Siemens and P2i have created Dunkable™, a water protective nano-coating process for consumer electronic devices is supported by innovative technology.
There is currently a focus on an ever-improving British manufacturing landscape, there are some true success stories to be told. One such story is P2i, business which has developed an innovative and liquid protection process for consumer electronics and industrial markets.
The company has now teamed up with Siemens Industry to further enhance the security, operational efficiency and scalability of its latest generation of Dunkable™ nano-coating systems. Dunkable™ is an ultra-thin barrier coating designed to protect smartphones and other consumer electronic devices from immersion damage, without impacting the look, feel or functionality of the device.
Mobile phone manufacturing operations have been attracted to the technologies supplied by P2i. Later this year, P2i will be launching the new Dunkable™ technology onto smartphones with a partner brand.
Dunkable™ technology use pulsed-plasma enhanced deposition processing to permeate the coating throughout the device, attaching the coating to all surfaces. As such, P2i has developed a range of bespoke machines designed to apply the coatings within a controlled, vacuumed environment. When designing the new Dunkable™ systems, P2i sought to build on the existing levels of operational efficiency, security and scalability, and so began work with Siemens Industry to further enhance these attributes.
Chris Palmer, supply chain manager, P2i, explains: “As a technology solutions provider we are proud of not only the ground-breaking technical effect we provide to the end-user, but the equipment, implementation and operational service and support we deliver to our customers – the manufacturer – on a daily basis.”
“For instance, we were looking to enrich our diagnostic capability, boosting remote monitoring, and enabling the flexibility to add more functionality to the machines at a later stage, in an easier way. We wanted to find these solutions with a partner that could also offer worldwide support and Siemens was able to fulfil all these elements with a cost effective and proven technology answer and a true global presence we could tap into if required.”
With integrated Siemens control technology, the Dunkable™ machines will deliver reliability and benefits, as well as laying a standardised foundation for future scalability potential as the technology and machines evolve.
Simon Aldridge, principal software engineer, P2i, comments: “Siemens fieldbus technology based on Profibus and Profinet, as well as the highly efficient S7 1500 PLCs and HMIs is showing success in trials.”
“In many ways, by introducing the Siemens technology we have set an approach to the future core control package on the machines, meaning we can add further functionality with little disruption and minimal time and expenditure.”
John Hawkes, account development manager from Siemens Industry added: “P2i is a perfect example of the type of innovative UK company helping to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing base.”
