Product category:
PCB Assembly Equipment and Tools
News Release from: Contax | Subject: SMT production lines
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 12 January 2006
New SMT line speeds throughput for CEM
Production automation specialist Contax has just installed part of a new SMT production line at contract electronic manufacturer Chemigraphic.
Production automation specialist Contax has just installed part of a new SMT production line at contract electronic manufacturer (CEM) Chemigraphic This is set to increase the company's manufacturing capacity by over 65%, with Contax's new equipment ensuring the quality and integrity of the assemblies produced
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 14 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The equipment supplied comprised an Omron VT-RNS optical inspection system, MPM AccuFlex stencil printer and McDry low humidity cabinet.
"We have a long standing relationship with Contax", explained Stewart Gadd, Technical Manager at Chemigraphic.
"So when we wanted to add another line, we went to them for advice", he said.
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Chemigraphic already had an optical inspection (OI) system, but the technology was based on pattern recognition.
For the new line, the company wanted an automatic, inline solution with full analysis capabilities.
"We selected the Omron VT-RNS as it met all our requirements and offered us a dramatic improvement on throughput", commented Gadd.
"Components are getting smaller, and we are now producing assemblies with over 10,000 solder joints - far too many for a manual procedure".
"We wanted an AOI system to speed up the process and ensure accuracy.
However, the deciding factor was its method of precise control and operation.
We could understand exactly how the system worked, and that gave us added confidence in its capabilities".
The MPM AccuFlex was an easy choice for Chemigraphic.
The company had already viewed the system when it was launched, but had wanted a tried and tested solution.
Now well established, they knew that the AccuFlex would be ideally suited to their needs.
"We wanted a machine that could offer fast changeovers, automatic tooling and stencil loading", said Gadd.
"The AccuFlex provided all of this and more.
It is easy to use, offers 2D inspection, SPC data collection and is very flexible and easy to program and use", he added.
The final unit purchased from Contax was the McDry cabinet.
Many of the semiconductors used by Chemigraphic are moisture sensitive and have a varying shelf life from hours - up to a year.
It was time-consuming to categorise them, so Chemigraphic had a policy of baking them to dry them out.
By storing them in a McDry cabinet, this process has been eliminated.
Gadd continued: "We can now store the components safely for extended periods of time".
"The ICs can be worth up to GBP 1000 each, so you do not take risks with such high value items".
"Our customers can be assured that their components are well protected, and we can safeguard our valuable stock".
Commenting on the overall service received from Contax, Gadd added: "Much of our equipment at Chemigraphic has been supplied by Contax".
"We have been dealing with them for around 20 years and they have always looked after us very well".
"They really appreciate the needs and workings of our business, and have recommended the right equipment every time".
"The support is brilliant.
Contax understand what we want, and offer good products aimed exactly at our market.
It's a winning combination", he said.
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