Advanced Coating Robotics (ACR) (www.advancedcoatingrobotics.com) has created a conformal coating machine that blends high throughput with exceptional three-dimensional spraying accuracy – thanks to a real-time Ethernet motion control system.

Based on Baldor Electric motion control products, the multi-axis system has three axes that use ACR’s Ethernet-compatible PowerLink servo drives.

ACR’s reasons behind the choice of this technology were the ease in applying real-time interpolated control over the machine’s five-axis servo and stepper driven motion, flexibility of Baldor’s motion control software and the simple building approach of the plug-together system provided by the Ethernet-based modules.

The new MACCS 400 machine delivers a fast and highly flexible way of selectively applying printed circuit board (PCB) mounted components with protective conformal coatings, and accommodate both batch and inline processing operations. With board components as high as 900 mm, it can coat PCBs as big as 500 x 480 mm.

MACCS 400 is a free-standing machine designed with small 1.4 m2 footprint. Capable of completely autonomous operation, it can be equipped with chain conveyors and be integrated with PCB production line. It is fully compliant with the SMEMA (surface mount equipment manufacturers association) electrical and mechanical interface standards.

The MACCS 400 can apply various conformal coatings, including HumiSeal and Parylene products, and provides a selection of cartridge or pressure vessel feed. Standard features include a remote teach pendant, an integral camera for manual alignment and built-in solvent and purge cups for flushing. The machine also has several optional facilities, such as fluid viscosity control, multiple spray heads, a laser pointer and a bar code reader.