1. technology and computing

Follow us
– We are different!
Technology Days
8th ASYS Group Technology Days | November 12 – 13, 2014
| 20 |
| 24 |
| 26-29 |
INSIGNUM 4000
EKRA SERIO 4000
Networked and digitalized
The marking system that uses
SIMPLEX, the new user interface
High-efficiency printing solution
with integrated dual lane transport
Interview with Werner Kreibl,
Karin Walter and Erwin Beck
Werner Jonke
Vice President Sales
Erwin Beck
Director Product Management
Karin Walter
Director CI / Marketing
Klaus Mang
President ASYS Group
Werner Kreibl
President ASYS Group
Jakob Szekeresch
Managing Director EKRA
I am convinced our customers are well
aware of why we are different.
We think outside the box, and incorporate
trends and current issues. I need say no
more than wearable electronics,
renewable energies and e-mobility.
The courage to act, the ability to
respond promptly, and the willingness
to make every effort to bring ideas
quickly to fruition. That is ASYS!
The history of our company is characterized
by ideas and growth. We keep on growing
and growing, yet still have our feet on the
ground.
Our products successfully live up to the
trademark "Made in Germany", yet incorporate global trends at the same time.
Because we are able to implement
forward-looking projects very quickly
and to keep on modifying designs
until they perfectly match our
customers' requirements.
Why We Are
Different:
Ladies and gentlemen:
This year, the motto of the ASYS Group Technology Days is "Follow us – We are different!"
You might quite rightly say that every individual person, every company is unique. But ASYS is not
just unique: we are simply different. The passionate commitment of a crowd of active people
creates a very special blend that clearly sets us apart from the rest. Customized line solutions, for
example, that we were only able to implement because of our broadly diverse portfolio and strong
entrepreneurial spirit.
Synergies
Time and again, the synergies between our
product areas produce new solutions.
Product Diversity
Our product portfolio encompasses
different fields of technology and is
unique.
Follow us
We would like to welcome you most warmly to our Technology Days in Dornstadt. We have put together a selection of fascinating new developments so you can see what we're capable of. Admittedly, it's a lot of stuff for two days. But Oliver Geisselhart, our keynote speaker, is here to help you. The
memory coach will not only explain how you can easily retain the numerous impressions, but also
how you can recollect them in detail.
Maybe you have already noticed that this brochure is full of selfies, a special type of self-portrait and
trend motif on the social web. These photos are sometime souvenirs of an event or a place we have
been to. But their main purpose is always to share. These photos want to be remarked upon and distributed to others. Our message behind these selfies is: Join us in Dornstadt, talk to us to gain the
most possible benefit from the fact that we are different.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Courageous
Committed
We embrace new ideas with enthusiasm.
Regardless of the nature of the challenge:
ASYS comes up with unique solutions.
We owe our success to the professional
competence and personal commitment of
around 900 colleagues.
Customer Orientation
We develop efficient, next-generation products
in close collaboration with our customers.
3
Jürgen Ries
Managing Director Asys Group China
Wolfgang Heinecke
Director Sales and Service ASYS Group Asia
Markus Wilkens
President ASYS Group Americas
Dr. Harald Wanka
Senior Vice President Technology
Wolfgang Müller
Director Project Engineering and Services
Wolfgang Pflum
Director Production
Every day, we manage to develop new
solutions and processes for our customers thanks to the commitment of our
team and the uniqueness of our product
portfolio. "Not possible" is not an option.
Even on the other side of the planet we
remain close to our customers and provide them with the best possible support.
ASYS Group, a global SME.
At ASYS, we look far ahead,
but without ever losing sight
of our goal.
ASYS has been supporting the solar industry
right from the start, has made every effort to
keep pace with developments and, as a
result, is nowadays the world's leading
metallization plant manufacturer in terms of
engineering and technology.
We often venture right up to the bound­
aries of feasibility, and offer our customers
tailor-made solutions.
First class engineering plays an enormous
role at ASYS. We have top products; the
competition first needs to catch up.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Welcome!
09:00 a.m. – 09:15 a.m.
09:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
"Head or slip of paper"? – Your memory can do much more than you
think – With Oliver Geisselhart, Germany's premier memory coach,
according to television broadcaster ZDF. The Geisselhart technique
helps you to raise the performance capability of your memory easily,
lastingly, and extensively. Tap your creative, imaginative and intelligent
potential in a fun approach that is entirely effortless.
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Martin Heinz, B. Eng.
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Effective production and "real-time" monitoring are key steps for
bringing production into the industrial era 4.0.
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Creating electric motors on 3-D screen printers? Is this economically
feasible? Everyone is talking about three-dimensional printing at the
moment. 3-D printers are, however, nowhere near suitable for the
masses yet and their usability in widespread industrial applications is
therefore limited.
Dipl. Ing. Günter Lorenz
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
INVENTUS: Special processes and new fields of application for laser
technologies. ASYS uses its INVENTUS machine platform to integrate
highly complex processes in fully automated production plants for its
customers.
11:45 a.m. – 01:15 p.m.
12:15 p.m. – 01:30 p.m.
Tour of the Machine Park
09:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
General Manager, iTAC Software AG
The OPAK research findings aim to enable simpler, faster and more
cost-efficient development of complex processes for manufacturing
automation systems.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Studnitzky
Keynote Speaker,
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dietmayer
Autonomous driving / Ulm university
Just imagine, a car without driver picks you up on a request sent
by your smartphone from wherever you are, takes you to wherever
you want to go and then drives off again, without you having to do
anything.
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Dr. Sven Hermann
09:00 a.m. – 09:15 a.m.
Thorsten Frenzel, Head of Sales D / A / CH & BeNeLux ASYS Group
Werner Kreibl and Klaus Mang, Management Board, ASYS Group
Keynote Speaker, Oliver Geisselhart
Welcome!
01:30 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
Presentation of the lines
Tour of the Machine Park
01:15 p.m. – 05:00 p.m.
Presentation of the lines
05:00 p.m. Close
Evening Event
Starting at 06:30 p.m.
With surprise guests, Shuttle service to the hotels
5
Packed venues and
enthusiastic audiences
Wednesday Oliver Geisselhart
09:15
Wednesday, 12 November
Watch the video
trailer now
Oliver Geisselhart, Germany's
Memory Coach
Rated No.1 by ZDF
"Head or Paper"? –
Your Memory Can Do Much More Than You Think.
Oliver Geisselhart (Bachelor of Business Administration) is one of Europe's most successful
speakers and memory coaches. In 1983 at the age of 16, he was Europe's youngest memory
coach. The bestselling author is a top 100 speaker and a visiting lecturer at the University of
Economics in Seekirchen near Salzburg. His "Geisselhart memory and mental training technique"
is considered by experts to be the most practical technique available. The "memory pope"
(TV HH1) knows how to enthuse and motivate listeners like no other, with humor, charm and wit,
earning him the title of "Memory trainer of the year" in 2000.
Thanks to his superb performances as a speaker, he has been awarded the Conga Award three
times in a row (from 2008) – the 'Oscar' of Germany's conference and events industry.
He is sought after around the world for employee training sessions and customer events by
recognized companies, such as Bosch, Telekom, TUI, Deutsche Bahn, Hewlett Packard, Deutsche
Bank, RWE, Fujitsu-Siemens, DekaBank, BASF, LBS, Microsoft, AOK, Lufthansa, BMW, IBM,
E-Plus, and many others.
Oliver Geisselhart is a recognized face from countless appearances in newspapers, radio
and television. "Germany's leading memory coach" (N24) fascinates countless thousands of
enthusiastic participants every year with his almost comic presentation style. At ASYS Group
Technology Days, he shows how you can change from someone with a memory to someone
who uses their memory in a fun and stress-free way.
7
Thursday Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dietmayer
09:15
Thursday, 13 November
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dietmayer
Drive as if by Magic
Autonomous driving
– a research project
at Ulm University
Just imagine, a car without driver picks you up on a request sent by your smartphone from
wherever you are, takes you to wherever you want to go and then drives off again,
without you having to do anything. That is the vision of future mobility of Ulm University's
engineering researcher, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dietmayer. His presentation will review the current
status of the autonomous driving research project.
The future project was started two years ago at Ulm University's Institute of Measurement, Control and Microtechnology. It is financed exclusively by research funds. The researchers equip a
standard vehicle with a number of modules to make autonomous driving possible. Highly responsive sensors, laser scanners, radar units and numerous cameras scan the environment in front
of and behind the vehicle. Each individual module supplies information and synchronizes with the
other modules for safe driving. The system is in constant contact with the driver, who can intervene at any moment, if necessary. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietmayer explains the intelligent technology
behind the autonomous vehicle of the future.
Project
Website
8
9
Wednesday Presentations
Thursday Presentations
Our Speakers
Stand for New Ideas and Creative Solutions
Martin Heinz
Dr. Sven Hermann
General Manager at
Product Manager
INVENTUS Process, ASYS
The Future
of Industrial
Automation
OPAK: An R&D
Project for
Industry 4.0
Wednesday 11:15 – 11:45
Dr. Sven Hermann presents the new OPAK research project,
funded by the German Federal Government. A network of
companies and institutes, including ASYS, are getting involved
in the future project.
The OPAK research aims to make development of complex
processes for manufacturing automation systems simpler,
faster and more cost-efficient. The project will create an
innovative engineering platform with optimized autonomous
mechatronic components. The components will significantly
simplify systems development, with integrated control
technology and intelligence, delivering true plug & produce
functionality.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Studnitzky
iTAC Software AG
Thursday 10:15 – 10:45
Industry 4.0:
Effective
Production &
Monitoring
Effective production and real-time monitoring are key steps to
bring production into the Industry 4.0 era. Direct integration
and networking of different systems with the MES play a
key role in this case and offer enormous added value to the
customer. Martin Heinz will look at the innovative solutions
that have already been found.
Dipl.-Ing. Günter Lorenz
Group Manager 3D-Metal
Product Development Manager
Printing, Fraunhofer Institute for
Laser Systems, Solar and
Manufacturing Technology and
Advanced Materials (IFAM) in
Dresden
Wednesday 11:45 – 12:15
New Horizons for
Screen Printing
Create electric motors on 3D screen printers? Is it economically
feasible? Everyone is talking about three-dimensional printing at
the moment. But 3D printers are currently far from suitable for
large-scale use as yet and their usability in widespread industrial
applications is therefore limited.
Traditional 2D screen printing, on the other hand, is already
established as a manufacturing process in many areas of
industry, despite limited print height. Further development of
three-dimensional screen printing will open up the advantages
of screen printing for complex components. Dr. Thomas
Studnitzky from the Fraunhofer IFAM in Dresden will show how
series components are produced economically using new 3D
screen printing techniques.
New Technologies, ASYS
Thursday 11:15 – 11:45
INVENTUS:
Special Processes
and New Fields
of Application for
Laser Technologies
ASYS uses the INVENTUS machine platform to integrate highly
complex processes into fully automatic production systems for
its customers. Frequent applications include surface cleaning,
coating, complex joining processes and the test procedures
required for quality assurance. The platform uses a large
number of laser processes, such as hermetic-seal laser plastic
welding and separation to separate panels without dust or
stress.
11
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ASYS Group Product portfolio
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Presentations
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on an Area Measuring 1,000 sq.ft.
Exhibition hall
Live production
SMT production line
Watch your very own, personal
PCB being produced! The entire SMT process
will be demonstrated, including 03015: Laser
marking, printing, solder paste inspection, picking and placing, soldering, assembly inspection
and labeling. To enable the demonstration, systems from our partners PARMI, FUJI, Rehm
and VISCOM have been integrated. The icing
on the cake: The entire production line, including all partner systems, is being monitored by
PULSE Mobile Line Assist.
EKRA X5 Professional
Redefining high end
EKRA SERIO 4000
Dual Lane Printing Solution
The next generation high performance printing
system is now even more accurate. Not only
have its functions and performance capabilities
been improved; it has also been given a next
generation design.
A highly efficient printing solution based on the
SERIO 4000 stencil printer will be on display. The
redundant dual lane design increases line availability. It can even handle different line layouts,
with one- or two-sided operation to support different pick and place machines.
Catering
We have improved the innovative CONEXIO line
concept to bring it in line with customer and market requirements. 100% high speed oriented,
minimum footprint, back to back capability and
open interfaces are characteristic of the next
generation standard for SMT manufacturing.
ASYS laser applications
Marking, scribing, depaneling
We're opening our laser lab for you!
The INSIGNUM experts will be demonstrating
innovative new products, such as INSIGNUM Variety, the combined laser/label marking system,
and INSIGNUM 4000, the high end marking system with SIMPLEX user interface. We will also
be presenting fascinating applications, such as
"Marking on the Fly" and 3-D lasers. Specialized
processes, such as laser depaneling and scribing,
will be demonstrated on the INVENTUS laser
platform.
EKRA HYCON
Customized printing
solutions
The printing experts will demonstrate reel to reel
processing solutions, together with a concept for
gradually printing meter-long PCBs on a standard
printer. Experience live the emergence of threedimensional structures from a screen printer.
TECTON Tray handling
in a "clean" environment
from ASYS Prozess- und
Reinraumtechnik
ASYS is conquering new markets, such as
Life-Science. We want to present a new solution
for this field of application: a TECTON Tray Hand­
ling system with transfer line that is incorporated
into a cleanroom environment from ASYS Prozess- und Reinraumtechnik.
DIVISIO: "Optodrilling"
PCBs equipped with LEDs
ASYS offers a new standard procedure for processing LEDs. We will be demonstrating "optodrilling",
the process of drilling into PCBs relative to the center of light emitted by LEDs or LED clusters, which
allows accurate positioning of the optical components (lenses, reflectors).
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CONEXIO –
the new generation
Everything simply
SIMPLEX –
A new approach to machine
operation using a multitouch user interface.
Experience live how SIMPLEX works when
marking, depaneling, screen printing and Tray
Handling.
INVENTUS
Customized solutions
ASYS Solar
Metallization line
OPAK – Next generation
automation design
INVENTUS is the crystallization point for innovations within ASYS Group. INVENTUS impressively demonstrates how ASYS is capable of com­
bining any manufacturing processes to create
competitive system solutions: From automatic
screwing, laser welding, and assembling, up to
plasma cleaning.
ASYS is a leading manufacturer of metallization
lines for the production of solar cells. A complete
production line will be set up in the exhibition
hall, including two particular highlights: An
integrated system for handling the laser contact
opening process, and a Botest cell tester for
innovative, high efficiency cell designs.
Together with our partners, we are constantly
striving to develop individual automation systems
more simply, faster, and more cost efficiently.
Allow us to present the automation concept of
the future on our OPAK demonstrator. (OPAK =
Open engineering platform for autonomous
automation components) www.opak-projekt.de
And much, much more
...
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Customer testimonials
Customer testimonials
Udo
Schulz
Manufacturing Engineering Manager-Plant
Electronic Controls
Delphi Deutschland GmbH
Jens
Brennenstuhl
Master of SMT Production
Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG
Dirk
Fricke
Director Operations
Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG
We Are Different:
What Do You Think?
Motivated, innovative and
customer-focused team.
ASYS reacts very quickly and
directly to unforeseen challenges.
Asys is different because the
customer is more than just king.
Georg
Schafer
Dirk
Andreas
Buddy
Siegfried
Alexander
Member of Executive Board
Jachemich
Rehfuss
Krämer
Schmierer
Wagner
Head of Turn Key Electronics
Head of Manufacturing
Process Engineering Team Manager
Production Planning – Process Engineering
Dept. Manager Pre-Production Electronics
Process Engineering
Asetronics AG
SERO GmbH
Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
Helbako GmbH
Endress+Hauser GmbH & Co. KG
ETL - Elektrotechnik Lauter GmbH
Asys has a broad range of
standard systems that can be
customized and networked
very cleverly.
Asys is a supplier that really fits
our motto: Leader in EMS – Next
Level. We are increasing our
quality and productivity by
constantly developing and
optimizing our processes and
machines in collaboration with
Asys.
Working with Asys, customerspecific solutions can always be
implemented.
ASYS has its sight set to the
future. We appreciate that.
As a precision engineer, I often
found mechanical engineers to
be quite cautious. The world of
electronics seems to me to be
just one and the same big
family. But Asys stands out
thanks to its competent and less
restrictive approach.
ASYS/EKRA has been a reliable,
flexible, innovative and
thoroughly friendly partner for
the ETL team, from the very
inception of the two
companies.
15
INVENTUS Customized Solutions
Singulation Platform
Assembly Platform
INVENTUS
Assembly
Dr. Sven Hermann, Process Specialist
INVENTUS Break
Laser Platform
INVENTUS Laser
Test Handler Platform
INVENTUS Test
Process Development and Process Integration –
Unique Among Customized Solutions
Machines and platform technologies for selected applications
With INVENTUS Customized Solutions, ASYS combines the
wide range of base technologies in the Group with
new, customized processes.
Development and expertise
ASYS has extensive expertise in interface technologies,
measurement technology and image processing. That is one
reason why the INVENTUS division is so successful, as our
expertise means that almost every system can be integrated
into a customized ASYS solution – and even complex processes
can be implemented. With INVENTUS, ASYS also supplies
machine platforms as stand-alone products, which can
encompass various different processes.
INVENTUS technologies are often a source of inspiration for
standard ASYS Group products. One example is a special
imaging and image processing technology that has been
adopted for TECTON tray handling systems. The technology is
used to monitor the tray handling system and check for errors,
allocate the items error-free and maintain an uninterrupted flow
of material. These are important functions, particularly in Life
Science, which has high demands in terms of precision.
Measurement Technology and Image Processing as
Key Qualifications
ASYS has many years of experience modifying complex
measuring systems and integrating them into production lines.
Some processes are so specific that new designs have to be
developed. In this case, ASYS uses in-house developments that
can be rapidly retrofitted. This helps particularly in projects that
have to be completed very quickly.
Growing Portfolio for Lighting Manufacturing
ASYS has already supplied several different systems used to
produce efficient LED-based lighting. Assembly of LED PCBs is
one example. The positioning accuracy of no more than 10
micrometers was a particular challenge in this case.
Measurement systems were also developed and produced for
single LEDs or entire groups of LEDs. The systems measure
the light emission characteristics and check light patterns. A
highly flexible system was developed to produce LED
fluorescent tubes. The system can produce more than 30
different form factors of fluorescent tubes and PCBs without
refitting.
Bionic Solutions for the Packaging Industry
The brief was for a complex packaging assembly system.
Adhesive tape, which is used to protect packaged goods from
external stress, had to be applied to highly flexible surface
areas. The tape is used with objects that have limited
dimensional stability and are not solid. To solve these challenges,
processes were used that apply bionic principles – to date,
uniquely on the market. For example, finger movements were
emulated to seal and fold corners and edges.
› Integration & automation of complex measurement and test procedures (integrating sphere,
helium leak test, and complex 3D analyses).
trays with packages
adhesive tape on objects with non-standard geometries
and highly variable geometry
on ceramics
› High-current and high-voltage measurement technology
› Optical test of LEDs
› AOI for completeness and correct position for filling
› Development of special cleaning processes
› Cutting, folding and application technologies for
› Micrometer-accurate curvature measurement
› Marking and assembly of complex modules
in any spatial configuration
› Plasma applications
17
DIVISIO Depaneling
ASYS depaneling systems are
taking over LED production!
Accurate Drilling –
New Option for DIVISIO Depaneling Systems
Left image: Measuring a straight line on a fiducial
Right image: Drilling alignment
ASYS offers a new standard procedure
for processing PCBs with assembled
LEDs. In the "optodrilling" process, holes
are drilled to align and support optical
components.
The LED technology opens up a range of new possibilities for
the automotive industry. The glare-free high beam is one
innovation. It is no longer necessary to dip your lights, as the
vehicle recognizes other vehicles and dims the applicable
segments of the illuminated area. This is only possible because
the new headlights use LED clusters that can be individually
controlled and therefore provide complex beam geometries. But
when producing LED boards, it means a higher demand for
precision. The optical elements must be located with high
accuracy for the beam angle to function correctly in the LED
cluster.
A camera system determines the centers of illumination of the
LEDs and therefore the optimal hole position. The optics are
positioned with low tolerance. The accuracy of 100 +/- 50
micrometers is double that of traditional procedures.
The challenge for optodrilling is the positioning of the drill center
point, as the drift of the cutter – the axial eccentricity – causes
a mismatch. To minimize the drift, the axial eccentricity must be
measured and an optimum basic run to the drill center must be
defined. ASYS has integrated a highly accurate laser measuring
station into the system for this purpose. To ensure long running
times, we worked with tool manufacturers to develop special
tools to dry-drill into aluminum. A Cpk (measure of process
capability) of > 1.33 was achieved.
Optodrilling is an option for the depaneling system in the
DIVISIO series. it can be integrated into either inline systems or
manual systems with automatic rotary table.
Holes have to be drilled into the PCB to position the optical
components accurately (such as mirror or lens). In traditional
procedures, the holes are already defined before the PCBs are
produced. However, when the PCBs pass through the oven, the
LEDs float on the soldering paste. When "optodrilling", on the
other hand, LEDs can be placed "freely" on a PCB. The holes are
drilled immediately before the optical components are attached.
19
Insignum Marking
INSIGNUM Variety
Labeling and Laser Cutting in One System
SIMPLEX User Interface – dynamic variable panel
INSIGNUM 4000
– The Next Generation
The product innovation, INSIGNUM Variety, is a flexible marking system
for marking and cutting of labels using laser technology.
The machine is designed specifically to mark a variety of materials and various component heights
where direct marking reaches its limits. A special feature is the freely selectable label size.
ASYS presents the INSIGNUM 4000 laser marking system with
SIMPLEX, the new user interface with innovative control logic.
With SIMPLEX, the system is easy and extremely fast to
operate. The marking system is now noticeably easy to operate
thanks to a re-structuring of the complex content and a clear
layout. A large number of setup processes, such as marking
detection, are completely automated.
Visualization of Job and Production Information:
An analysis tool displays incorrect or unrecognized codes
directly, if necessary. Poor markings are therefore located
immediately. The actual and target values of the applicable job
can also be compared directly.
SIMPLEX comes with many advantages for system operation:
"When developing SIMPLEX, we placed a high value on reaching
the target in just a few steps", emphasizes Swen Nothjunge,
INSIGNUM Marking Systems Product Manager. "And we put
more than 15 years of developer expertise and user experience
into the system." Important Basic Functions Can Be Accessed Quickly:
Applying complex, interdependent marking data requires a
large number of coordinate operating steps. Application is now
fast and does not take up valuable time thanks to the new
structure and the clear navigation panel.
Variables Can Be Created Easily By the Module Principle:
Variables can be combined simply by tapping them, thanks to
the modular structure. Combined variables are displayed in a
dynamically adjustable sequence (see figure 2). Individual
modules can therefore be changed, adapted or deleted with
simple operating gestures.
INSIGNUM 4000 with New OPTIMAP Option:
The unique innovation provided by the OPTIMAP option is that
the system can now mark AND verify multiple marking items in
just one process step. It is a new procedure that is designed to
mark and check codes with optimized cycle times. The
marking area on the PCB can be significantly enlarged thanks
to this latest development. The marking area is optimally
utilized and the number of movements is reduced.
In addition, the new marking system has a flexible nozzle quick-change system. This makes it
possible to place different label sizes on a wide range of materials in one operation. The system
automatically selects from a set of available nozzles the sizes that it needs to place different
labels. Setup times for manual tool changes are eliminated. Automated placement of large
labels next to small labels is therefore a matter of seconds. A servo-driven X/Y-axis system and
a motorized Z-axis allow different component heights of up to 40 mm to be marked. This axis
combination and the tool changing system greatly increase the flexibility and efficiency of the
machine, giving it a peak cycle time of four seconds.
The laser fulfills two tasks in this process:
It labels the foil and cuts it to the required
size in just one step.
To achieve a high accuracy, a camera system
measures the label. Finally, the label is
positioned by a servo-driven axis system and
is applied by a motorized adjustable Z-axis.
21
EKRA Screen and Stencil Printing
EKRA Screen and Stencil Printing
Printing solutions
Focused on Niche Markets
Layer by layer
to 3D Structure
From left to right: Erwin Beck (head of product management),
Jakob Szekeresch (EKRA Management), Torsten Vegelahn (EKRA Product Manager)
X5 Professional
Flagship Revised
The X5 Professional printing system is one of the world's most successful highperformance printers. The leading model has now been revised and adapted to meet
In collaboration with the Fraunhofer IFAM, EKRA has developed
a special printing system that can create three-dimensional
structures in multiple printing steps up to a height of 200
millimeters. In contrast to the well-known "3D rapid prototyping"
process, the new process is not designed to manufacture
three-dimensional prototypes. 3D printing focuses on producing
high-quality, complex components and components required in
large quantities.
For example, you can combine all types of metals only by using
the screen printing process. The metals only have to be available
in powder form with a binder. Hollow spaces and channels can
also be freely integrated into the 3D structure. A 3D screen
printing system that manufactures three-dimensional structures
live will be displayed.
the technological challenges of the future.
Endurance Test for XXL PCCs – Passed
In addition to a range of improvements in functionality and
performance, the process capability and print repetition
accuracy have been increased to 20µm at 6 Sigma. This 20%
increase is indispensable for future miniaturization of
components. Current component sizes such as 03015 (metric)
require ever more accurate printing systems. The X5 Professional
printer is already prepared for the next component generation
0201 (metric).
More than eight modules have also been revised and optimized.
A vacuum monitoring unit has been added to the iROCS stencil
cleaning system to increase process reliability. The print
specialists have also optimized the squeegee assembly so that
the operator can replace a squeegee even more quickly.
"Our customers are perfectly equipped to meet future
application requirements and can look calmly into the future
thanks to the further development of our high-end printer. The
latest model, which includes an updated look and feel,
underlines our efforts as a premium manufacturer to create
sustainable products with leading technology," says Torsten
Vegelahn, Product Manager.
EKRA has also improved the glue deposit size of the dispenser,
the iPAG Jet. The dispenser can now apply even smaller
deposits. The number of different dispenser media has also
been increased. These are just some of the improvements you
can look forward to. Be excited!
very expensive and, second, stretching occurs much more
commonly during the PCB production process for large-format
PCBs. As stretching cannot be compensated for in screen
printing, fine pitch structures cannot be applied as required for
the process.
EKRA is presenting a new and patented solution that makes it
possible for the first time to print XXL PCBs step by step using
a standard system. In the process, a substrate is conveyed
through a printer in stages and soldering paste is applied at
each stage.
A further special feature is that it is even possible to process
PCBs with different layouts. It is not only the PCB that is moved
stage by stage, but the stencil as well. A special stencil design
also prevents the applied soldering paste from smearing. High
accuracy for fine pitch structure can be achieved thanks to the
segmented alignment and printing in sections, despite possible
stretching overall.
Any PCB manufacturer who wants to print large-format PCBs
(larger than 1.20 meters) is faced with two challenges in
particular. First, special printing systems for these sizes are
NEW!
The S10 select, the new automatic
dispenser for consumables, designed to
dispense soldering paste, adhesive and
gloves as required in your process – in a
traceable way.
3D structure, created with 300 screen-printed layers
23
VEGO Handling
Speed your line
New VEGO Dynamic Production Line Unloader
The fully automatic AMS 03 Speed magazine station from the VEGO Handling line
achieves an exceptionally low cycle time of less than 10 seconds.
From left to right: Michael Schimpf and
Torsten Vegelahn, Product Managers at EKRA
Dual Lane
SERIO 4000 Printer with New Option
Since the launch of the SERIO 4000
printer platform, it has been constantly
expanded with new models and features.
The "dual lane transport" option has
now been added to the range.
"SERIO 4000 has been well-received on the market.
We can meet a large proportion of our customers' requirements
with the four models – the SERIO 4000, SERIO 4000 Compact,
SERIO 4000 Volume and SERIO 4000 Speed. However, there
have been an increasing number of inquiries for a solution that
delivers even higher throughput without increasing the space
that is needed. The PCBs in consumer electronics are typically
small and require cycle times of less than 15 seconds. It was
then that we started thinking about a dual lane solution,"
explains Michael Schimpf, Product Manager at EKRA.
Side-by-Side Solution
The new dual lane solution delivers significantly shorted cycle
times and therefore throughput-optimized production. A range
of layouts is possible with the option. For example, one singlelane and one dual-lane printer can be used on the same
production line. This side-by-side solution is the more costeffective Dual Lane solution.
The innovation: a vertically and horizontally mobile conveyor
belt transfers incoming PCBs to fixed magazines. This has
enormous benefits, particularly when sorting 'good' and 'bad'
PCBs using an AOI.
Cycle Time Reduced by Approx. 30%
A shorter cycle time is an important factor in efficient production.
The ASYS application and software team has managed to
reduce the average cycle time of a line unloader to a minimum.
The new magazine station, the VEGO Dynamic AMS 03 Speed,
has reduced the cycle time by approx. 30% compared to the
AMS 03D, significantly increasing the productivity of a
production line.
Perfect Accessibility to All Magazines
In the new high-speed system, only the conveyor belt moves,
not the magazines. As the conveyor belt is significantly lighter
than in the previous system, higher speeds and acceleration are
possible. The perfect accessibility to all magazines familiar from
the AMS O3D has been fully retained in this system, as the
rapid shuttle conveyor is completely enclosed and the
magazines do not move.
Side-by-Back Solution
Alternatively, two dual-lane printers can be used in a side-byback solution. One of the printers is rotated 180°. In this case,
the system can be operated from both sides of the production
line. The printers can be selected and arranged in the way that
is most rational for the applicable requirements.
Formats from 80 x 50 mm to 400 x 253 mm can be printed with
the two dual-lane printers. The option can be integrated into all
four models.
Top: Clever solution – the shuttle conveyor belt travels up, down, right and left
in a matter of seconds
Right: VEGO Dynamic AMS 03 Speed, with a platform for max. three magazines
Advantages at a glance:
› Low cycle time < 10 seconds
› Perfect accessibility to all magazines
› Ergonomic working position
› Platform for three magazines
› Dual Lane capable
› Automatic good/bad sorting
Interview digitized and networked
New Product Concepts,
Digitized and Networked
The internet of things is now considered a driver of innovation and is
compelling industry to change established ways of thinking. Smart homes,
autonomous driving and Industry 4.0 are the buzzwords in this field. Find out
how ASYS is exploiting the potential in an interview with Werner Kreibl, the
Managing Director, Karin Walter, Director of Marketing/CI, and Erwin Beck,
Director of Product Management.
How is ASYS preparing for the predicted changes?
Werner Kreibl: The internet of things, or Industry 4.0 derived
from it, is currently on everyone's lips. There is a dramatically
growing volume of information behind it that should improve
our everyday lives, if used effectively. For production, this
means upgrading machines with technical intelligence, by
which I mean sensors, and interpreting data in meaningful
ways. Machines are being networked and are becoming more
autonomous at the same time. At ASYS, we started looking at
Industry 4.0 early on and have developed some ideas for
products from it. We see it as a change to differentiate ourselves.
We would like to benefit from the change from the start.
Karin Walter: I am seeing a lot of new ideas in the mobile
sector in particular. For example, new wearable devices, such
as wristwatches and smart glasses, that have a lot of meaningful
potential uses in day-to-day life. At ASYS, we have set ourselves
the goal of using these innovations, where applicable, in the
sectors of industry we serve. Marketing is working closely with
product development and product management in this area,
and Werner Kreibl provides us with valuable support in this field
as well. The Integrated Design group, for example, is developing
completely new designs for human-machine interaction, to
keep the rapidly growing complexity and dataflow under control.
Machines are becoming more intelligent and more
autonomous – what does that mean for product
development at ASYS? What concepts are coming out of
this?
Karin Walter: From my point of view, this means it is necessary
to look more carefully at the human factor and human needs, in
addition to mastering the technology. So, how can these
innovations support and improve the work done by people.
When machines control themselves, they require fewer, but
more complex interventions by operators. The operator's level
of education and training should therefore be considered more
carefully in future. What I mean is that we have to provide
inexpert operators with different tools than we would give an
expert. We have been working on this for some years. Our
SIMPLEX operating concept, for example, gained recognition
within a very short period. We are also one of the first in the
industry to exploit multi-touch technology for production. That
was something new and trend-setting!
Werner Kreibl: SIMPLEX quickly told us that we are on the right
path, and we have experimented with transferring SIMPLEX to
mobile devices. At the SMT 2013, for example, we operated
one of our laser marking systems and a stencil printer from a
mobile device. We used the contact with our customers at the
trade fair to discuss the added value of mobile operation. The
next step was the 'connected' app – the preliminary stage to
our first mobile product, the PULSE Mobile Line Assist. Visitors
to the trade fair could connect to our machines with their own
smartphones and access useful information. The concept was
new for the industry. The approach at the time was to exploit
the potential of smartphones for production. The ASYS PULSE
was the result. We are continuing this approach.
Erwin Beck: If I can comment from the product management
perspective (Erwin Beck laughs). When defining a product, I
always come back to my guiding principle – "keep the line
running". As machine availability of >99% has now been
reached, it is not enough anymore for the individual machine to
function flawlessly and use innovative technology. The box-tobox view of individual process that is still commonplace is
necessary to be successful, but it is no longer sufficient. We
have to help the customer optimize its production solutions as
a whole. Nonetheless, I was initially critical of Industry 4.0.
Could it be just another flash in the pan that will go out quickly
"SIMPLEX quickly told us that
we are on the right path."
and would activity by ASYS in this direction just irritate
customers? But on closer analysis and after seeing the product
ideas we have developed from Industry 4.0 in a very short time,
I was all for it in no time. I saw the potential – the benefit – for
our customers. A tour of our customers before the product
launch to present our ideas strengthened my opinion even
further. As a side product, ASYS PULSE not only means that we
can connect the machines in our portfolio on a central mobile
devices, but also that our VEGO PCB handling modules
contribute to energy savings as hardware components such as
warning lights and control panels are no longer required.
Werner Kreibl: That's right, PULSE was so convincing that we
have our partner companies got on board straightaway. We
have now also integrated SPI, AOI, loading, reflow over and
cleaning systems into PULSE. So we already have a complete
production line, which we will present at our Technology Days.
Enthusiastic customers who encourage other suppliers to
make the move to our PULSE platform are also a real support.
That is also why my concern that the route to Industry 4.0 will
be held back in particular by the lack of willingness among firms
to cooperate is gradually subsiding.
27
Interview digitized and networked
Erwin Beck: Yes. I keep on repeating – "Knowledge doesn't
grow by hoarding, but by sharing" – and that seems finally to
have found a sympathetic ear. And this is where inter­
connectedness comes in again. It is not very easy to establish
new business models and to accept new transparent structures.
Data security plays a major role here and a new legal framework
has to be created. The entire industry has barely started on this.
Technologies change, as do people. How is ASYS prepared
for constant change in technology?
Erwin Beck: That is very simple. ASYS makes it simple! For
example, why wait for the Industry 4.0 interface standards a lot
of people are asking for? We simply go a few steps ahead and
take the people with us who want to come with us. For me,
that was also one reason to switch to the ASYS Group three
years ago. I got to know and appreciate this trial and error
approach at ASYS and its high rate of success many years ago
working on joint projects. In this environment, I can contribute
my ideas directly.
Karin Walter: That's right, but every new idea also brings a lot
of unknowns into the equation and therefore uncertainty with it.
Designers are 'why' thinkers and engineers are 'how' thinkers.
Bringing both together is not always easy, but we have found a
way. The courage to act, the ability to respond promptly, and the
willingness to make every effort to bring ideas quickly to fruition.
That is ASYS!
Interview digitized and networked
"We simply go a few steps ahead
and take the people with us who
want to come with us."
Erwin Beck: When I first joined the ASYS Group, I was able to
design and run with the CONEXIO project, which is our
innovative line solution that splits the handling section from the
process section and therefore guarantees fast set-up times. A
pretty wide-ranging concept, which was still not completely
backed up by analysis of market potential.
Werner Kreibl: We heard from our key accounts that they really
wanted a solution like that and we obviously thought about how
we could meet that demand.
Erwin Beck: That's right. The way we did the first version,
unfortunately, it was not the perfect product for the target
market. We learn from our mistakes and see them as
opportunities. Sometimes, we go three steps forward and two
back. But that's why we are always one step ahead of the
others. That is ASYS.
Werner Kreibl: This is the way I see it. It's called the concept
car in the automotive industry, which is a product that is
technologically very far out front – a kind of feasibility study
directly with the customer. Prototype concepts such as
CONEXIO or the Connected App were opportunities for us not
just to talk to our customer about the future, but to test it
directly. That requires courage, belief in something and openmindedness to the unknown and new.
From left to right: Karin Walter, Werner Kreibl, Erwin Beck
The interview was conducted by
Katinka Eberl, Marketing/CI and Belma Gül, Marketing/CI.
29
ASYS GROUP Operating Concepts
ASYS Group Usability
Concepts for the machine operation of tomorrow
Human-machine interfaces (HMI) have a major impact on quality and efficiency
in production. They can increase productivity and reduce the costs of training and
operating errors. The ASYS Group has been working in this field for several years
and constantly brings new operating concepts onto the market.
The right HMI for each machine
As a producer of automated production lines, ASYS has an
interest in testing innovative concepts and assessing with our
customers what technology is best suited for what application.
New solutions for different applications are constantly being
developed by our in-house team, which includes product
developers, programmers and interaction designers. The team
focuses on applying interaction logic to various end devices. A
uniform look and feel is intended to help the HMI user find his
or her way around the machines on the production line quickly.
End devices are very varied. The external workstation with
desktop computer, mouse and keyboard – used, for example, to
monitor the production line with OIC (Overall Inline
Communication) – is one example. Cost-effective control panels
are used for ASYS handling modules. The ASYS Group process
machines are operated via large-format multi-touch screens. A
software product for tablet PCs – PULSE – is supplied to control
and monitor entire production lines.
Hands-free technologies put to the test
Hands-free technologies are also on the rise at ASYS.
Smartwatches are the first product to be tested for use in a
production environment. The argument for doing so is that, in
the modern Industry 4.0 production environment, the human
is increasingly an additional "sensor" and situational decisionmaker. The human grasps situations and solves conflicts
instantly. Rapid reactions are therefore in demand. Presented
data must therefore be filtered and made available in real time
and directly. Wearables – wearable computer systems such as
smartwatches – are perfectly suited to meet this challenge,
because they are worn on the body and have a strict limit on
the data that can be displayed.
Smart control panels for VEGO handling modules
All VEGO handling modules are equipped with high-resolution
control panels. All the panels come with a clear, reduced design
and color display at the best possible price. Modules with
limited operating demands, such as conveyor systems, are
operated via the T350 panel, which has a small display and a
set of hardware keys. Modules with more complex operating
processes, such as buffers, are controlled via the T570 panel,
which has a large touch display.
SIMPLEX multi-touch operation
Reduced to the Essential
The navigation through menu items is highly original and is one
reason SIMPLEX is unique. Anyone who has ever operated
a complex production machine knows that simple navigation
is important if you are to manage complex and extensive
information quickly and effectively. Technological development
means that adequate assistance systems are becoming
increasingly important when it comes to machine operation.
SIMPLEX therefore summarizes functions and creates user
scenarios that are reflected in the navigation. The main menu,
for example, has different use cases, such as production and
program, i.e. for whether a machine is simple in production or
a new program is being created for a change of production.
The main menu items are clearly distinguished by color. An
operator therefore can see at a distance the machine's status
at any time.
Intuitive Thanks to Visualization
Images and 3D visualization are becoming increasingly
important to support operators effectively, in particular when
it comes to activities such as refitting or troubleshooting. Clear
analogies to objects from the physical world make it possible
to guide the operator through the required user actions in an
intuitive way. That is why each input value with SIMPLEX is
visualized by a simple illustrated icon. The interface is therefore
multi-user ready and can be operated by personnel speaking
different languages. The in-house design department has
developed a uniform icon system for the entire ASYS Group
machine portfolio, which guides international users to their
goals.
PULSE team
SIMPLEX team
SIMPLEX user interface for process machines
The ASYS Group process machines have step for step been
fitted with the award-winning SIMPLEX user interface over
the past few years. Complex input tasks can be completed
intuitively on large multi-touch displays. The multi-touch
technology makes it possible, for example, to zoom in on a
PCB view and place markings by simply tapping the screen.
Status information is always available at the same point and
displayed for rapid comprehension. This clarity is similar to that
found in assistance systems in the automotive industry. Manual
functions are always accessed at the same point. Start and stop
are now so clearly indicated and color-coded that they have
easily replaced traditional hardware buttons.
SIMPLEX and PULSE
31
ASYS GROUP Operating Concepts
ASYS GROUP Operating Concepts
2010
2014
SIMPLEX for screen printing systems
VEGO Control Panel T350
badmarks is also an important new tool. The SIMPLEX menu
structure means that operators can move very easily back and
forth between operating steps. As creating of complex marking
data requires a large number of coordinated single steps,
jumping back and forth is often the way to get an overview.
Variables can be created with a modular approach. The result
is simply displayed in a line at the top of the screen. Another
new feature is the simple visualized statistics tool for actual and
target marking values.
PULSE Mobile Line Assist
Applied to Process Machines, Step for Step
SIMPLEX was introduced in 2011 for the EKRA screen and
stencil printing systems and won an NPI Award. SIMPLEX
multi-touch interactions speed up marking setup by 15%. It was
possible to reduce the time to set up inspection areas by 10
minutes. The DIVISIO series depaneling systems were next in
2013, including integration of new drag & drop features to load
programs and manage tools. The INSIGNUM series marking
systems are following in 2014. Direct teaching of fiducials and
5
6
SIMPLEX for tray handling systems
4
SIMPLEX depaneling systems
3
SIMPLEX for marking systems
2
VEGO Control Panel T570
1
In 2014, ASYS also began adapting the SIMPLEX operating
concept to the tray handling systems of its TECTON subsidiary.
The convenience of operation with SIMPLEX was transferred
to smaller screens to ensure the machines were cost-effective.
New programs and new cavity positions are created with
the support of simple visualizations. The developers have
also integrated a 3D live view that support operators during
troubleshooting.
PULSE:
Keep the Line Running!
Central operator to-do list with error messages, warning
messages and pre-warnings for the entire line. Central status
overview for the entire line.
1
VEGO
HANDLING
2
3
INSIGNUM
MARKING
1
4
EKRA SERIO
PRINTING
Connection
to partner system
1
Connection
to partner system
1
Connection
to partner system
2
Connection
to partner system
PULSE Mobile Line Assist
Human-machine interfaces are no longer restricted to
controlling machine functions. Networking and visualization of
entire production chains is of growing significance. The result
is greater production flexibility, but also increased complexity
when defining suitable human-machine interactions. Thanks
to smart devices, the operator becomes an observer, viewing
all the important information in a structured way on his or her
table or smartphone. ASYS has developed PULSE for this use
case. The mobile assistance system provides an overview of
a complete machine line and displays status information and
to-do items. PULSE Mobile Line Assist is a product that has
developed from the VEGO handling range. Handling modules,
as the connecting elements in production, are the perfect point
to provide an overview. When PULSE is used, operating panels
are no longer required at the individual handling modules. All
functions can be controlled and activated via PULSE.
1
5
DIVISIO
DEPANELING
6
TECTON
TRAY HANDLING
33
Interview Life Science & Solar
Well-Positioned with
Life Science and Solar
Oliver Bleher,
Director Life Science
"We can exploit the synergies and
many years of experience from
other business segments."
The ASYS Group has a
unique product portfolio covering various
fields of technology. In addition to the
two permanent pillars of Electronics
and Solar, the Group is also currently
establishing itself in the field of life
science. Here is an interview with the new
Director of Life Science,
Oliver Bleher, and Dr. Harald Wanka,
Senior Vice President Technology.
The ASYS Group has many years of experience in
Electronics and Solar. What synergies can be exploited
from that experience for the life science segment?
Oliver Bleher: The ASYS Group, in particular our companies
ASYS TECTON and ASYS Prozess- und Reinraumtechnik,
have been active in Life Science for years. Primarily we have
supplied tray handling, tray loading, logistics, handling and
cleanroom solutions. In the future, we will also be looking at
assembly, packaging and laser marking in Life Science (pharma,
diagnostics, medical devices, medical technology, etc.). We can
exploit the synergies and many years of experience from other
business segments where we have developed a lot of expertise
that really drives our performance. Workpiece detection is one
example, as shape and position detection play a major role
when assembling medical devices.
Dr. Harald Wanka: In Solar, detection solutions have been
used extensively for many years, including solutions with
cameras. Wafers are aligned accurately a number of times and
print quality is constantly inspected within one metallization
line. If necessary, the process is readjusted. These inspection
solutions meet high demands in terms of line throughput and
accuracy. They can therefore be transferred to other processes
in electronics or even in Life Science with few adaptations. There
are similar synergies, for example, with our laser processes.
ASYS has been developing and producing laser systems for
more than 15 years. A separate division, INVENTUS Laser,
has now been established alongside our laser marking
systems product division. The new division handles diverse
materials and applies numerous material processing
methods.
Dr. Harald Wanka: The fact the we have been able to build up the
INVENTUS Laser product division, i.e. customer-specific laser
solutions, so quickly, is partly due to our successful experience
in Solar. ASYS has supplied more than 100 solar lasers around
the world. We are in a position to supply a solution for all the
laser processes in solar cell production, including for new solar
cell designs currently in transition from pilot production to line
production.
Oliver Bleher: In the Life Science industries, application and
readout of codes is an important process step. The codes
typically contain 2D or datamatrix codes, the serial numbers,
expiration dates and/or track & trace functions. These are
products where the smallest error can truly be a case of life
or death. It has to be possible to trace the products all the
way to the customer. Take pacemakers as an example. They
have to be identifiable right down to the single components,
so that it is possible to discover whether the error occurred
along the production chain, in case of emergency. Markings
are also important when it comes to preventing counterfeiting.
Viagra is a good example. There is currently only one official
manufacturer of the drug at the moment. However, there are a
lot of counterfeits on the market, coming in particular from Asia.
Protection against counterfeiting and the traceability of the
logistics chain are challenges that can be solved by markings.
Operating SMT production without clever systems for
tracing electronic components is now unthinkable. What
role does traceability play in Solar and Life Science?
Oliver Bleher: A lot of work is done on traceability in Life
Science. Traceability used to be a matter of paperwork.
Electronic processes are now playing a bigger and bigger role.
Batch numbers, batch sizes and expiration dates are applied in
production, checked and recorded using appropriate systems
and transferred via interfaces to line management. A keyword
35
Interview Life Science & Solar
"We are very proud that almost 40%
of the solar cells currently produced
around the world run through ASYS
systems."
parity means that producing solar power is already more costeffective than conventional generation. We have now already
passed that threshold in many regions of the world. This has
been possible thanks to a massive reduction in production
costs in the solar industry and because the processes for
conventional energy production (such as fracking) are becoming
more and more costly.
Dr. Harald Wanka,
Senior Vice President Technology
in this area is definitely "CFR 21 Part 11", an FDA directive for
electronic records and signatures that is designed to guarantee
the accuracy and security of transferred data.
Dr. Harald Wanka: Traceability plays a big role in solar for
statistical production reasons. We supply a software and
hardware solution for batch traceability, which is popular
with our customers. It provides almost complete detection
of the individual unmarked wafers. A cassette fitted with a
transponder (RFID) is assigned to a batch. The wafers loaded to
the line from the cassette are given an ID number. The number
is applied virtually along the entire line. It is therefore possible
at all times to find out where the applicable wafer is located on
the metallization line. The art is to maintain batch integrity over
approx. 40 meters of production line with a range of different
buffers. Wafers can be traced almost 100% with our system.
And that's why we're market-leading!
What do the markets for Solar and Life Science look like?
What experience do we have?
Dr. Harald Wanka: The solar market that has grown at breakneck
speed over the last 15 years is currently exposed to short-term,
cyclical variation. The solar industry has developed in the same
period from a niche supported by subsidy to a mature major
industry. Around the globe, a little more than 50 gigawatts
of production capacity (the total capacity of all modules that
can be produced per year) is installed with the latest technical
production methods and operational. Cumulatively, modules
with output of around 170 gigawatts are installed. The driver
for the industry is no longer state subsidy, but grid parity. Grid
ASYS has supported the solar industry from the start and has
developed consistently with the industry and is therefore the
leading systems manufacturer globally in metallization – for
the techniques and technology. Most of our customers in the
solar industry are now based in Asia. We are very proud that
almost 40% of the solar cells currently produced around the
world run through ASYS systems. We are particularly pleased
that the share of the market held by our new, technically
advanced Alignus Dual-Lane line is continuing to rise. For new
business, it currently has a market share of significantly above
50%. You might say that, if someone wants to expand or build
an economically successful solar production system, ASYS is a
guarantee that they will succeed.
Oliver Bleher: The Asian market will also play a major role for us
in Life Science in the medium term. We can benefit there from
the strong ASYS sales and service network that has been built
up massively for the solar market. Local support is particularly
important for pharma. China is currently the largest growth
market for medical and pharmaceutical products. As a result
of internationalization and the growth in disposable income,
the population's food consumption patterns are changing. Fastfood, for example, is growing very fast, so civilization diseases
such as diabetes are also increasing fast, which is reflected in
growing local demand for relevant medication. Production of
pharmaceuticals is now also largely based in Asia, in particular
when it comes to high-volume standard drugs, such as aspirin
or Ibuprofen. The production costs are simply much lower
in Asia. The costs of logistics also play a role, of course. But
you are talking about fractions of a euro cent per tablet. APIs
– active pharmaceutical ingredients – are produced to a large
extent in India. Newly developed or highly complex products,
however, are still largely produced in Europe or the US.
Mr. Bleher, what challenges do you see for the Life Science
segment?
Dr. Wanka, can you round off by telling us what will happen
in Solar?
Oliver Bleher: The planning phases in this segment are very
long. Projects run in some cases for 12 to 18 months before
a decision. Approval of our customers' products by relevant
authorities often takes a long time. So customers put off
decisions on new systems for as long as possible. But then
everything has to happen very quickly, so that production
systems can be brought on line as soon as possible. The patent
protection periods of our customers' products are limited and
the return on the products falls dramatically once the patent
has expired. So, the product has to be out for sale with no delay
on the day of approval. There are also quite a few regulations
that have to be followed and that requires a large volume of
documentation. I can give you a few examples. There is the
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) directive, which is designed
to guarantee quality assurance for production processes; there
are also several automation directives for pharma and other
directives from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), as
well as the CRF (Code of Federal Regulations), in particular, as
mentioned above, "CRF 21 Part 11". In general, materials and
hygiene are important in the life science segment. That also
means that specific qualification and validation documentation
has to be supplied for each machine in the system. We are
already well-placed with ASYS TECTON. We are currently
looking more intensively for qualified employees for validation
and qualification, so that we can serve our customers even
better in this segment.
Dr. Harald Wanka: We have a comprehensive technological
solution for cost-effective solar cell production for all modern
cell designs and we are constantly developing our solar
products. The key question, however, is what direction the
solar market will take in the long and medium term. Why
should ASYS continue on this path when here in Germany, for
example, we have seen one failure in the solar sector after
another? Producers and systems manufacturers have been
equally affected. ASYS has always been aware of the risk of
market volatility and has acted to counter it with diversification.
That is why we can wait calmly for the next major global
upswing in solar power. We are very well prepared for it, in
terms of technology, strategy and production engineering. The
next solar wave will come, will be bigger and more powerful
than everything we have seen so far, but will not be as steep as
in 2010/2011. That sounds somewhat enthusiastic, and I would
agree. Solar makes up 6% of the energy market in Germany,
when averaged out, and is reaching a meaningful degree of
saturation so slowly because of technical issues on the grid and
general economic conditions. Overall energy consumption is
also stagnating. But viewed globally, the situation looks very
different. Still less than 1% of power is generated with solar
technology and energy consumption per capita is increasing
dramatically in the emerging markets and third world countries
with constant growth in population. What enormous market
potential! We therefore believe that the solar age has only really
just started, viewed from a longer-term perspective.
The interview was conducted by
Katinka Eberl, Marketing/CI and Belma Gül, Marketing/CI.
37
ASYS Tecton Tray Handling & Transfer Systems
Tray Handling & Transfer Systems
New, Full-Surface Logistics Modules
The PARIO machine series tray handling systems cover all
applications, from the smallest trays to the Euro pallet. The
PARIO 3000 high-end tray handling system provides the
shortest possible tray changing times – in less than four
seconds. Thanks to new extension packages, such as FDA
conformity or ESD protection, and a modular basic design, the
tray handling system can be adapted to any requirements. New
full-surface logistics modules mean that all known tray formats
can be processed, even trays with little stability. The system is
also now easier to service and maintain – something TECTON
values in particular.
PARIO 3000 high-end tray handling system:
for the shortest possible tray changing times
ASYS Tecton
- A Member of the ASYS Group
The handling specialists, ASYS TECTON,
have been developing and producing
high-quality tray handling and transfer
systems for more than 20 years.
ASYS TECTON stands for highest quality, innovative and detailed
product solutions and maximum efficiency. These properties
have their roots in many years of experience and tradition of the
company. For more than 20 years, ASYS TECTON has been
partner of major companies in the Life Science, automotive and
electronics industries.
As part of the ASYS Group and its agile production network,
TECTON is exceptionally flexible and innovative. The company
supplies innovative handling and transfer systems that deliver
maximum utilization with the shortest possible cycle times. The
handling experts do much more than simply loading and
unloading of products and trays. Full-service performance is a
matter of course at TECTON, from joint creation of a performance
specification through product-specific special design to inhouse tray development.
MOTUS Transfer Systems – Infinitely Expandable
As varied are the tasks, as different are the solutions from ASYS
TECTON. Under the MOTUS product range, TECTON produces
and sells highly efficient, modular and extremely space-saving
transfer and puck systems for fully automated large scale
assembly systems. The MOTUS transfer sections consist of
standard modules, so even complex requirements, even in the
smallest production areas, can be optimally implemented. All of
the system's modules are available in FDA-certified design.
PARIO 3000: New Interface for
High-End Tray Handling System
New User Interface with Innovative Control Logic
In further developing the tray handling system, TECTON thinks
not only of new technologies, but keeps the operator in mind.
The system is monitored and controlled from a new user
interface with innovative control logic. Until now, the operator
had to identify the important data from a wealth of available
information. SIMPLEX presents this information in a clear and
context-sensitive manner. The unique SIMPLEX humanmachine interface (HMI) can control and monitor highly complex
machines. ASYS TECTON is associated with the ASYS
Technology Group, where the user interface has been
successfully in use for more than several years. With SIMPLEX,
TECTON has been able to develop the high-end tray handling
system even further.
SIMPLEX – the Operator Is the Focus
It is clear from the first glance that the human operator and his
needs are the focus. The SIMPLEX screen buttons are optimized
for accelerated touch input and the requirements of a production
environment. Clear hierarchies and intuitive operating
procedures on multi-touch screens are distinct usability benefits
for the user. Input panels that are static in conventional solutions
behave dynamically in the SIMPLEX operating context. Strict
color coding increases the ergonomics of operating the system
and contributes to the prevention of errors.
Visualization in 3D
Thanks to 3D animation in real time, the production process can
be monitored live on the terminal screen. The 3D visualization
directly displays affected components or assemblies when
needed. So faults can be located immediately and then quickly
eliminated.
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ASYS Cleanroom Technology
ASYS Cleanroom Technology
CONSIDUS Dry Storage
– Innovation in dry storage technology
The economical dry storage system from the CONSIDUS range
offers optimum protection for highly sensitive components and
assemblies. It is used when storage under defined conditions
of humidity or active component drying is required.
Karl Goll, Managing Director
ASYS Prozess- und Reinraumtechnik
Front top left to bottom right: Dynamic storage systems, economical dry storage systems,
flexible cleanroom booths, custom cleanroom solutions
15 Years of Expertise in
Process and Cleanroom Technology
As an independent company within the
ASYS Group, ASYS Prozess- und Reinraumtechnik has been developing and
producing solutions for more than 15
years in cleanroom technology, laminar
flow systems, dry storage systems, storage lift systems, and special solutions.
The company constantly invests in research and development.
The aim is to advance technology for the benefit of the
customer. Customers include internationally recognized
companies and research institutes from microelectronics,
semiconductor manufacturing, precision engineering, optics,
biotechnology and Life Science.
New Solutions in the ASYS Group
The ASYS group of companies supplies a globally unique
product portfolio covering various fields of technology.
Synergies between the ASYS Prozess- und Reinraumtechnik
and ASYS TECTON companies, for example, produce a
combination of modular transfer section and a cleanroom
booth. The mobile cabinet can be positioned flexibly along the
transfer section, with FDA approval of ASYS TECTON. It is
therefore possible to work under constantly clean conditions.
Versatile
CONSIDUS can be used for a variety of storage products such
as electronic components, partially assembled electronic
modules, circuit boards, foils, wafers and components with
oxidation-sensitive surfaces. Three different dehumidification
technologies are available to achieve the stable and dry
atmosphere in CONSIDUS Dry Storage:
1. Adsorption Dehumidification
›
Controlled drying and circulation of air with a powerful
adsorption drier
› Closed recirculation system with high air circulation rates.
› Additional option of installing a heating module to heat the
cabinet up to 40 °C for stress-free component drying.
2. Nitrogen Dehumidification
Controlled supply of nitrogen.
3. Compressed-Air Dehumidification
Controlled supply of compressed air.
Storage and Active Drying in One System
The CONSIDUS Dry Storage cabinet will be presented at the
ASYS Group Technology Days in combination with a heating
oven. The special feature in this case is that the oven can be
integrated directly into the system and can reach temperatures
of up to 125 °C. A heating oven is used to actively dry
components whose floor life time has expired and can be
operated inside or outside the cabinet, as the customer prefers.
Compared to the heated storage cabinet, the heating oven can
save a large amount of energy, as not all of the cabinet's storage
shelves are heated, but only the specially insulated heating
oven.
Advantages at a Glance:
› Innovative drying technology with adsorption
dehumidification or nitrogen/compressed air flushing
› Temperature and humidity regulation for economical
drying
› Achieves a target value of <3% relative humidity less
than one minute after door has been closed
› Allows humidity-sensitive components in accordance
with IPC/JEDEC-STD-033 to be stored indefinitely
›
Modular cabinet design with useful equipment
options, e.g. drawer slide
› Custom and customer-specific dimensions and
equipment is available
41
Legal Notice
Event Website
Publisher
ASYS Automatisierungssysteme GmbH
Benzstrasse 10, 89160 Dornstadt, Germany
www.asys-group.com
Managing Directors:
Werner Kreibl & Klaus Mang
www.asys.de/tt2014
Project Manager
Karin Walter
Editor
Belma Gül
Graphics & Layout
Johanna Boos
Interviews
Katinka Eber & Belma Gül
Authors
Johanna Boos, Katinka Eberl, and Pamela Kurz
Photography
Michael Stajer
Image source
ASYS Group
Other image sources
Teamgeisselhart GmbH, Universität Ulm, Institut
für Mess-, Regel- und Mikrotechnik, Fraunhofer
IFAM Dresden, and iTAC Software AG
Subject to change
All the information provided consists of general descriptions and features that do not
always apply in a specific use case in the way described here or which may change
due to ongoing product development. Only the performance agreed in a contract is
binding. Printed in Germany
The images may include options, extras, accessories and other elements that are not
part of the standard scope of delivery and services. These are available for an additional
charge.
© Copyright 2014 by ASYS GmbH, subject to technical modifications.
Contacts
Co-exhibitors and
Hotel Reservation
Press
Planning and
Coordination
Nicole Egle
Belma Gül
Karin Walter
Phone +49 7348 9855 190
Fax +49 7348 9855 93
E-mail nicole.egle@asys.de
Phone +49 7348 9855 412
Fax +49 7348 9855 93
E-mail belma.guel@asys.de
Phone +49 7348 9855 0
E-mail karin.walter@asys.de
ASYS Automatisierungssysteme GmbH
Benzstrasse 10, 89160 Dornstadt
Germany
Partners | Sponsors
› ASYS Solar
› ASYS TECTON GmbH
› ASYS Prozess- und Reinraumtechnik GmbH
› EKRA Automatisierungssysteme GmbH
› BOTEST Systems GmbH
Event Location
› Christian Koenen GmbH
› DEPRAG SCHULZ GmbH & Co.
› FUJI Machine MFG. (Europe) GmbH
› Heraeus Materials
Technology GmbH & Co. KG
› Jenaer Leiterplatten GmbH
› KIRRON light components GmbH & Co. KG
› KVT-Fastening GmbH
› Limtronik GmbH
› Multi-Components GmbH
› Parmi Europe GmbH
› RAFI GmbH & Co. KG
› Rehm Thermal Systems
› Stüwer GmbH
› Viscom AG
Head office
Phone +49 (0) 7348 9855 00
Fax +49 (0) 7348 9855 91
E-mail info@asys.de
B 10
Dornstadt exit
Dornstadt
A8
Stuttgart
ASYS
A8
Munich
43
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