Rehm Honoured for its Innovative Reel-to-Reel Technology

Eningen, Germany, January 21, 2016 — /EPR NETWORK/ — The trend towards ever lighter, flexible and cost-effectively produced electronic modules makes reel-to-reel manufacturing (R2R) a popular process technology. Whether in energy-efficient LED lighting technology or wearable electronics, R2R technology is improving, revitalising the electronics industry and demanding innovative solutions. Rehm Thermal Systems has developed a new system for optimal processing of band-shaped, flexible substrates (e.g. polyimide film) using its reel-to-reel method, the innovative technology for which is has been distinguished with the “Productronica Innovation Award 2015” in the SMT cluster. The jury was particularly impressed by the moveable process chamber, designed and patented by Rehm, which enables continuous heat transfer during production.

The starting material in R2R production is on a coil (film roll), which is first unrolled, then processed in a complete production line and finally rolled up again as a finished product. Previously, however, linking the reflow soldering or drying process, which requires constant thermal conditions, was complicated by other upstream and discontinuous process steps. Costly buffer loops were needed to keep the process virtually continuous. Rehm”s innovative system technology offers an intelligent, pioneering solution that was honoured with the “Productronica Innovation Award 2015” at the Productronica trade fair in Munich.

“It is a great honour for us that, given the numerous applications, we were able to win the jury over with our innovative reel-to-reel technology. The award highlights the importance of active research and the promotion of new ideas in the electronics industry. Trade visitors showed great interest in the system at this year”s Productronica and we are happy about the decidedly positive response”, says Johannes Rehm, CEO of Rehm Thermal Systems.

Excellent system technology from Rehm (http://www.rehm-group.com)
The new R2R system for reliable soldering or drying processes comes equipped with a patented process chamber. The heat source, particularly the peak zone, is actively moved for profiling and its heat output is regulated, while the feed remains stationary for the film material. A continuous thermal profile is thus left on a stationary band, allowing the continuous passage of the module. Variable image lengths or clock stoppages for printing and assembly of various applications can be flexibly provided with customised thermal profiles. The thermal process is thus independent of differently clocked upstream or downstream processing steps. With this system, Rehm enables efficient and economical processing of large batches of products such as LED strips in continuous mode using the roll-to-roll principle, with completely continuous heat transfer.

Information on the “Productronica Innovation Award”
Innovations drive the industry forward! On its 40th anniversary, the Productronica, in cooperation with the trade journal Productronic, bestowed the “Productronica Innovation Award” for the first time, thereby honouring the most innovative new products and manufacturing processes in the electronics industry. The more than 70 award applications were examined and evaluated in a multi-stage selection process by a jury of knowledgeable and independent industry experts. Winners were awarded prizes in the five clusters: “PCB & EMS”, “SMT”, “Cables, Coils & Hybrids”, “Semiconductors” and “Future Markets”.

Pressekontakt
APROS Int. Consulting & Services
Volker Feyerabend
Rennengaessle 9
72800 Eningen
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info@APROS-Consulting.com
http://www.apros-consulting.com