Robot is selective about conformal coating

Axis Electronics now offers a quicker, more efficient and more cost-effective answer to its customers' conformal coating needs.

Bedford-based contract electronic manufacturing company Axis Electronics has invested close to GBP 200,000 in constructing a purpose-built laboratory containing equipment of the very highest specification for the most demanding conformal coating requirements.

As a result, Axis believes customers will benefit from faster turnaround times, increased versatility, and reduced administration and shipping costs.

According to Managing Director, Phil Inness: "To work to world class standards we need to be constantly improving cycle times".

"Offering this service means a faster response time combined with very tight controls on quality".

"A lot of planning has gone into the lay out and facilities of our operation and we are confident customers are going to be more than satisfied with the results".

The purpose built lab is equipped with a climate control system, which allows the company to monitor, record and manage temperature and humidity levels to a very fine degree.

The facility is equipped with VOC emission sensors that give early warning of the unwelcome presence of any VOCs in the atmosphere.

Fume extraction systems and fire dampeners are installed in all areas of the lab where chemicals are used or stored.

The Dima HC-200 Hybrid selective conformal coating robot is equipped with an x, y, z and rotary axis plus tilt.

The head accommodates up to four different dispenser units, allowing the machine to use both needle and spray valves, and also to apply more than one dispensed fluid.

The HC-200 is equipped with many useful features, including electronic air pressure control and fiducial alignment.

With the HC-200 being a selective coating machine, it allows Axis to precisely dispense the coating to locations on the PCB.

This selective capability reduces the need for masking, which in turn reduces manufacturing time.

An inline conveyer system moves the PCB from the point of coating to an ultraviolet inspection stage.

From here the conveyer system moves the PCB to the second stage "air dry".

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