To meet the needs for the delicate handling of porous objects and materials, Bosch Rexroth has developed a non-contact transfer (NCT) system. The system suits applications where traditional vacuum technology with suction cups cannot be used.
A Rexroth non-contact transfer system being employed to lift delicate circuit boards
The NCT system operates using the Bernoulli principle, which uses positive airflow to lift objects in the same manner that lift is created on an aeroplane wing. The system has been employed to great effect in the highly sensitive photovoltaic industry where precision and delicacy are imperative for the proper handling of silicon wafers used in the production of efficient solar panels.
Photovoltaic market
Increasing prices, scarcity of fossil fuels and government support have led to a boom in the German photovoltaic industry, with over 430 000 solar systems in operation in Germany at the end of 2007. Solar panels are constructed from thin wafers of semiconductor which only measure between 180 and 300 microns thick. Each wafer is cut from solid silicone block, which requires considerable work and energy. In an effort to reduce the amount of material used in each panel, and create more sensitive and powerful solar panels, continuously bigger and thinner wafers of silicon are used. These wafers require a substantial amount of care when being handled, as even the smallest vibrations can lead to micro tears in the material. Micro tears can reduce the power production of the cells or lead to their complete failure.
No more tears
The implementation of the NCT system into the photovoltaic industry has led to a substantial reduction in the damage caused to solar panels through micro tears. As a result, the system has helped to efficiently reduce the mass production costs of solar panels. This will ultimately pave the way for cost-effective green power, as well as providing manufacturers with a competitive technological advantage.
The system is available in four sizes, and a variety of designs, with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 0,6 kg. The system has also been applied with great success in moving electronic circuit boards, papers, plastics and materials with rough or irregular surfaces.
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