Essemtec Builds Printing System for LED Lamps

Essemtec will build a production line for LED tubular lamps that will replace the common fluorescent lamps. The company's 180x50 cm printing system will enable the fully automatic, inline production of such lamps.

In Europe, fluorescence lamps cannot be sold beginning in 2012 and will be replaced by LED tubular lamps. Until now, the fully automatic manufacturing of such lamps was not possible because of limitations of the available inline printing systems. Essemtec has set out to develop an automatic production line for such products.

The line consists of a large format printing system, multiple pick-and-place machines, and a curing or reflow system. The line can produce all lengths of LED tube lamps up to 180cm.

The inline screen/stencil printer invented by Essemtec has a printable area of 180x50 cm that allows a panel for multiple 180cm tubes to be printed in one run. The machine automatically loads and prints PCBs, and forwards them to the pick-and-place system. The inline conveyor system is designed to transport heavy aluminium-based PCBs commonly used for LED products.

One or more pick-and-place machines are installed inline to mount LEDs and other electronic components onto the PCB. The number of machines only depends on the desired line throughput. The MIS software, a development of Essemtec, automatically balances the work load over multiple machines to achieve maximum line output. Other functions of MIS (Management Information System) include quality assurance, consumption and stock management, as well as the storage of production data for traceability.

For curing and soldering of the components onto the PCB, a high-performance reflow or curing system is installed inline. The oven is optimized for the unique needs of large and heavy boards, and provides constant process conditions at every position.

The entire line can be customized. For example, it can be completed with handling and inspection modules. For ESD or moisture-sensitive components, it is recommended to use the Tower automatic preservation system. Therein, such components can be stored even without protective packaging. Essemtec delivers a turnkey production line trimmed to the customer's requirements.

www.essemled.com