CONTROL SYSTEM FOR NON-CONTACT EDGE COATING APPARATUS FOR SOLAR CELL SUBSTRATES

摘要

A non-contact edge coating apparatus includes an applicator (821) for applying a coating material on an edge of a solar cell substrate (801) and a control system (900) configured to drive the applicator (821). The control system (900) may drive the applicator (821) along an axis to maintain a distance with an edge of the substrate (801) as the substrate (801) is rotated to have the edge coated with a coating material. The applicator (821) may include a recessed portion (825) into which the edge of the substrate (801) is received for edge coating. For example, the applicator (821) may be a roller with a groove. Coating material may be introduced into the groove for application onto the edge of the substrate (801). A variety of coating materials may be employed with the apparatus including hot melt ink and UV curable plating resist.