Automation Solutions for Electroplating Processes

Precision Process Equipment creates innovative, cost-effective automation solutions to meet your electroplating needs. Automation solutions include:

Accumulators

Precision Process designs and manufactures accumulator systems for a variety of industries. Systems use counter weighting, ball screws, and chain-drive mechanisms, along with individual operator control station, with automatic PLC control and manual override capability.

Features and options:

  • Single or dual-strand process capability, depending upon throughput requirements
  • Vertical or horizontal configurations
  • Stainless steel wheel construction in lieu of polypropylene or other plastics

Takeup systems for reel-to-reel and roll-to-roll (R2R) electroplating systems

Within automation, the take up is used to rewind strip material from a reel-to-reel and roll-to-roll (R2R) electroplating system, cleaning system, or similar apparatus. The single disk horizontal-style take up system is configured with a single disk mounted horizontally to allow the strip material to be operated in the vertical plane.

  • Dual take up system—the payout system unwinds strip material into a R2R electroplating system, cleaning system, or other similar apparatus. This horizontal style system has two separate disks mounted horizontally that allow the strip material to be operated in the vertical plane and giving the operator a second, full reel already loaded when the first reel becomes empty.
  • Power take-up system—This single-disk horizontal style system allows the strip material to be operated in the vertical plane. Primary reel control is accomplished through an SCR-type DC motor speed and torque control. The controller can be operated in either the speed or torque mode. A start/stop switch and LED indicator lights for “Power On”, “Stop”, and “Overload” are included. A speed trim pot is also provided.
  • Dual power take up system—This vertical-style system has two separate disks mounted vertically, allowing the strip material to be operated in the horizontal plane, and giving the operator a second empty reel already loaded when the first reel becomes full. Primary reel control is accomplished through a loop sensor or dancer arm (not shown). Each of these methods will continuously maintain a loop in the strip material. Optional low material warning sensors are available to alert the operator when a disk is nearly full. Non-powered paper payout disks with interweave are included.

Drive systems

Capstan drive systems

The capstan drive system pulls strip material through a reel-to-reel and roll-to-roll (R2R) wet process machine.

Features and options:

  • Stainless steel and aluminum construction
  • Polyurethane drive wheels, 4 inches wide
  • Drive systems may be run in "pinch" or "S-swap" mode
  • Drive systems have adjustable height, camber, and tilt
  • Drive systems are designed for speeds up to 100 fpm
  • Use for either vertical or horizontal strip in automation
  • Optional operator control panel available, with digital readout of strip speed and speed control potentiometer

Tractor-type drive system

Precision Process’s R2R electroplating systems feature a variable speed drive system to pull the strip material through the machine during automation. The tractor-type drive system uses dual-opposing belts to "grab" the strip and pull it. A pneumatic bladder system provides uniform pressure across the length of each belt.

Features and options

"Tractor- type" configurations with contoured rubber belts eliminate deformation of delicate parts.

  • The drive system automatically shuts off rectifiers and hot air dryers when the drive is disengaged.
  • Variable tension control mechanically limits the torque applied to the strip material.
  • Independent operator monitoring station, with clear safety shield.
  • Digital read out of strip speed available through the main control system or remote display.

Payouts for reel-to-reel and roll-to-roll (R2R) electroplating systems

A payout system unwinds strip material in a reel-to-reel and roll-to-roll electroplating system, cleaning system, or similar apparatus.

Precision Process constructs each system with heavy duty stainless steel material and footpads for proper leveling. A loop sensor or dancer arm allows primary reel control. Optional low material warning sensors alert the operator when a disk is nearly empty. The system also includes a motorized paper take-up disk.

  • Single payout system—this single disk horizontal style system is configured with a single disk mounted horizontally, which allows the strip material to be operated in the vertical plane. An adjustable slip clutch is included to maintain tension on the material as it unwinds.
  • Dual-powered payout 1—this dual-powered payout 1 system features two separate horizontal disks. This horizontal-style payout system allows the strip material to be processed in a vertical plane and the operator to have a second, full reel already loaded when the first reel becomes empty.
  • Dual-power payout 2—this vertical style system features two separate disks mounted vertically, which allows the strip material to be operated in the horizontal plane, and allows the operator to have a second, full reel already loaded when the first reel becomes empty.
  • Dual-power payout 3—this vertical style system provides four separate disks mounted vertically. Two disks are dedicated to each of the two strands of material, which allows the strip material to be operated in the horizontal plane, and allows the operator to have a second, full reel already loaded for each strand, when the first reels become empty.

Material handling equipment from Precision Process

Precision Process designs and builds material handling equipment, including zero-tension systems for extremely fragile materials.

Precision Process provides terminal equipment for roll-to-roll electroplating in a wide range of sizes and capacities. High speed units can be configured in a variety of ways to meet your specific needs. Options include:

  • Positive displacement steering
  • Pneumatic dancers or load cells for tension control
  • Traverse winding capability

Precision Process has designed and built equipment to handle delicate thin gauge materials as well as heavy gauges.

Contact Precision Process for more information about automation systems and material handling.