Automated systems for electronic potting
Tailored solutions for metering and mixing 2K materials
Automated solutions are becoming more and more popular in the world of electronic component potting. This applies to production cells, as well as customised systems. Here we present two examples of the implementation of automated potting solutions.
Inside a production cell, a robot arrives at a component, discharges an exact, prespecified amount of material and immediately moves on to the next component. Within a very short time, it will have finished potting more than 15 electronic components. The potting material seals the components, protecting them from environmental influences such as dust, dirt and moisture. Behind what may look like a simple task, there is actually a phase of intensive planning and engineering. This is because the dispensing system had been designed by DOPAG to fit very specific requirements of the user, so that it can be smoothly integrated into the existing production process.
DOPAG develops and builds automated dispensing systems for potting, bonding and gasketing. These can be either small, compact production cells or more complex, tailored systems capable of taking on additional upstream and downstream process steps and handling. For projects of this kind, DOPAG brings together all of its expertise in a single team. From the Kierspe (Germany) location, Director of Automation Technologies Michael Wortmann and his team take over the entire design, engineering, software programming and commissioning on site. „As a result, we are able to fully immerse ourselves in the application and the process, because it is the only way to develop a system that will ultimately meet all customer’s re- quirements,“ says Michael Wortmann. „In addition, our customers clearly benefit from having the same contact persons from the very start until the end of the project, always knowing who they can turn to, including in the after-sales stage.“
A tailored solution for more flexibility
Working on a project for a global machinery manufacturer, DOPAG developed a dispensing system for automated potting with a range of integrated pre- and post-treatment processes and an entire component handling system. Part of this dispensing system are a number of special features ensuring the highest degree of efficiency and flexibility. For example, there is a robot dedicated exclusively to handling. Upon the completion of manual assembly, it moves components from one production step to another. So, for example, it will take a component from the preheating station and move it on to potting, then to curing, etc. Another special feature is that there is flexibility in the way the system pots the three various as- semblies. The order and quantity can be adjusted by the user at any time to meet the current need. The dispensing station features another robot. This one is equipped with the eldomix dispensing system, which has been designed specifically for potting applications. „Depending on which of the components is being potted, material application is automatically adjusted to be carried out in dot or continuous form for example,“ says Wortmann. „On the whole, the system concept and robot programming are designed in such a way that the user can intervene with flexibility in all the steps of the process, all the while keeping the entire system optimally utilised at all times.“
Production cells for a compact manufacturing process
Production cells offer a compact solution for automated potting applications. Like custom-built dispensing systems, they can be equipped with eldomix or another system from the DOPAG range. After manual assembly, automated potting of components is carried out one after the other. Should the production process require more steps, individual production cells can be installed in a line. This means that any additional pre-treatment or post-treatment can be integrated into the production process without the user having to manage the handling. While each manufacturing process has its own specifics, DOPAG custom-built systems and production cells offer wide-ranging options for process-reliable potting with high repeatability and consistent quality.
Project outline
- Enquiry including application and material information, etc.
- First project outline and quotation generation
- Material and component testing
- Fine tuning and order placement, possibly further testing
- System design phase
- Construction and commissioning
- Acceptance by client
- System delivery and installation on site
- Final acceptance