Cutting system for printed electronics

Supplier achieves maximum productivity gains with optimized laser cutting system

In addition to low weight, strength, and flexibility, printed electronics also offer higher production speed and environmental compatibility, but most importantly (for manufacturers), the advantage of lower production costs compared to conventional / inorganic electronics.

Customer-specific challenges and requirements

Our customer needed a laser cutting solution that could be used in a 3-shift operation. In contrast to the large format laser used previously, a solution was required that would massively increase processing speed and thus productivity. The cut with its sensors, made of 4 different composite components in the specified sheet format, allows only low production tolerances, so the focus was particularly on the high accuracy of the system. Contamination, lint or bleeding of the adhesive must be eliminated during this process. The composite material has a thickness of 200 µm to approx. 450 µm.

Trotec’s tailored laser solution

The Trotec solution is a customized SpeedMarker with shuttle table. Equipped with a 100 watt CO2 laser source (wavelength 9.3 µm), a 3-axis system with software-controlled X, Y and Z axes in a housing to achieve laser class 2. Outside - in the working area - is the loading and unloading station, consisting of a tray for the workpiece carriers. Here, the panel templates can be loaded and the separate sensors removed in an alternating process.

Technical Details

Pilot laser for easy positioning on the workpiece / setting up the laser job
Vision-through-the-lens (VTTL) camera for register mark detection and maintaining the specified tolerances in the cut contour.
3 flow monitors (for a perfect cutting result) that allow laser operation only when the extraction system is switched on and an air flow is generated as a result.
ERP-compatible SpeedMark software with data import functionality
Standard features such as illuminated work area, laser safety window, emergency stop switch, IPC, etc.
The system can be expanded for automation, e.g. with a robot.
Work area: 250 x 250 mm
Typical galvo speed: 700 mm/s
Positioning speed: max. 9,000 mm/s

Enhanced productivity and results.

The integration of the Trotec SpeedMarker system enabled our customer to achieve a 60% productivity increase compared to their previous setup. Enhanced precision and fully automated operations reduced errors and increased output quality.

Trotec's laser solution exceeded our expectations. Their expertise and focus on complete process optimization delivered tangible results. With a productivity increase of 60%, we’re thrilled with the system's precision and automation capabilities." – Nico Landeck, Hoffmann + Krippner.

Applications for printed electronics.

Printed electronics can be used in a wide range of applications and is indispensable in various industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, solar & energy, pharmaceutical & medical, etc. Typical applications include OLED components in televisions, temperature sensors and LEDs in packaging, printed batteries, sensors, antennas in automobiles, tamper-proof electronic product labels, ultra-thin displays and much more.

Trotec customized solutions.

Since completely new product developments cost our customers time and money, we usually use the equipment from our standard series as a basis. Alternatively, we also offer the adaptation of existing solutions, such as the laser machine described above.

Do you have customization requests or individual requirements? Our Galvo Competence Center will be happy to create a suitable solution.

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