Here at VDL ETG Almelo, we manufacture many high-tech systems and modules for the semiconductor industry. Common components of these systems are large aluminium frames (amongst other products and systems). Other components are typically joint together using bolts. Although very light, aluminium is also a relatively soft material. Therefore, the joints would be fragile if bolts are screwed directly into the aluminium, especially when parts get assembled and reassembled often. The strength requirements of our customers is often considerably higher, so in order to mitigate this problem, we use inserts like helicoils and keenserts made from stainless steel, which greatly increases the strength of the bolted joint. These inserts are placed into holes in the aluminium. Helicoils are screwed in, while keenserts get secured into the aluminium using pins.
The inserts are currently placed and checked manually. Tens to hundreds or even thousands of inserts are placed within each frame, and the mentioned standard of quality requires that each insert is double-checked by a colleague. It’s important to double check that the helicoil or keensert is placed correctly in the correct spot. This is a time consuming manual process, which we think could be improved significantly with your help.
Two case challenges can be derived from this manufacturing process:
VDL Enabling Technologies Group is a 'tier-one contract manufacturing partner' with global operations. Our customers are ‘Original Equipment Manufacturing’ companies that have a leading role in high-tech manufacturing equipment and users of advanced production lines. High quality and service level On the basis of high quality and service level in the supply of mechatronic modules we aim to exceed our customers’ expectations. We have built up broad experience in the following markets: equipment for the semiconductor industry, thin-film deposition equipment for photovoltaic solar cells, analytical instruments, medical systems, science & industry and mechanisation projects. Range of services offered The range of services offered by the VDL ETG units includes engineering, prototyping and serial manufacturing of products characterised by high complexity and relatively small production numbers. We also provide customer-specific production mechanisation, the area that VDL ETG Projects focuses on. Under the Philips flag we developed into a worldwide supplier of high-quality mechanical components, modules and complete systems. As part of VDL Groep, we are now even better able to adopt a leading position. We support our customers around the world from our production units in Eindhoven (NL), Almelo (NL), Trübbach (CH), Singapore and Suzhou (China).