Standard modules for micro-assembly and high-precision assembly systems

Stable production processes require dispensing operations with reliable levels of precision in the picoliter dimension – Fraunhofer IPT can deliver this.

Precise dosing not only requires full operational control over the dispensing parameters – the dosing position and the exact volume must also be known. Fraunhofer IPT has developed a “dispensing calibration station“ that measures volume and position of single adhesive droplets in-flight.

The shrinkage of glue during the hardening process creates misalignment effects that are liable to adversely affect the optical function. Fraunhofer IPT has developed a station that determines the extent of volumetric shrinkage through the build-up of factual knowledge about adhesives and comparisons of their respective properties. Automatic measurements of the adhesives allow our engineers to account for variations and deviations of adhesive reactions in their design of industrial processes.

The C6 micro-manipulator – developed by the engineers of Fraunhofer IPT – is at the heart of nearly all our micro-assembly processes. This component can be customized to meet virtually all kinds of requirements (concerning assembly space, working space, output and performance). Measuring instruments and UV-hardening units can be added, upgrading the C6 into a highly integrated, all-round assembly tool.

Cameras on top and at the bottom guarantee a reliable calibration process and allow the safe, robust pick-up of micro-components. Integrated lighting units and a standardized imaging system ensure high processing speeds.

Fraunhofer IPT has developed loading units that are compatible with fully automatic operating systems, dispensing with any need to touch (and potentially contaminate) the functional surfaces of highly sensitive, miniaturized components such as optical lenses. Additive manufacturing processes allow the cost-effective production of some of these components. The combination of loading and feeding unit enables our clients to operate their facilities with long autonomous production periods, significantly shortening the time it takes to charge the machine.

The standardized feeding unit for two and four component carriers charges the production machine quickly and efficiently, enhancing the facility’s productivity. The magazine cases are charged with component carriers outside of the machine and only uncovered and referenced once they have been brought into the production premises, in order to protect the components from contamination.

Fraunhofer IPT is developing lighting units for reliable and reproducible joining operations that are meant to allow a full process control during the curing and hardening process. The units are equipped with power electronics and metrology equipment that measures the effective UV light at the joint. This enables our engineers to control the applied dosage of UV light and to ensure that the adhesive cures and hardens fully.