The customer's challenge In machines that produce micro-electronic wafers (which are a component of semiconductor materials such as integrated circuits, transistors and diodes), internal temperatures increase considerably during the production process. This leads to a decrease in product quality. A complex and lengthy journey to adapt the hardware would potentially have led to a solution, but Sioux approached the issue from a different perspective. Sioux's contribution With our knowledge of mathematics and multiphysics, Sioux created insight into the dynamic thermal effects. Based on this insight, Sioux developed a model that calculates how the machine should be fine-tuned within 12 milliseconds. This way, deviations in products as a result of temperature increases in the machine during production are continually corrected. Result Thanks to this method, the wafer machine’s accuracy rate is now twice as high, and its throughput speed was increased as well. The results were so positive that the client applied for a patent for this Mathware. Technology Multi-physics, Thermal dynamics, Approximation theory, Modal analysis, Non-linear optimization, Scientific computing. Mathware technologies: Comsol, Ansys, Python, openFOAM, ICEM CFB.
The customer's challenge The client, a producer of conveyor belt systems for mail distribution centres, was confronted with increasingly frivolous packaging that was harder to detect. The standard methods for determining position, size and orientation of the packages on the line proved inadequate. Additional problems arose as a result of differences in lighting during the day and at night. Sioux's contribution By using advanced image analysis techniques, Sioux developed an efficient and robust recognition algorithm. The new algorithm flawlessly collaborates with the client’s existing specialised camera, which guarantees an operation that meets the highest standards, during the day and at night. Result Standard products offer standard solutions to standard problems. Sioux forced a breakthrough by realising a custom-made Mathware solution for the existing standard camera, bringing its performance and that of the existing installations to a radical new level. Technology Image processing, homography, edge detection, segmentation, scientific computing, Matlab Coder.
The customer's challenge A manufacturer of cryogenic cooling systems was confronted with a demand for bigger, more efficient systems. One specific customer wanted a centrifugal pump to transport helium gas at a temperature of -193 degrees Celsius. Simply enlarging a small pump did not deliver the required result, and experimental optimisation by using prototypes is a time-consuming, costly process. Where to go from here? Sioux's contribution Calculating a complete CAD-design is often too complex and time-consuming. Sioux’s CFD analysts quickly managed to determine the critical elements of the design and to calculate and optimise those separately. However, Mathware was able to take the client one step further. Due to our extensive experience with similar problems, Sioux was able to suggest and quantify new improvements for the design. Result Sioux helped the client by supporting the design process through virtual prototyping and computer simulations. This way, the client could meet the customer’s needs exactly: increased capacity combined with a high output. Technology Multi-Physics, Cryogenic fluid dynamics, Turbulence, Algorithm development, Moving meshes and Form optimisation. Mathware technologies: openFOAM, Python and in-house developed fluid structure interaction solvers.
