Product category:
PCB Assembly Equipment and Tools
News Release from: Universal Instruments | Subject: Dimensions
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 22 January 2003
Software boosts electronics
manufacturing lines
Universal Instruments has enhanced its Dimensions manufacturing automation software suite.
Universal Instruments has enhanced its Dimensions manufacturing automation software suite by adding data management features that allow electronics manufacturers to maintain a common component database for their Universal GSM platform and HSP surface mount placement machines The new Dimensions Database Management (DDM) module joins Universal Instruments' Dimensions line level manufacturing automation software suite, designed to improve the day-to-day work flow in the factory environment by increasing line productivity and managing production performance
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 8 Apr 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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New dimensions in electronics manufacturing
The latest version of the Dimensions programming and optimisation software includes enhanced support for Universal HSP 4797/4796 machines, as well as enhanced CAD import and viewing capabilities.
New dimensions simplify implementation
Universal Instruments has simplified implementation of its Dimensions line management tools with a radically new configuration, a simplified user interface and a roadmap of future automatic features.
By providing a centralised component database, DDM allows manufacturers to control the component definitions available at each of the machines.
DDM makes it easier to use and maintain the large quantities of data required for manufacturing modern electronic products at high throughput and efficiency.
All component information for Universal GSM platform and HSP machine types can be modified through the same data-editing tool.
Further reading
Compact outline for speedy placement machine
New from Universal Instruments, the 4797S HSP high-speed placement machine is the company's newest solution for high-volume, turret-style chip shooting.
Support aids flexible manufacturing
Energy management specialist SatCon Technology has worked with Universal Instruments to complete the integration of a new automated assembly system for future generations of its products.
DDM also manages component changes by detecting modifications to the machine component database and storing exceptions for review by the designated user.
The changes may then be incorporated in the master database, or discarded.
DDM also supports automatic replication of the machine component database, allowing manufacturers to ensure that the latest approved component definitions are in use at every machine database location.
To simplify pattern program creation, DDM includes definitions for more than 1000 common industry components.
In addition, component information within DDM could be exported to Dimensions Programming and Optimisation software (DPO) or a third party programming tool such as Unicam, Valor, Circuitcam, Genrad etc.
The Dimensions Programming and Optimisation (DPO) module provides a single programming and line optimisation tool for configuring a Universal line.
By providing one point of data entry, a common interface across machine types, and a consistent process to generate production and setup data for one or more assembly lines, DPO makes line balancing, optimisation, and product generation easier and faster.
DPO also interfaces with the Dimensions Database Management (DDM) module to extract component data thereby reducing redundant data entry.
Universal Instruments' Dimensions manufacturing automation software allows manufacturers to instantly highlight production bottlenecks, optimise throughput, capture histories and performance data, and streamline new product introduction.
The suite includes the Dimensions Manufacturing Monitoring (DMM) module, which acts as a single point of storage, retrieval, and analysis of machine management data.
It offers web-based browsing, component traceability, remote notification, and performance monitoring, and serves as an Internet window to the manufacturing environment.
It also allows component consumption data, PCB and machine status, and feeder information to be easily uplinked and integrated into an ERP system.
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