Introduction:
Hard disk automation and test solutions require precision technology and sophisticated techniques that are best handled by an integrated approach to process and system design. Today's 
disk cleaning systems demand the latest in cleaning technology and performance for HDD media manufacturing with through-put that can exceed 2,000 disks per hour. A variety of innovative approaches for improving processes, cleaning, and test efficiencies throughout a HDD media factory are essential, with flexible cleaning systems that utilize advanced modules including ultrasonics, megasonics, cassetteless handling, cascade scrubbing, and vapor assisted hot DI dryers.
As a leading global independent provider of assembly and test equipment . Advantech's customer provides production equipment to leading disk drive manufacturers and their component suppliers to offer greater overall efficiency at a lower cost.
Solution:
The customer needed a controller system for a robotic arm used in test equipment specifically manufactured to fit their proprietary technology. After significant testing and side-by-side comparisons with competitive systems, Advantech's AIMB-562VG MicroATX industrial motherboard-powered system was chosen to fulfill their demanding environmental and performance specifications. Housed in a cold, climate-controlled environment, the system was required to have these features:
‧Specialized cooling fans
‧Optimum motherboard performance
‧Custom Linux software and BIOS
‧Customized chassis
‧Ability to withstand extreme temperatures
System:
The system Advantech designed for the disk drive testing equipment centered on the AIMB-562VG (Intel® Core 2 Duo with 2 x VGA, 1 x GbE, 2 x COM, 4 x SATA, and 8 x USB 2.0) as the main platform, minus the hard drive, which the customer provided. Because theprocess occurs within an automated "single cell" environment, the traditional approach to drive testing would not work. From chassis design to programming middleware, and from building a custom main board to including main components, Advantech's design-to-order process created not only what the customer asked for, but also a highly specialized component for their disk drive testing machine.
Benefits:
‧Design-to-order capabilities ensure delivery of product specifications
‧Thermal assessment and solution services are included in the development process
‧Customized test plans designed to monitor equipment
‧Short lead time with available main components
‧Extremely cost effective