Customer scenario

A South Korean smartphone camera module manufacturer needed a compact, high-throughput solution to apply dust‑capture adhesive to infrared (IR) filters used in front‑camera assemblies. The customer required simultaneous handling of two process steps on a single platform—reinforcement (structural support) and UV/thermal cure application—without increasing footprint. Challenges included fine-line dispensing inside tight optical cavities, consistent adhesive volume for optical performance, and a desire to raise UPH by running two stations in parallel while keeping maintenance and changeover simple.

Solution overview — Mingseal FS200A dual‑head inline dispenser

Mingseal deployed the FS200A configured as a dual‑station, dual‑head inline dispensing machine tailored for IR filter dust‑capture adhesive (catch‑and‑hold) and reinforcement/curing operations. The system’s combination of precision motion, syringe cartridge feed with heated sleeve options, piezo valve capability and integrated vision alignment addressed the customer’s demands for speed, accuracy and process flexibility.

Key process features

• Dual independent stations (one machine, two processes): The FS200A’s separated track and dual‑valve architecture allow simultaneous operation of two workstations. One head performs micro‑dot and bead patterns for dust‑capture adhesive around the IR filter edges; the second head applies reinforcement adhesive or a thin pre‑coat designed for later curing and structural bonding. Running both stations in parallel increased UPH without adding additional hardware.
• Piezo valve adaptability: For micro‑volume, non‑contact dotting, a piezo valve option delivered droplet control down to sub‑nanoliter to nanoliter regimes suitable for narrow optical gaps. Valve pulse tuning minimized stringing and ensured consistent dot geometry during high‑speed operation. For thicker reinforcement adhesive, the second valve option used rapid valve/pump metering to deposit controlled beads with repeatable mass.
• Precision motion and vision alignment: High‑resolution motion control (≤±10 μm repeatability) combined with integrated cameras enabled fiducial and feature alignment across the 330 × 205 mm work envelope. Fly‑align at production speeds preserved placement accuracy when switching between single and dual‑track modes.
• Syringe heating and rheology control: Optional heated sleeves and full recipe control preserved adhesive viscosity for consistent flow and wetting. Temperature setpoints were locked per recipe to prevent over‑ or under‑apply that could affect optical clarity or curing behavior.
• One‑machine two‑use flexibility and easy changeover: The FS200A’s recipe storage and MES/PLC interfaces allowed quick switching between product families (different IR filter sizes or adhesive chemistries). The isolated track design meant one station could be serviced while the other continued production, minimizing line downtime.

Production results and benefits

• UPH improvement: Running dual stations in parallel increased effective throughput by up to ~80% for dust‑capture + reinforcement cycles compared to a single‑station workflow, substantially raising line capacity without expanding floor space.
• Better optical and functional yield: Consistent micro‑dot volume and precise placement reduced particle entrapment and adhesive overflow, lowering rework rates and improving camera image quality and autofocus performance.
• Robust curing and mechanical protection: Controlled reinforcement deposits ensured reliable cure and mechanical stability during subsequent assembly steps, protecting delicate IR filter edges and improving long‑term durability.
• Lower maintenance impact: The separated track design and independent valve systems reduced full‑line stoppages; piezo valve tuning and syringe heating minimized stringing and clogging, lowering consumable waste and maintenance frequency.

Conclusion

For Korean smartphone camera manufacturers requiring high‑precision dust‑capture adhesive application on IR filters, the FS200A delivers a compact, dual‑use inline solution that raises UPH and product quality. By combining piezo and fast‑meter valves, heated syringe control, vision‑guided placement and a dual‑station layout, Mingseal’s FS200A secures consistent optical performance, faster throughput and lower downtime—supporting scalable production for advanced mobile camera assemblies. Contact Mingseal to pilot the FS200A with your adhesive formulations and IR filter designs.