Fico, a member of the Besi Group, has achieved a 40x performance enhancement with the development of a laser PCB depaneling system. This machine employs lasers to cut PCBs and memory cards. Because of the laser’s thin cuts, users are able to put 85% more components on the same area versus cuts made by a traditional router. A glass window protects the optics, and a dust chamber prohibits the laser light from escaping, as well as prevents the operator from ingesting harmful dust and smoke.
 
The performance of the laser depaneling system was improved by the implementation of  EFD.Pro fluid dynamics analysis software from Flomerics. The EFD.Pro was able to customize the airflow around the depaneling tool, reducing downtime associated with dust accumulation. After the customization customers reported 11 hours of non-stop production, and the companies claims there is room for further optimization and improvements using the Flomerics modeling tool.
 
www.fico.nl.com
 
www.flomerics.com