Initial situation
For deployment in the production of thin-film solar cells JENOPTIK Automatisierungstechnik GmbH introduced the VOTAN™ Solas 400 laser system onto the market. The movements of the laser are undertaken by a dynamic unit, to which the laser, the servomotor and the corresponding sensors and actuators are secured. The laser head is controlled by means of solenoid valves, which require a high switching current. JENOPTIK was unable to use conventional relays for this task. Addressing the inductive switches with high currents typically leads to sparking, which would result in relay wear.
Solution
During the concept development phase for the laser drive Weidmüller's innovative MICROOPTO opto modules came at the right time, because an opto module in the form of a solid-state relay is resistant to mechanical wear.
