KARLSBAD/MIAMI - Herrmann's Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode has been awarded the prestigious IDEA Equipment Achievement Award 2022.

With jurors asking for a 'a creative, novel solution with measurable benefits', from applicants for this year's awards, the ETA Sonotrode from Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH & Co. KG impressed the jury and was selected as one of three finalists in the "Equipment" category. The winner was determined by online voting in which the Herrmann innovation received the most votes.

"In 1996, my father Walter Herrmann won the award for the 'Most Innovative Equipment' for our Microgap control, our first solution for continuous bonding of nonwovens using ultrasonics," said CEO Thomas Herrmann at the award ceremony in Miami. "It is also thanks to this solution that our company has grown so successfully. We want to honor him with this award for our latest innovation."

INDA President David Rousse presented the trophy to Thomas Herrmann and Uwe Peregi, President of the North American Headquarters located in Bartlett, IL.

Herrmann's ETA Sonotrode offers an innovative way to simplify the complex process of fixing elastic threads in hygiene products. Until now, the majority of applications used adhesive or, if an ultrasonic solution was involved, the threads were guided over an elaborately engraved and therefore costly anvil roller.

Thanks to a unique and sophisticated geometry on the surface of the ETA sonotrode, for the first time elastic threads can now be guided directly into the bonding area without needing to align on a fixed anvil groove. This makes the process simpler, safer and more sustainable. Adhesive is no longer required and the risk of thread breakage is reduced.