-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueWet Process Control
In this issue, we examine wet processes and how to obtain a better degree of control that allows usable data to guide our decisions and produce consistently higher-quality products.
Don’t Just Survive, Thrive
If we are to be relevant and prosper during these next critical decades in electronics, we must do more than survive. As an industry, we can and must thrive. In this issue, our contributors explore these concepts meant to help you take your business to the next level.
Material Matters
Materials management is nuanced, multifaceted, and requires a holistic systems approach for business success. When building high mix, low volume, and high technology, managing materials and overall cost containment are even greater challenges.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
ESI Announces New Material Handling Solution for Flex PCB Processing
January 27, 2016 | ESIEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
ESI today announced immediate availability of the RollMaster roll-to-roll material handling system for automating flex printed circuit manufacturing. Developed by Northfield Automation, an industry leader in roll-to-roll automation and thin material handling systems, the RollMaster roll-to-roll handler helps FPC (flexible printed circuit) manufacturers address the combined challenges of HVM (high-volume manufacturing) and the unique handling requirements associated with thin and sensitive materials.
“We’re excited to offer this new automation option to our flex circuit processing customers”, said Patrick Riechel, ESI Flex Product Manager. “In order for flex processing customers to optimize their production throughput, it’s necessary to have the right laser processing platform paired with the right production-oriented automation. Since RollMaster™ is designed specifically for use on the 5335 platform, our customers get that combination in a true turn-key HVM solution.”
“Northfield is focused on helping FPC manufacturers maximize their throughput,” stated Mark Wegner, President and CEO of Northfield Automation Systems. “Pairing RollMaster™ with ESI’s 5335 systems gives FPC manufacturers a strong solution as they continue their drive for higher yields and higher production throughput.
The design of RollMaster™—which can be paired with all legacy FPC laser processing systems built by ESI since 2005—enables flex PCB manufacturers to process a wide range of materials while maintaining high throughput. Unlike systems utilizing singlepurpose designs, which rely on gravity tension to position rolled flex material for processing, the patent-pending Dynamic Tensioning™ technology used in the RollMaster™ handlers continuously adjusts for the changes in bi-directional tension placed on flex material as the result of acceleration and deceleration of the material during processing. This makes RollMaster™ the right high-throughput solution for processors utilizing a variety of web widths and different materials, especially those prone to wrinkling or stretching.
RollMaster™ facilitates the processing of flex material at a higher level of quality at faster throughput speeds and minimizes operator intervention. This allows FPC manufacturers to optimize production and increase their uptime; enabling them to extend their processing services into a broader set of market opportunities involving the processing of new materials. Customers can purchase RollMaster™ packaged with their 5335 platform of choice, directly from ESI.
About ESI
ESI's integrated solutions allow industrial designers and process engineers to control the power of laser light to transform materials in ways that differentiate consumer electronics, wearable devices, semiconductor circuits and high-precision components to gain market advantage. ESI's laser-based manufacturing solutions feature the micromachining industry's highest level of precision and throughput, and focus on delivering the lowest total cost of ownership. ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with global operations from the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Rim. For more information, click here.
About Northfield Automation
Northfield Automation Systems, Inc. (NAS) designs, engineers and fabricates automation machinery that allows OEMs and high-volume manufacturers, to increase yield and throughput. They are an industry leader in roll-to-roll automation and thin material handling, with expertise in factory automation for all manufacturing of web, panel and piece parts. NAS’s automation expertise allows them to deliver a range of custom process automation systems for highly accurate handling of sensitive materials used in unique or delicate production processes. Northfield is headquartered in Northfield MN.
Suggested Items
Automation Innovations and Better Process Control
09/06/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Mark Skaer specializes in automation at Omron. In this interview, he sheds light on the challenges and solutions integrating sophisticated automation technologies in various manufacturing settings by emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs to tailor effective solutions. With a rich background in electrical engineering, Mark plays a pivotal role in showcasing Omron’s state-of-the-art automation capabilities through trade shows and technical demonstrations.
SMA Technologies Unveils AI Automation Assistant Otto for OpCon
08/28/2024 | BUSINESS WIRESMA Technologies, the leading provider of automation solutions for financial services and the maker of OpCon workload automation and orchestration (WLA&O), is proud to announce the launch of Otto, an automation assistant integrated with OpCon in the cloud. Leveraging the power of AI technologies from Azure and OpenAI, Otto is designed to make life even easier for OpCon users.
Authorized Distributor Mouser Electronics Offers Engineers the Latest Solutions from Arduino
08/23/2024 | BUSINESS WIREMouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest electronic components and industrial automation products, is stocking the newest products and solutions from Arduino, a global leader in open-source hardware and software.
Electronic Design Automation Market Valuation is Poised to Reach $35.3 Billion By 2032
08/08/2024 | Globe NewswireThe global electronic design automation market is projected to hit the market valuation of US$35.3 billion by 2032 from $15.8 billion in 2023 and at a CAGR of 9.75% during the forecast period 2024–2032.
Kimball Electronics Sells Automation, Test, and Measurement Business to Focus on Core Electronics Manufacturing Services
08/02/2024 | BUSINESS WIREKimball Electronics, Inc. announced the completion of the divestiture of its Automation, Test, and Measurement (AT&M) business. The sale to Averna Technologies Inc. closed on July 31, 2024, with the proceeds from the transaction being used for support of organic growth, debt reduction, and share repurchases.