Coming: New Robotics for PV Production
Automation providers ABB and Bosch Rexroth have
both devised robotic and motion-control equipment
aimed at PV production tasks.
ABB’s new IRB6640 clean-room robot targets thinfilm
photovoltaics. The new clean-room version of the
IRB6640 meets process and clean-room specifications for
the thin-film photovoltaic industry, according to ABB.
ABB clean-room robots have three paint layers:
a prime coat, a white paint layer and a clear topcoat.
Screws and inspection panels are covered with plastic
prior to painting, which is subsequently removed
when the paint dries. Some screws and panels are
then protected again using removable covers, which
facilitates cleaning. Inspection panels are not painted.
Any areas that could potentially cause contamination
get sealed at the factory using metal plates. The clean-room robots are cleaned before they are shipped
to customers and are protected by a double layer of
plastic. The first layer is removed just outside the clean
room to ward off contaminants. The second layer of
plastic comes off inside the clean room to ensure compliance
with strict cleanliness specifications.
Drive and control maker Bosch Rexroth says a
broad range of its automation products handle photovoltaic
production. The BKK and BKR Bridge Modules
span long unsupported lengths and are optimized
for extremely high torsional stiffness. Modules are
fully enclosed to protect components from contamination.
The BKR belt-driven version provides faster
speeds and comes in lengths up to 8,000 mm. The
ball-screw-driven BKK version offers higher thrust
forces and lengths up to 5,500 mm.
The ED02 Electro-Pneumatic pressure regulator
provides 100 lpm of flow and attains a dynamic
usually possible only in devices with larger nominal
widths. Up to four ED02 series pressure regulators can
stack together without a base plate, and compressed
air supply is possible from both sides for flexibility.
Finally, new Version 2.0 software for the Rexroth
NYCe 4000 motion controller now supports all types of
encoding signals for accurate positioning while eliminating
the need for a costly interpolator and cable.
Make contact
ABB, ABB.com
Bosch Rexroth, boschrexroth-us.com/semicon