2. The AOI system represents the advent of Industry 4.0 and interconnected factories, serving as the central inspection brain for PCB manufacturing.
3. Fifteen years ago, AOI systems had a somewhat tarnished reputation. Many were underutilized, languishing in PCB factories where machines remained boxed and corners collected dust.
4. Today, however, they are integral to production lines. Driven by miniaturization, manufacturers require higher reliability, increased output, and traceability demanded by customers. It’s rare to find a modern facility without at least one AOI machine. These systems inspect boards swiftly and accurately, detecting defects or areas of concern and making stringent pass/fail judgments. Operators then isolate these boards for further scrutiny or rework.
5. Looking ahead, AOI and its 3D counterpart, SPI, are poised for an expanded role. Up to now, they have monitored the production line closely.
With the advent of PCB Industry 4.0 and connected factories, machine inspection will function as the brain of PCB factories. Utilizing high-precision measurements, these systems will not only detect defects such as insufficient paste deposits or missing components but also transmit instructions to printers and placement machines for real-time correction of these issues.
This advancement promises immediate improvements in line reliability and output, potentially marking the end of weekly meetings dedicated to production waste analysis. Instead of humans, these more efficient, precise, and tirelessly operational systems will work around the clock without complaints or holidays.
When can we expect these transformative systems to appear? They have already begun to emerge with ASM assembly systems, Panasonic, Yamaha, and JUKI. These systems can automatically adjust offset indications based on feedback from SPI system printers. Moreover, numerous other parameters, including squeegee pressure, printing stroke angle, and speed, can be fine-tuned to enhance printing outcomes.
The integration extends beyond machine-to-machine communication; for instance, the MIRTEC intelligent tracking system enables AOI systems to relay defect information to SPI systems in real-time online, streamlining offline processes.
To draw a human analogy, if machine inspection serves as the brain of the production line, then selection and placement machines act as the hands, supported by central nervous system software. These automated systems promise to be more efficient, accurate, and effective, operating continuously to meet production demands.
However, a critical concern facing PCB manufacturers is the scarcity of engineering and technical talent. While future factories may require fewer engineers overall, the demand for skilled engineers with deep process knowledge is expected to increase significantly.
This discussion highlights the crucial role of AOI systems as integral components of PCB production.
