Press release for exhibition PVSEC 2011

Tight for ever - Quality improvement for taping of photovoltaic modules

Reis Robotics Presents Circumferential Tape Application

Obernburg - Quality and service life are important criteria for solar modules. For this year's European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) in Hamburg, Reis Robotics will present an innovation of worldwide importance: optimized circumferential tape application prior to framing. Photovoltaic modules now can be protected against penetrating moisture in an even safer and longer-lasting way. This solution can also be retrofitted into existing systems.

Reis Robotics is an expert for automation in the solar module production market, and in the past six years has automated more than 100 systems. Thus, about 6 GW of power from renewable solar energy is supplied into the electricity grid worldwide. Reis Robotics will present an important technical innovation at this year's EU PVSEC so that these photovoltaic modules will supply current for the long term and in a reliable manner. For the first time it can be guaranteed that the laminated layers of a photovoltaic module remain tight over time, and that even the smallest capillary fissures are avoided.

Circumferential tape application prior to framing of a photovoltaic module

The special highlight from Reis for the exhibition in Hamburg is the fully automatic, circumferential application of the adhesive tape before framing. For this purpose Reis Robotics developed a new process, applying the necessary foamed tape continuously, without stopping at the module corners when direction changes. These foamed tapes are for preventing dirt and moisture entering from outside. The new process offers considerably increased safety because now a gap-free continuous gluing is performed at the corners. This eliminates the risk due to the start points of the adhesive tape at every corner. Thus, the danger of water penetrating between laminate and frame is averted. The assembly process being fully automated, a reproducible and consistently very high quality is the result.

Extensive tests in the Reis technical laboratory have shown that processing of most common adhesive tape types of different manufacturers are compatible with this assembly process.

Reis Robotics emphasizes that the new procedure is of modular design to give customers the possibility of retrofitting the automated taping system into existing production lines, too. The new modular taping workcell by system supplier Reis Robotics therefore not only increases product quality, but at the same time minimizes investment cost.

In the field of automated production of solar modules Reis Robotics offers a wide range of expertise, from technology development and the development of new production methods via planning and putting into practice individual production cells up to delivery and commissioning of complete production lines. Options include manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic production lines for crystalline silicon, thin film, and solar thermal module production. Eight subsidiaries in Asia, Europe and America provide global commissioning and support of production lines. Worldwide services with expert knowledge guarantee optimum after sales service.

At the EU PVSEC Exhibition in Hamburg you will find Reis Robotics in: Hall A4, booth C2

Photo named: Circumferential tape application:

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Fully automatic and circumferential application of the framing tape.

Reis Robotics

Reis Robotics is an innovative company leading in robot technology and system integration.

The Reis Robotics group with international activities has its headquarters in Obernburg/Germany and is a market leader for automation systems in the photovoltaic industry. For more than two decades Reis has been one of the most important integrators for automation systems in all major industry sectors. In addition to articulated arm robots the product range also includes linear robots, gantries, horizontal articulated arm robots and other special robots. Additional products include: Try-out and Spotting Presses as well as Trim Presses and Trim Tools.

Reis Robotics designs and delivers complete automation systems from one source. The company’s success since 1957 is based on the great experience gained during planning and execution of turnkey automation systems. For this, Reis Robotics offers a broad product range of industrial robots (welding robots, casting robots, handling robots, laser robots, soldering robots, assembly robots, and many others), peripheral modules and services for automation solutions in all major application fields.

Further information:

Reis GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik

Walter-Reis-Str.1 63785 Obernburg

Petra Reus

Phone: 06022 / 503-821e-mail: gls@reisrobotics.de

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