September 27, 2022

Vacuum Technology for the Electronics Industry

With increasing digitization and connectivity in almost every industry, not only the demand for electronic components is increasing, but also their complexity. In the automotive, consumer electronics (handsets), infrastructure and aviation sectors, for example, the demands placed on parts and components are constantly increasing. New production technologies and miniaturization are the results. In the semiconductor sector, increasingly better and more powerful chips are manufactured, which are further processed in complex processes in the packaging sector. Due to the steadily decreasing form factor, PCB manufacturers and developers are required to generate more complex circuits and to manufacture them reliably. The high demand for electronic devices also requires manufacturers in all areas to improve their processes, increase throughput and achieve YIELD increases. Automation and information processing are part of this process. Safe and sensitive handling of components and products within the process chain are becoming increasingly important. Vacuum technology and the associated vacuum systems make it possible to meet the requirements. Thanks to Schmalz’s expertise in the field of vacuum technology and the associated knowledge of the electronics industry, Schmalz can offer the right solutions for the most advanced processes. In addition, new products are constantly being developed to meet the increasing requirements in the individual areas of semiconductor, printed circuit board and end product production.

Schmalz offers you the suitable solution in the electronic industry

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Vacuum Technology during the Manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards

During the manufacturing of printed circuit boards, vacuum and vacuum technology can be used at various points in the process chain. Schmalz distinguishes between PCB handling (automation) in the process chain and process vacuum within a production step, for example when clamping workpieces. The following table shows the essential process steps and gives an overview of the areas in which Schmalz vacuum technology can be used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards.
Vacuum Technology for Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Following the manufacture of blank printed-circuit boards (PCBs), the boards are assembled with various electrical parts and components. Resistors, IC chips, capacitors and all manner of interfaces are used in the PCB assembly, depending on the individual requirements and layout. The high number of different components, along with their diverse geometries and properties, places very high demands on the necessary vacuum technology. High cycle times and positioning accuracy are additional requirements that can be addressed with vacuum technology from Schmalz.

Schmalz offers you the suitable solution in the automotive industry

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Vacuum Technology in Press Shops
Requirements for Vacuum Technology

Highly Dynamic and Transparent Processes
- Automotive suction cups for transmitting high lateral forces to dry, dry-lubricated and oil-lubricated sheet metal
- Powerful vacuum generators with integrated process monitoring for shortest grip and release times
Resistant to Dirt and Oil
- Specially developed suction cup materials with high resistance to drawing oils
- Robust vacuum generators that work reliably under the toughest operating conditions
Good Adaptation to Complex Workpiece Shapes
- Complete range of suction cups for the most varied workpiece formats and contours in almost all process steps of sheet metal forming
- Wide range of holders for optimum adjustment of the suction cups to the workpiece contour
- Flexible lightweight construction tooling for highly dynamic processes with maximum output in press shop and body shop
Temperature Resistance During Hot Forming
- Suction cups made of the material HT2 for unloading hot sheet metal parts from the press tool
- Wear-resistant magnetic grippers with high holding forces for flexible handling of sheet metal parts with complex shapes or cutout patterns
Safety and transparent processes
- Continuous monitoring of the vacuum systems for leakage, contamination and cycle times
- Acquisition, evaluation and visualization of all relevant process data to increase plant availability
Vacuum Technology in the Body Shop
Requirements for Vacuum Technology

High Energy Efficiency During Vacuum Generation and Handling, for example in joining processes or during emergency stops
- Suction cups with outstanding sealing properties on complex shapes
- Vacuum generators with integrated air-saving function
Reliable and Transparent processes
- Continuous monitoring of vacuum systems for leakage, contamination and cycle times
- Recording, evaluation and visualization of all relevant process data to increase system availability
High Ozone Resistance in all Materials Used
- Specially developed suction cup materials ensure a long service life in the environments surrounding laser cutting machines and welding systems
- Extension of the maintenance intervals of large-scale and complex gripping systems
Vacuum Powered for Flexible and Cost Efficient Operation
- Low weight tooling by using suction cups instead of heavy mechanical clamps
- Space saving gripping from above instead of lateral mechanical clamping
Vacuum Technology in the Final Assembly
Requirements for Vacuum Technology

Handling and Installing Front, Side and Rear Windows
- Mark-free suction cup material HT1 for handling glass along the entire process chain, from application of the adhesive to installation in the vehicle
- Suction cups with a flexible sealing lip, a bellow and a defined support surface for gentle pickup of curved windows with high force transmission
Handling and Placing Automotive Batteries
- Gripping system enables safe handling of different battery types using check valve technology and adaptable sealing foam
- Available with integrated pneumatic vacuum generation or with external electrical vacuum generation, depending on customer requirements
Automated logistics processes with Cobots
- Compressed air independent vacuum generators for autonomous warehouses or stationary handling tasks with collaborative robots (Cobots)
- Vacuum gripper ready for connection for automated “grip into the box” and removal of individual parts from containers with chaotic or pre-sorted packing patterns
- Handling sets for the quick assembly of gripping solutions

Vacuum Technology for the Electronics Industry