-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
ESI Announces New Material Handling Solution for Flex PCB Processing
January 27, 2016 | ESIEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
ESI today announced immediate availability of the RollMaster roll-to-roll material handling system for automating flex printed circuit manufacturing. Developed by Northfield Automation, an industry leader in roll-to-roll automation and thin material handling systems, the RollMaster roll-to-roll handler helps FPC (flexible printed circuit) manufacturers address the combined challenges of HVM (high-volume manufacturing) and the unique handling requirements associated with thin and sensitive materials.
“We’re excited to offer this new automation option to our flex circuit processing customers”, said Patrick Riechel, ESI Flex Product Manager. “In order for flex processing customers to optimize their production throughput, it’s necessary to have the right laser processing platform paired with the right production-oriented automation. Since RollMaster™ is designed specifically for use on the 5335 platform, our customers get that combination in a true turn-key HVM solution.”
“Northfield is focused on helping FPC manufacturers maximize their throughput,” stated Mark Wegner, President and CEO of Northfield Automation Systems. “Pairing RollMaster™ with ESI’s 5335 systems gives FPC manufacturers a strong solution as they continue their drive for higher yields and higher production throughput.
The design of RollMaster™—which can be paired with all legacy FPC laser processing systems built by ESI since 2005—enables flex PCB manufacturers to process a wide range of materials while maintaining high throughput. Unlike systems utilizing singlepurpose designs, which rely on gravity tension to position rolled flex material for processing, the patent-pending Dynamic Tensioning™ technology used in the RollMaster™ handlers continuously adjusts for the changes in bi-directional tension placed on flex material as the result of acceleration and deceleration of the material during processing. This makes RollMaster™ the right high-throughput solution for processors utilizing a variety of web widths and different materials, especially those prone to wrinkling or stretching.
RollMaster™ facilitates the processing of flex material at a higher level of quality at faster throughput speeds and minimizes operator intervention. This allows FPC manufacturers to optimize production and increase their uptime; enabling them to extend their processing services into a broader set of market opportunities involving the processing of new materials. Customers can purchase RollMaster™ packaged with their 5335 platform of choice, directly from ESI.
About ESI
ESI's integrated solutions allow industrial designers and process engineers to control the power of laser light to transform materials in ways that differentiate consumer electronics, wearable devices, semiconductor circuits and high-precision components to gain market advantage. ESI's laser-based manufacturing solutions feature the micromachining industry's highest level of precision and throughput, and focus on delivering the lowest total cost of ownership. ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with global operations from the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Rim. For more information, click here.
About Northfield Automation
Northfield Automation Systems, Inc. (NAS) designs, engineers and fabricates automation machinery that allows OEMs and high-volume manufacturers, to increase yield and throughput. They are an industry leader in roll-to-roll automation and thin material handling, with expertise in factory automation for all manufacturing of web, panel and piece parts. NAS’s automation expertise allows them to deliver a range of custom process automation systems for highly accurate handling of sensitive materials used in unique or delicate production processes. Northfield is headquartered in Northfield MN.
Suggested Items
Neura Robotics and OMRON Forge Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize the Manufacturing Industry with Cognitive Robots
04/16/2024 | BUSINESS WIRENeura Robotics, a global pioneer in cognitive robotics, and Omron Robotics and Safety Technologies Inc., a global leader in industrial robotics and automation, are excited to announce their strategic partnership.
Aegis Software and JUKI Extend Reseller Relationship, Marking Over 23 Years of Collaboration
04/11/2024 | Aegis SoftwareAegis Software, a global provider of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software, announces that JUKI Automation, a world-leading provider of automated assembly products and systems and subsidiary of JUKI Corporation, has renewed their reseller relationship with Aegis Software.
RTX's Pratt & Whitney Announces North American Technology Accelerator
04/10/2024 | RTXPratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced details of its North American Technology Accelerator (NATA), a commercial and military aftermarket operations center of excellence based in Florida.
Universal Instruments Simplifies Smart Automation at IPC APEX EXPO
04/03/2024 | Universal InstrumentsUniversal Instruments will showcase a lineup of electronics assembly automation solutions on Booth 2405 at the 2024 IPC APEX EXPO, held at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 9–11.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Kurt Palmer on the Formation of Schmoll America
04/01/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007There’s exciting news for Schmoll Maschinen as Kurt Palmer leaves his role as president of Burkle North America to lead the new Schmoll America. In this interview, Kurt discusses his collaboration with Burkle North America, what it means for his new Schmoll teams, and the many machines and processes he’ll have on display at his busy booth at IPC APEX EXPO.