Reproducible process sequences, high system reliability, low manufacturing tolerances, stable quality levels and data-supported automation are common process specifications in today's electronics production. These specifications and the associated traceability are only possible with exact process control and monitoring. This also applies to the Openair-Plasma Process from Plasmatreat. For this reason, Plasmatreat is presenting its latest development for process control at APEX EXPO in San Diego.

"The PCU will allow us to guarantee reproducible results when using Openair-Plasma in electronics production. All process data is provided in real time", explains Nico Coenen, Business Development Manager Electronics Market of Plasmatreat GmbH. The newly designed HMI ensures high data accessibility. In addition, process data is logged and remains available for future evaluation and traceability. "I can only achieve a reproducible production process if I can ensure that each component has been treated with the same plasma intensity. This reproducibility must also be guaranteed beyond one facility so that the same quality is achieved in all production lines," Coenen continues.

The control unit has been designed to be used in smart process lines with an industry 4.0 usage in mind. It is connected via EtherCAT / CANopen gateway. This means that the interfaces are defined in a way that they can be used for automated systems such as robots. Integration into existing production lines is also possible. Depending on the type and number of plasma nozzles used, up to four Plasma Control Units can be connected in series. This allows a modular setup in which the individual plasma jet can still be operated and controlled separately (Plasma Switch Automatic - PSA).

Plasmatreat is presenting the PCU at APEX EXPO in booth 527.