Extending product life with field-upgradable film frame automation
Project snapshot
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Challenge
Rapid automation upgrade across an installed base
A leading manufacturer of laser processing systems for semiconductor advanced packaging needed to quickly offer automated film frame loading to customers who had previously purchased manual systems. The upgrade had to be low cost, field-installable, and compatible with multiple system models already deployed, or risk losing new sales to competitors.
Innovation
A configurable, self-contained automation module designed for rapid field upgrades
We partnered with the customer’s marketing and engineering teams to define and deliver a retrofit-ready film frame handling solution.
Key elements included:
- A low-cost, fully configurable film frame handling module compatible with existing installed systems.
- Support for multiple frame sizes and materials, with cassette mapping and slot sensing for reliable automation.
- A belt-driven transfer axis and buffer station to maximize throughput while minimizing vibration.
- A small onboard controller with standalone HMI and simple Ethernet communication, enabling off-line testing and straightforward field installation.
- SEMI F47 and CE-compliant design suitable for deployment across a global installed base.
Result
A successful field upgrade and product line extension
The customer successfully launched a field-upgradable automation option on a compressed schedule, protecting existing revenue and enabling continued sales into high-volume semiconductor fabs.
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