News Release from: Contax
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 10 November 2005

AOI system installed for lead-free production

Contax has installed the first Omron VT-RNS automated optical inspection (AOI) system at leading UK contract electronics manufacturer Axiom Manufacturing Services.

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Production automation system specialist Contax has installed the first Omron VT-RNS automated optical inspection (AOI) system at leading UK contract electronics manufacturer Axiom Manufacturing Services. Based in Newbridge, Wales, Axiom will be using the in-line VT-RNS for inspecting and evaluating PCB assemblies to ensure their quality and integrity. Previously, Axiom had relied on manual visual inspection to IPC-610 specifications, but with the market trend to produce smaller components, they had decided to look at automating the process.

'When you are doing circuit tests with large boards you can do a physical test', explained Axiom's Test Engineering Manager, Nick Baker.

'But times have changed'.

'You now need a multi-layer test for boards, and lead free solder requires closer examination than traditional paste'.

'As boards get smaller, so we are driven by the market to go the automatic route rather than manual for quality control'.

Axiom looked at five systems before they made their selection.

It was looking for in-line capability, good throughput, flexibility and traceability.

Baker continued: 'We wanted to buy a machine that was easy to use and one that met all our production needs'.

'Some of our customers require full batch and board traceability, together with a record of inspection, so we needed our chosen AOI system to offer these features'.

'As a contract manufacturer we test a wide variety of boards and components'.

'We currently place components down to 0402 package size, but will in the near future be adding the capability for 0201 placement'.

It was also essential that the selected system could handle lead free, but we were not confident that all the systems examined performed well enough in that area, hence giving us the confidence-level we required'.

'The AOI system will be used for short runs, so a fast changeover is necessary as well as accurate quality control'.

'The run can often be 2000 pieces, so we don't want a 50% drop out with false calls.

'It must be reliable, quick and easy to turn around', commented Baker.

'We have now had the VT-RNS for two months, and we have spent that time getting the customer libraries in place'.

'We are currently using the in-line checking software in semi-automated mode, so an operator can have the final say on whether or not the product goes through'.

'We wanted that option while running the system in to reduce the number of false rejects while continuing to fine tune our requirements for test'.

''Everything so far is excellent'.

'The VT-RNS system is performing well, and Contax have been very responsive to our needs'.

'We are very happy with the service we have received from them', Baker concluded.

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