September 2020

www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS June 2020 39 atam.uk.com Every year, millions of ATAM encapsulated coils used on off-highway vehicles pass demanding field tests. During the final stages of our production processes each coil is fully tested against rigid criteria for electrical resistance, dielectric strength, surge protection and functionality. It is the stringent nature of these tests that guarantee reliability of each coil over time, even in the most extreme conditions. ATAM also produces coils with external armature and additional options that are ATEX and IECEx certified. Actuators, sensors and industrial connecting systems complement the range, demonstrating great attention to market needs. Every ATAM solution is an expression of a living technology combining innovation, reliability, attention to detail and respect for the environment. ATAM. Experience and reliability in off-highway applications. Series 415 coil encapsulated in thermoplastic. Insulation class H (180 °C) with AMP JT connection. Tested Cost-effective Robust TF Automation was commissioned by Kostal Automotive Electrical Systems to design and build two plasma treat machines to address the increase in demand for cleaning new automotive switch products. Kostal asked TF Automation to design two identical plasma treat machines to clean the surfaces of a switch assembly. Under the touch sensitive switch or button there is a capacitive foil and to ensure good performance the bonding between the switch and foil is critical with no moisture or air bubbles. To prepare the switch for capacitive foil bonding, the plastic elements required to be plasma-cleaned to remove any moisture and impurities. Plasma pre-treatment is the key enabler technology for microfine cleaning, surface activation and plasma coating of nearly all kinds of materials. Conventional industrial pre-treatment methods are being replaced by plasma technology to make processes more effective and environmentally friendly. TF Automation manufactured the two plasma treat machines to automatically clean and prepare the inner surfaces of the automotive switches. Both machines accept 6 variants; however, they are programmed to accommodate many more variants, if required. The operator places two component parts into nests on a sliding drawer which is then closed. The drawer is automatically locked which seals the plasma cleaning area and protects the operator. The plasma cleaning of both switches is carried out, allowing the operator to perform other tasks, as required. Once cleaning is complete, the operator then removes the switches and repeats the operation. The change-over from one variant to another is simple with quick change nests selected from the menu on the HMI screen. The nests are fully poka-yoked sensed if variants are selected in error, the machine prompts the operator. The plasma head is mounted on to a 3-axis servo cartesian gantry and when the operator chooses a variant on the HMI, the correct plasma path is automatically selected. The plasma jet is guided with a defined speed and distance over the surface of the component prior to bonding. As the jet rotates, the plasma provides uniform treatment over a wider area than a non-rotational jet. The treatment is made by a potential-free plasma flume that exits the nozzle at an angle. www.tfautomation.co.uk. TF Automation designs plasma treat machines for automotive firm