Laminate Edge Trimming System for Photovoltaic Modules

The Spi-Auto Trim™ is an automated system that removes excess encapsulant and back sheet material from the edges of photovoltaic modules after lamination.

Laminates are transported into the system on a powered conveyor and positioned with a two-axis edge aligner. A pneumatic lift raises the laminate above the conveyor to allow full access to the laminate edges. A four-axis (x, y, z and è) Cartesian robot transports an end-effector with a hot knife to trim the laminate edges. After trimming, the laminate is placed down on the conveyor and transported out of the system.

An infrared sensor provides a non-contact means for monitoring the temperature of the knife blade to ensure it is within the desired operating window. Additional sensors are provided for process sequencing, self-diagnostics, operator safety, and collision avoidance.

Features & Benefits

• Hot knife provides rapid cutting with minimal force
• Infrared sensor monitors blade temperature
• Interlocked enclosure protects operator from robot and hot knife
• Clutch on robot protects from damage in collision
• Controlled by industrial PC with touch screen and graphical user interface
• Upstream and downstream handshakes provide for passing modules automatically

Certifications