Xcell 3400 Stringer

Description

The Xcell 3400 Stringer with its innovative soldering head embodies all of the features which have made our previous stringer machines industry leading products. Firmly rooted in proven technology the Xcell 3400 Stringer is the next generation of our automated stringer product line. Capable of processing all traditional mono- and polycrystalline solar cells up to 156 mm x 156 mm, with 2 or 3 busbars and a maximum throughput rate of 600 solar cells per hour, the Xcell 3400 Stringer truly is the perfect fit for solar cell stringing needs.

Innovative Aspect

The Xcell 3400 Stringer offers several innovative process steps during production of a string.

State of the art spray fluxing addresses the issue of having to much flux as well as flux contamination on the machine surfaces where it is not needed. Processor controlled flux valves for each busbar spray the correct amount of flux onto the solar cell while it is moving from one station to the next.

Controlling the ribbon on both ends during the handling process as well as being able to stretch ribbon enables the Xcell 3400 Stringer to place even soft ribbon accurately avoiding costly manual rework.

Different crystalline solar cell materials, challenging solar cell thicknesses as low as 160µm and especially varying solar cell thickness tolerances are reasons for uneven thermal stress. This is especially true if solder methods are used which don’t allow thermal energy adjustments during solder cycle. Using induction closed loop soldering, and therefore a non contact heating source, assures total control during soldering process of ramp time, temperature set point, and cooling in a way that is cost effective and safe for people operating the equipment, while allowing full visibility of the soldering head during production. Non-contact pyrometer temperature readings right on the solar cell next to the busbar, combined with a high speed controller guarantees a user defined, repeatable temperature profile for each cycle.

To virtually eliminate maintenance on the string transport system and therefore minimize downtime, as well as providing zero tolerance change of the string dimensions over the continued length of the string, the Xcell 3400 Stringer features an AccuTrack (Walking beam). This patented assembly allows for extremely gentle transportation of a string using a rectangular moving profile.

Benefits

• Uses enhanced processes like spray fluxing, both end ribbon control and induction closed loop soldering, to minimize costly manual rework and solar cell breakage.
• Uses highly efficient and controllable induction soldering which allows normal guarding combined with attractive pricing.
• AccuTrack virtually eliminates solar cell transport system maintenance.
• Uses a compact footprint to optimize factory floor layouts.