System automates laser scribing

The SolarScribe features high-performance direct-drive linear motor technology for maximum production throughput.

Aerotech has released a range of high-precision electromechanical automation systems for laser scribing photovoltaic panels and flat panel displays.

With travel up to 2.5m, speeds to 3m/s and acceleration to 5g, the SolarScribe features high-performance direct-drive linear motor technology for maximum production throughput.

It includes a choice of air bearing and mechanical bearing systems in split-axis or gantry configurations to match the customers' performance and budget requirements.

The range is supplied with Aerotech's Automation A3200 motion and machine control system, which features dedicated commands such as PSO, which adjust the customer's laser pulse frequency to precisely match scribing speed and dynamic position.

This optimises quality and boosts throughput.

Each SolarScribe includes an integrated cable management system and, to enable even higher production yields, Aerotech can add multiple scanning and/or step axes, vertical and rotary correction axes along with machine base/isolation systems and control enclosures.

SolarScribe mechanical systems offer a choice of positioning accuracy, resolution, straightness and flatness to match the specific requirements of the PV or FPD application.

For highest geometry performance, the SA series use preloaded air bearing technology in a split-axis configuration.

The lower scan axis is firmly fixed to an isolated granite machine base and the upper step axis arranged as a gantry above.

It is possible to include multihead step axes using the same linear motor rail.

The SA series can be supplied in a 1500 x 2500mm travel configuration with a maximum speed of up to 2m/s and acceleration of up to 1.5g with accuracy of 0.1um per 25mm and repeatability of over 0.5um.

These specifications combine for excellent line-to-line straightness, with less than 2um deviation between lines.

The gantry-style GM series includes linear motion guide bearings with twin driven lower axes supporting the upper gantry.

It offers higher speed and acceleration performance with slightly less geometric accuracy than the SA.

The GA series uses air bearings on a gantry and the SM series uses split axes andlinear motion guide bearings.

Aerotech's A3200 digital automation platform is a software-based motion and machine controller that makes full use of the high-speed IEEE-1394 (Firewire) network for PCs to synchronise multiaxis motion control with fully integrated modules for HMI, machine vision and soft PLC functions.

Up to 32 servo axes can be controlled simultaneously with nondeterministic position, time and velocity updates sent to each servo drive and processed locally to enable 20kHz position, velocity and current loops to ensure maximum performance.

Aerotech has developed a number of commands that augment application-specific performance with advanced trajectory generation commands such as multiblock look ahead and position-synchronised laser firing output helping customers to realise higher accuracies, higher speeds and much improved production performance.

These features combine to give customers a low cost of ownership and help to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product quality.

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