Design and development

Step by step – from concept to installation

How your new coating system is created

Do you need a system to produce functional coatings for industrial applications or in research and development? Then you may already know of us - maybe you have seen our products in your research or used our coating services or sputtering targets in the past, or one of our long-standing customers has recommended us.

The fourth step is where you place the purchase order to have the system delivered. The clock starts ticking for us at that moment, because adhering to the project plan is of great importance to us. We put together a project team that includes a dedicated project manager and key supervisors from the different engineering departments. The sales representative then hands the project over to the project team. From that point on, the project manager will take over all projects related communications with you.

The fifth step is where your system is installed. Mechanical and electrical design and software/automation are done digitally. Your responsibilities regarding the interfaces with the building and the construction work will be clarified with you in technical meetings. At the same time, you can have small series produced by us. This is often used to pre-qualify your products (time-to-market).

In the sixth step, we begin with producing and procuring all required parts and components while at the same time settling the final design details. Our mechanics, electricians and mechatronics engineers will then build the system piece by piece.

Microscopic layer analysis

FHR assembly team

Servicetechniker

Logistics

The first step is explaining the requirements for your system to us – by contact form, email or telephone. This is often involves signing a confidentiality agreement. The experienced engineers, physicists and chemists in our system sales department will check your requirements and ask questions if necessary, and then let you know whether we are the right partner for your request.

The next step is to prepare an offer customized to your requirements. We will get a more detailed understanding of what you need through telephone calls, emails, video conferences and meeting in person. The result is a system concept built of proven modular assemblies and sometimes newly developed ones as well. Our customers regularly express their appreciation for the high level of technical expertise we bring to this step, thanks to our technically skilled sales staff and useful input from our different engineering departments.

In the third step, we prepare and present an offer consisting of a commercial part (often a contract proposal), a schedule and a comprehensive technical description. Usually, we will explain the offer to you in a personal meeting and then come to an agreement regarding the technical and commercial details. We will also define the exact final acceptance procedures together with you at this meeting.

Sales activities

Engineering discussion

Product management

FHR purchasing team

Your system is put into operation for the first time in the seventh step. Our automation colleagues will check that the software developed in-house for your system controls all of the components correctly. And finally, technological commissioning follows, during which we check the productivity of the system and make fine adjustments in order to achieve the final process parameters. In-house preliminary acceptance can follow.

The system is moved to your site in the eighth step. It is no small feat! We will disassemble your system so into module sizes that can be transported, then we pack and transport it to you by lorry, ship, train or plane. The modules are then unloaded at your premises, which you have prepared in accordance with the document for the installation site requirements. Our team will recommission the system and puts it back into operation.

The ninth step is the final acceptance test (FAT). This is where we both check that the system meets your requirements based on the agreed final acceptance procedure. Your system operators will be trained as part of this final acceptance step or directly afterwards.

Service transition

Once the ninth step is complete, you will take over your system and our project team's work is over. From that point forward, our customer service department will look after you, as will your dedicated point of contact  at the system sales department from whom you can also order spare parts, maintenance, training, upgrades, machine relocations, etc.

Checking the transport rollers

Various target shapes & materials

Technician during troubleshooting

We will also be at your side in the case of sputtering systems, to offer our expertise in target production and provide reliable deliveries of the consumables you need.