IPTE developed a new, programmable selective soldering system for connecting the battery and printed circuit board directly in the sensors' protective housing. A complete machine concept was created for this in cooperation with Festo. The ready-to-install industrial robot by Festo makes a cycle time of less than three seconds possible through quick and precise movements along the X-, Y-, Z- and W-axes, despite a moving mass of more than 60 kg. The solder is fed in with an accuracy of 0.1 mm and the speed at which the solder is unwound from the reel is controlled. Other advantages of the compact IPTE system include automatic tip calibration, integrated tip cleaning, operation with solder reels, color detection and an option to switch to lead-free soldering. A reliable suspension system ensures that the soldering tip is applied to the printed circuit board with the right force for optimum thermal contact during soldering. An integrated crash sensor protects the boards against excessive pressure.
IPTE designed the XYZW gantry system with four degrees of freedom, with support from Festo during the design and production process. The X-, Y- and Z-axes use standard spindle and type EGC toothed belt actuators with integrated displacement encoder and EGSL mini slide. Festo developed a custom-made module for the rotary unit (W-axis). The gantry for the flexible and controlled speed and acceleration of movement (XYZ-axis), and an ERMB rotary module were specially adapted to the system and are used for lifting and rotating the soldering needle. This means that the system can reach even difficult to access warehouses in the sensor housing, and solder at precisely the right angle with the right force. It is capable of high-speed positioning, despite the high moving mass.
IPTE's new machine concept can be used anywhere. Apart from soldering applications, it can also be used for many other applications such as dispensing. The gantry, which includes servo motors and type CMMP controllers with EtherCAT interface, is adapted by Festo to the specific requirements of the different applications and supplied as a ready-to-install complete system. Festo provides an additional layer of safety by guaranteeing the function of the system on delivery. The customer not only receives a ready-to-install industrial robot, he can also be sure that it will function properly, right from the start.
Geleenlaan 5
3600 Genk
Belgium
Key activity: Development of ready-to-install automation systems for the production, testing and further processing of printed circuit board assemblies and end products