New Product: Cell stringer system from KUKA handles 750 cells per hour

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Product Briefing Outline: KUKA has introduced the ACS 600 process tool, which is an advanced Cell Stringer system. The system has an output of 750 cells per hour and can process both polycrystalline and monocrystalline cells, from 160 µ to 220 µ in thickness, with two or three bus bars. The alignment accuracy range is less than ±0.2 mm, while the breakage rate of the cells is less than 0.5%.

Problem: Early monitoring of cells for quality and possible cracks or breakage is of decisive importance for the entire module production process and if defects are discovered at an early stage it prevents costly rejects later in the production cycle, reducing costs.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

Solution: The key to the automatic string manufacturing process is the patented soldering technology, KUKA SoftTempProfile. In a preliminary stage, the cells are pre-tempered from both sides in order to achieve the best possible, reliable soldered connections with the patented temperature profile in the ensuing infrared soldering process. The cell string is subsequently cooled in a three-stage process that is continuously monitored. The load on the cells caused by the thermal induction is thus reduced and physical expansion of the cells and bars is prevented. The cells are positioned quickly and precisely by a KUKA KR 5 Scara with a vacuum suction gripper. A single handling process for the gripping of the cell, measurement and visual inspection under a stationary camera, solder application and positioning of the cells on the high-tech vacuum conveyor also reduces the load on the cells and minimizes potential sources of damage to the solar cells.

Applications: Solar cell stringing and inspection.

Platform: The KUKA ACS 600 is also available as the KUKA ACS 600/2 dual stringer with an hourly throughput of 1500 cells and integrated layup and string inspection. All data are displayed and can be automatically logged in an internal database or transmitted to an MES system to be used for statistics and quality purposes.

Availability: Currently available.

Read Next

Premium
May 23, 2025
The PPA is a 'cornerstone' of the European renewables space, according to speakers at Solar Media's Renewables Procurement & Revenue Summit.
Premium
May 23, 2025
Tongwei's CEO has told an annual shareholder meeting that next year will see a turning point in industry fortunes as obsolete capacity is phased out.
May 22, 2025
US energy utility AES has signed two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with technology giant Meta for two solar PV projects in the US states of Texas and Kansas.
May 22, 2025
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) has contracted 2.2GW of solar PV across 18 projects.
May 22, 2025
SMA Solar will begin local assembly of power systems for large-scale solar and energy storage systems in the US.
May 22, 2025
Prefabricated solar structure provider 5B has become the first recipient of the Australian government’s AU$1 billion Solar Sunshot Program, securing up to AU$46 million for its “Maverick” automated solar deployment system.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 8, 2025
Asia
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece