Precise, non-contact dispensing improves quality and reliability of solar cells

Intersolar North America 2013

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.--Nordson EFD, a Nordson company (NASDAQ:NDSN), has developed a non-contact dispense valve for precision jetting of low viscosity flux onto solar cell bus bars. Operating at speeds up to 500Hz/sec, the Square WaveTM 745NC valve meets the photovoltaic industry's need to deposit continuous lines of microdots on the solder-coated metal ribbons that connect adjoining PV wafers. Flux removes oxidation and contamination to improve solar cell efficiency and power output.

The Square Wave's innovative solenoid technology delivers a high-speed cycle rate that minimizes process variation for repeatable dot-to-dot consistency. A low actuation speed of 2 milliseconds prevents build-up of flux crystals on the valve's nozzle which could prevent the fluid from being deposited precisely on the bus bar. The pistons' unique material reduces friction and wear. Tests showed over 880 million cycles of use without any deterioration.

Because of its non-contact design, the Square Wave never touches the delicate and brittle PV wafer; therefore, breakage and rejects are minimized. A special nozzle enables multiple orifice diameters from 100 – 175 microns so deposit sizes and volumes can be easily changed.

"Nordson EFD's 745NC solves the problems of slow evaporation, excess non-activated flux, flux build-up, clogging of the nozzle, and prevents encapsulation delamination caused by excessive flux application," explained Terry Dunbar, Nordson EFD market development manager. "These factors drive up the cost-of-ownership and increase manufacturing down-time. The 745NC uses the least amount of flux and produces the highest utilization strength of the solar cell strings."

The Square Wave can be seen at Intersolar NA, San Francisco, California, July 9-11 in the Nordson EFD booth, West Hall 8521.

Photo of the Square Wave is available at:

http://www.nordsonefd.com/images/Nordson_EFD_745NC_Square_Wave_Valve.jpg

For more information, visit Nordson EFD on the web at www.nordsonefd.com, www.facebook.com/NordsonEFD, or www.linkedin.com/company/nordson-efd, email at info@nordsonefd.com, or call +1 401.431.7000 or 800.556.3484.

See Nordson EFD at Intersolar NA West Hall Booth 8521

About Nordson EFD
Nordson EFD designs and manufactures precision fluid dispensing systems for benchtop assembly processes and automated assembly lines. By enabling manufacturers to apply the same amount of adhesive, lubricant or other assembly fluid to every part, every time, EFD dispensing systems are helping companies in a wide variety of industries increase throughput, improve quality, and lower their production costs. Other fluid management capabilities include high-quality syringe barrels and cartridges for packaging one- and two-component materials, along with a wide variety of fittings, couplers and connectors for controlling fluid flow in medical, biopharmaceutical and industrial environments. The company is also a leading formulator of specialty solder pastes for dispensing and printing applications in the electronics industry.

About Nordson Corporation
Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ: NDSN) delivers precision technology solutions to help customers succeed worldwide. The company engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products and systems used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials and other materials, fluid management, test and inspection, UV curing and plasma surface treatment, all supported by application expertise and direct global sales and service. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, durable and technology end markets including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, construction, and general product assembly and finishing. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the company has operations and support offices in more than 30 countries. Visit Nordson on the web at www.nordson.com, www.twitter.com/Nordson_Corp or www.facebook.com/nordson.