In the world of high-speed PCB manufacturing, even the smallest particles can have a significant impact on quality. Debris and dust accumulation within the spindle collet can lead to increased runout, reduced tool life, and—in the worst cases—unreliable hole registration. To address this challenge, our engineering team developed the Auto-Collet Cleaning (ACC) system, a solution that is now officially protected by patent.
This achievement is the result of the dedicated work of our development team. We would like to congratulate the inventors whose expertise brought this technology to life: Erich Greb, Timo Scherer, Markus Winterschladen, Dominic Hanaman, and Thomas Christlieb.
The ACC technology is designed to maintain the integrity of the spindle without manual intervention or production stops. By automating the cleaning cycle, the system ensures that the clamping surface remains pristine. This innovation offers several key advantages for the modern shop floor:
- Reduced Maintenance Time: Automation significantly cuts down the hours typically required for manual cleaning protocols.
- Stable Maintenance Cycles: Ensures that cleaning happens consistently and at the optimal intervals, regardless of production load.
- Elimination of the "Human Factor": By removing manual handling, we avoid the inconsistencies and potential errors associated with manual cleaning processes.
- Longer Lifetime for Spare Parts: Keeping the collet and spindle interface clean directly reduces wear and tear, extending the operational life of these critical components.
This patent reflects our ongoing commitment to solving the practical, everyday challenges of the shop floor through smart engineering. By integrating ACC into our equipment, we provide our customers with a more robust, low-maintenance solution that keeps machines running at peak performance.
Want to know more?
If you are interested in how our patented ACC technology can improve your production quality and reduce maintenance needs, we are ready to share the technical details.
Contact Schmoll today to learn more.
