How Laser Fan Width Control Works: Smart Automation for Consistent Conformal Coating

Nordson Electronics Solutions

May 13, 2026

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Maintaining a precise coating width is critical for electronics manufacturers—but material viscosity changes, temperature shifts, and lot-to-lot variation can all impact spray patterns. Laser Fan Width Control solves this challenge by using real-time laser measurement and closed-loop automation to continuously verify and control coating width—without slowing production.

The Challenge: Fan Width Drift in Production

Even when spray valves and programs are perfectly dialed in, coating materials naturally change over time. These changes can subtly alter the fan pattern, leading to:

Inconsistent coverage
Over- or under-coating
Increased rework or scrap
Greater operator dependency

Laser Fan Width technology removes the guesswork by confirming—objectively and automatically—that the programmed coating width is always achieved.

The Core Technology: Laser Measurement with Intelligent Feedback

At the heart of Laser Fan Width Control is a precision laser sensor paired with software-driven process intelligence. Together, they measure the actual spray pattern and adjust fluid pressure as needed to maintain the correct width in real time.

Step-by-Step: How Laser Fan Width Control Works

System Setup and Target Definition

During setup, the valve is positioned over a drain pan and aligned with the laser beam. The system detects the nozzle position, and engineers define the target fan width directly in software.
Automatic Fan Width Detection

When a verification or control routine is triggered—such as at the start of a shift, after maintenance, or at a programmed interval—the valve moves through the laser beam while dispensing coating material. The laser precisely detects the fan pattern as it crosses the beam.
Pressure Adjustment and Width Confirmation

As coating is sprayed into the drain pan, the laser sensor monitors when the fan pattern breaks the beam at the programmed width. The system automatically signals the pressure controller to fine-tune fluid pressure until the target width is achieved. That pressure setting is then saved for production.
Pattern Symmetry Verification

To ensure uniform coverage, the valve dispenses coating to both sides of the laser beam. This confirms that the fan pattern is symmetrical relative to the valve centerline and within defined tolerances before production continues.
In Process Monitoring and Control

During production, fan width can be checked continuously or at defined intervals.
- Verification mode alerts operators if the width drifts outside limits.
- Closed-loop Control mode automatically corrects deviations in real time—no operator intervention required.
Both modes are designed to run quickly with no measurable impact on throughput.