A technological line for copper panels dieletric plating based on epoxy powder is a unique process of creating new insulation (foil-clad paper-based laminate) to produce high-density PCBs and chip bases.

Main functions of an automated system software

The software executes the following functions:

• Acquisition and handling of analog and discrete signals;
• Regulation of technological process parameters:
  
  • Conveyor speed;
  • Copper plate tension at the output of a reel-off machine;
  • Thickness of a polymer layer that coats the base material (copper plate);
  • Infrared furnace temperature.

• Creation and management of the recipes;
• Logging of technological process parameters in order to create reports on each production unit of a line;
• Remote control over operating mechanisms;
• Control over technological processes in real time;
• Protection against data and operating mechanisms control trespassing;
• Protection against emergency operation modes;
• Generation of emergency signals and messages with further logging in order to review and sort the emergency reports later on.

Control system structure

Control software consists of the following parts:

• Software-based PLC (SoftPLC);
• Project server (ProjectOPC);
• Visualization (fastView).

Control system is based on a distributed system principle. All sub-systems that gather signals from sensors and control signals are connected to the control PC (PLC PC) with the help of PROFIBUS system.

Technological line control software operates in a specially developed environment under Windows XP Embedded OS control.

Depending on the complexity of a control object, project server and visualization can operate either on the same PC as PLC or on a separate PC connected to the PLC PC through Ethernet. In the given project all system components operate from the same PC.

Programming language

• Structured text (ST)
• Java

Equipment

• I/O system
  • analog inputs - outputs;
  • digital inputs - outputs.

• Copper foil reeling device;
• Epoxy powder dispersion device;
• Pen brush;
• Press rollers;
• Infrared furnace;
• Cover thickness measurement device.