New Rapid Metallizer for Fully Automated PVD-Metallization in the Packaging Industry

摘要

A fast growing demand for packagings in the cosmetic industry has been observed over the last years. An approved industrial layer system consists of a base lacquer, a metal film provided by PVD and a final top lacquer. The globalisation of the markets, however, dramatically increases the cost pressure. As a matter of fact, lower process times and the automation of production systems consequently yield saving of resources. A new vacuum metallization system, particularly designed for the integration into fully automated process lines of the packaging industry, will be described below. The plant is executed as a batch system with two oppositely arranged doors whereas the carrier provided with the parts to be metallized passes through the system. The substrates have been mounted on racks, before being introduced into the production line. Loading and unloading of the carrier will be handled by means of a manipulator system. The metallization system as a section of the completely automated line is characterized as follows: (1) part size up to diameter of 100 mm and height of 130 mm; (2) horizontal substrate flow in the production line; (3) minimization of the complexity of substrate holders; (4) cycle time of ca. 130s for one carrier; (5) fully automated loading, unloading and transport; (6) use of sputtering technology for metallization.