More Flexibility and Precision in the Semiconductor and electronics industry

The demand for ever more powerful microchips is increasing. Modern, open automation solutions are the key to being able to react quickly to changes in the market and at the same time guarantee the high demands on production quality. Bosch Rexroth supports the semiconductor industry with its comprehensive industry know-how and a broad portfolio of automation solutions and mechatronic systems across the entire value stream – from wafer production, front-end and back-end to electronics production.

Semiconductors play a key role in industry. And demand is growing: the VDMA expects the number of semiconductors required to double between 2023 and 2030. However, it is not just the quantities, but also the demand for ever more power in ever smaller devices that is increasing the pace of development and production in the industry. Procurement bottlenecks, rising energy costs and the shortage of skilled workers are also increasing the pressure on manufacturers and their suppliers.

“The dynamics in the semiconductor industry continue to increase: if you want to be successful today, you have to develop further and industrialize your solutions even faster. With the open automation solutions from Bosch Rexroth, our customers can strengthen their innovative power and further accelerate the pace of innovation,” summarizes Thomas Kober, Head of the Semiconductor Industry Segment at Bosch Rexroth. Automation solutions must not only be modular, compact and adaptable, but also meet the special requirements of semiconductor production. The components and mechatronic subsystems are designed for maximum precision and speed, cleanroom and vacuum suitability and high resistance to chemicals.

Bosch Rexroth offers end-to-end solutions from the fields of automation, linear and joining technology as well as material handling for the digitalization and optimization of the entire value stream. All components, modules and system solutions have open interfaces and can therefore be easily combined with other solutions and expanded on a modular basis. With over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, the company provides support not only in engineering and rapid, customer-specific prototyping, but also throughout the entire life cycle of a system.

Open, flexible and compact: automation solutions for wafer production
With the automation system ctrlX AUTOMATION from Bosch Rexroth, manufacturers benefit from maximum openness. The modular system provides all components for comprehensive automation solutions - from controllers, I/Os, IPCs, HMIs, drives and safety solutions to extensive motion, PLC and IoT functionalities. The Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS runs on the control platform ctrlX CORE, the heart of the modular automation component, which now also offers OEMs extensive integration possibilities and new business opportunities. Linear motion technology such as precise, ready-to-install linear axes or highly rigid PSK precision modules with compact dimensions complete the portfolio for wafer production.

Application-specific subsystems for the front-end
For the front-end, Bosch Rexroth offers wafer lifts for transfer and process functions as well as for cleaning and polishing processes. The subsystems are available in numerous versions and are supplied fully tested. Ready-to-install linear and compact modules for precise positioning tasks are available in any length and as multi-axis systems. The extensive and cleanroom-certified aluminum profile system enables the rapid implementation of machine frames, ergonomic workstations, flow racks and safety fences.

Wide range of solutions for the back-end
For the back-end, Bosch Rexroth offers high-precision and dynamic motion control solutions, workstation systems for designing ergonomic workstations and autonomous mobile robots. EMC electromechanical cylinders as well as compact and linear modules enable high-precision and dynamic movements. The compact modules are also available as a multi-axis solution with the Smart Function Kit Handling - including motor, cable, controller and software.

Maximum flexibility for electronics production
The range of solutions for electronics production extends from ready-to-install axes with integrated linear motors for SMT applications (surface mount technology) to motion systems for intralogistics processes. The high-speed motion system ctrlX FLOWHS with its high dynamics and precise positioning is suitable for micro-assembly, for example. The planar system ctrlX FLOW6D operates with high speed and precision in six degrees of freedom and, as the movers are free-floating, without any friction, heat or pollution input.

www.boschrexroth.com