Orienting and Applying Flux to Solar Cells

Solar cells are oriented and fluxed automatically at first work station along solar-array assembly line. In under 2 seconds rotary drive rotates cell into proper position for applying solder flux to bus pad on collector side. When contact bus pad is in correct position, capstan drive is disengaged, and vacuum holddown beneath cell is turned on. Flux system lowers and applies preset amount of solder flux to bus pad. Two interconnect tabs are soldered to fluxed areas.