of the Atlantic Ocean has proved to be no issue between the two companies. Ceramicx founder and director Frank Wilson says that ‘Brett and Weco International have been key to our success in the US. It’s a large, distinct and complex market and the expertise at Weco has been key to us – in having the right kind of partner with technical understanding and also the commercial skills necessary to get our infrared technology into the 52 states of the market.’ In addition to its portfolio of systems build and hardware supply, Weco also supplies a variety of infrared and oven testing services for its clients. These Weco services include: • Material testing with all emitter types to determine best wavelength to achieve fastest heat up time/forming temperature • Data table and graphical reports similar to charts shown below • Determine fastest cycle time on single product (material specific) “dedicated” machines • Determine fastest cycle times across a variety of products on multiple product code machines Meanwhile, at Ceramicx, the semi-automated validation system for product marking and quality assurance -  and with closed-loop process-control for product manufacture - has now been passed as fit for use. Over the course of the next few months, and via the resources of the Internet, Ceramicx will be able to put this QA database online – for the benefit of all its customers, present and future. The data – numerical and graphical – will be available to any buyer or user of Ceramicx product who wishes to know the exact performance parameters of any and every item of purchase. Brett Wehner comments that ‘this kind of supplier back-up gives us an incalculable edge in our work for the customer and in Weco’s quality assurance. We look forward to joint work together in these areas.’ Ceramicx and the University of Limerick research teams are collaborating closely on the project this year. The development of the project has been aided by Enterprise Ireland as part of the Innovation partnership program and has provided ‘win-win’ outcomes for both organisations. The University has been enabled to take its research and project expertise into the manufacturing and commercial marketplace. Ceramicx has been able to leverage the University’s in-house competencies to research, identify and measure current process variations. All further details from Frank Wilson, Ceramicx Managing Director. Web: www.Ceramicx.com  Tel: +353 2837510 Fax: + 353 2837509 Email: frank@ceramicx.com