Successful Installation and Commissioning of the New Coating Line at CSI Sud Ouest
In November, ahk Service & Solutions GmbH successfully installed and commissioned the new solder mask coating line at CSI Sud Ouest in Toulouse. The system consists of a double-sided ahk Atomizer spray coater, a Beltrotherm tunnel dryer, a double-sided UV bump unit, and a Unique-Clean station used for cleaning handling and transport tools. The installation was carried out in clearly structured stages, starting with the precise positioning and alignment of all modules, followed by extensive mechanical and electrical checks and the complete parameterization of the system.
How does the installation of an industrial coating line typically work?
The process begins with mechanical alignment and safety checks of all modules, followed by verification of sensors, control systems and media supply. Only then does the technical parameter setup for real production conditions begin. After the initial functional tests, all key process parameters were defined and adjusted, including conveyor speed, spray pressure, coating width, temperature zones in the tunnel dryer and UV exposure levels. The spray system was fully calibrated to ensure consistent and reproducible coating results. Several test runs were performed to validate coating thickness distribution, temperature profiles, drying behaviour and curing performance. All process parameters and measurement data were documented as part of the process validation to ensure a stable release for series production.
Why is thorough process documentation essential for industrial customers?
It provides reproducibility, supports future optimization steps and ensures stable production start-up—especially when launching a new site or adapting processes to new materials. After commissioning, the ahk team provided extensive on-site training for the CSI Sud Ouest staff across all modules of the line. The first pre-series production batches were actively supported by our process specialists and service engineers to ensure a safe ramp-up and a smooth transition into stable production.
What are the advantages of expert-supported production ramp-up?
It shortens the ramp-up phase, reduces process deviations and ensures that all parameters run reliably from day one.
Throughout all phases, the collaboration with the CSI team was professional, efficient and marked by constructive technical exchange. We extend our sincere thanks to the entire CSI team. A special thank-you goes to Eric de Ponthaud for his open communication, reliable coordination and excellent cooperation. We look forward to continuing our work together and supporting CSI Sud Ouest in the further development of their coating and drying processes.
If you would like to learn more about our coating and drying technologies, please visit our product pages for Spray-Coating and UV-Drying
