DGAP-News: Balda AG: Balda and SINGULUS have developed new production technology
23.01.2007
Balda AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
23.01.2007 08:16
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The world’s first integrated production line for surface finishing starts
up in May
Bad Oeynhausen, 23 January 2007 – Balda AG, Bad Oeynhausen (Balda) and
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS) have successfully concluded the test
phases for a jointly developed, entirely new production line for the
finishing of plastic components.
The cooperative development venture, which was agreed and launched in
October last year, has resulted in the fully automated integration of the
plastic injection moulding and surface technology process stages. That
means that the injection-moulded plastic components are removed from the
injection moulding machine and transferred to the SINGULUS 3DS metallising
system for the application of a metallic surface, and then to the
non-scratch coating process, fully automatically and without any manual
intervention. This represents the first completely integrated production
sequence of this type anywhere in the world. It enables extremely small
production lots to be produced very efficiently.
Revolutionary technology
Comparable production methods such as vapour deposition or painting are so
far only possible in batch mode, by working through the individual
operations in sequence. With its integrated pre- and follow-up treatment,
this revolutionary new technology generates tremendous savings in time and
money, both in the production process and in logistics. Compared with
galvanisation, there are none of the high operating and disposal costs.
With its cathodic vaporisation (sputtering), the system can provide
3-dimensional plastic components with decorative and protective surfaces in
a vacuum, in a controlled and reproducible manner.
Delivery of the first machine in the beginning of May
‘With this production line, Balda presents itself with a new, efficient
production method, and the opportunity to meet the demands of the various
customer segments in an even more flexible manner. This integrated
production process technology moves us a crucial step closer to our vision
of ‘one-piece flow production,’ according to Ralf Ackermann, Director of
Technology at Balda AG. ‘This fruitful cooperation with Balda offers
SINGULUS the opportunity to enter the market for decorative protective
coatings with what is currently the most innovative product in this sector,
and hence to implement the widely heralded diversification strategy to
great effect,’ explained Stefan A. Baustert, Chairman of the Board of
Management at Singulus.
SINGULUS will be delivering the first production line to Balda in April
this year. At the moment systems for the INFOCOM application area are being
sold exclusively to BALDA. In addition to this, the machine can also be
employed in such areas as cosmetics packaging, and in the toy and
automotive industries. Balda anticipates further orders for the finishing
of plastic surfaces in the financial year 2007.
The Balda Corporate Profile
Balda develops, manufactures, finishes and assembles high-precision
components made from high-performance plastics. The Group supplies
companies in the mobile phone industry and associated markets worldwide.
Balda’s technology in the fields of mould making, production processes and
surface techniques is assuming a leading position worldwide. No other
systems partner in the mobile phone market offers all the necessary
technologies from one source.
The company has a global presence at the important production centres of
the manufacturers of mobile phones. In addition to its plants in Germany,
the Group has three production facilities in China, two in Brazil, as well
as in Malaysia, Hungary and India. With organic growth from the expansion
of the key mobile phone business, and growth arising from technological
diversification, Balda intends both to gain market share in those markets
where it is already active, and to open up associated markets with new
products, increasing added value even further.
Balda Aktiengesellschaft, Bergkirchener Strasse 228, D-32549 Bad
Oeynhausen, Cersten Hellmich, Investor Relations, phone: (05734) 922-2706,
fax: (05734) 922-2691, e-mail: chellmich@balda.de
23.01.2007 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP –
a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Language: English
Company: Balda AG
Bergkirchener Str. 228
32549 Bad Oeynhausen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 57 34 / 9 22-0
Fax: +49 (0) 57 34 / 9 22-2604
E-mail: info@Balda.de
Internet: www.balda.de
ISIN: DE0005215107
WKN: 521510
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München, Stuttgart
End of Announcement DGAP News-Service
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