Seam Sealing of Electronic Packages Using Pulsed Laser Sources

Easy Synchronization of the Laser to the Part Profile

To protect sensitive electronic components from contaminants seeping in and to ensure safe and reliable operation, the components’ housing must be sealed hermetically. Using a laser source as a tool provides high welding speeds and produces fine welding seams with narrow welding radiuses. The advantage of precision laser welding is the contactless application of the laser’s energy, which avoids stressing the housing either thermally or mechanically. For example, to create the welding seam, the package to be welded is moved under a pulsed laser source causing the laser spots to overlap each other. This is ideal when the welding process is relatively simple, and the laser spot size is proportionate to the welding width.

For a consistently high welding quality, the size and spacing of the laser pulse overlap must remain constant; even at high speeds, and with complex geometries. PI’s motion solutions enable synchronization of the laser pulse overlaps and energy in line with the defined motion path.

Key Features of the Motion Solution

High-repeatable sealing process
Highly accurate welding path
Consistent welding quality
Highly configurable weld path
High throughput
Easy laser integration

Z Axis – Precise Vertical Motion of the Laser Head

Precision ball screw linear stage with servo motor and holding brake for reliable operation under high loads
Absolute encoders avoid workpiece collisions
Folded drivetrain reduces installation space
Economically priced with fast delivery

XY Axis – Repeatable Motion of the Workpiece

Servo motor-driven ball screw linear stages for high-speed and precision
Absolute encoders avoid referencing and ensure operational safety
Low XY profile and folded drivetrain reduce installation space
XY drag chain cable management protects during processing and prolongs lifetime

Flexible and Easy Automation Control

EtherCAT® motion control and drive modules provide open network connectivity
Laser control interface synchronizes the laser beam to the motion path for high-accuracy welding
Extensive programming environment and support for higher level languages
Flexible CAD-to-motion import
Autofocus capabilities of the controller for dynamic focus adjustment
Look-ahead capability adjusts velocity to maintain accuracy
Easy programming of motion path including G-Code

System in Motion

For the safe and reliable operation of sensitive electronic devices, the housing needs to be hermetically sealed to protect the components from contamination. Our Head of Segment Marketing Automation, Dr. Cliff Jolliffe, talks about the advantages of pulsed laser sources as a tool and how PI’s motion solutions help to create fine welding seams.