Speedy AOI keeps lines running at full throttle

Deep Sea Electronics uses the Omron VT-RNS inline automated optical inspection system for quality assurance on around 80% of its output.

Contax has just installed a new Omron VT-RNS inline automated optical inspection (AOI) system for Deep Sea Electronics.

This enables them to ensure that their latest electronic control modules are produced to the highest quality standards whilst they increase production volumes to meet their growing sales demands.

Deep Sea Electronics is a specialist designer, manufacturer and supplier of electronic control modules and monitoring systems for diesel and gas generating equipment.

As such, it is continually looking for new ways to upgrade and develop its range of products.

Its latest offering, the DSE7000 series, is now so small that it could only be 100% inspected using an AOI system.

"Although in the past we had used manual visual inspection, we needed AOI technology to examine the newest modules", explained Mark Dresser, Production Manager at Deep Sea Electronics.

"Typically, a circuit board is around A4 size", explained Dresser.

"And it contains about 800 components and around 2500 to 3000 solder joints.

It is therefore very difficult to examine these with consistent accuracy using the naked eye.

An AOI system is faster and more efficient.

It also enables us to identify any production defects quickly and ensure that they are rectified".

This technical requirement was also combined with a business issue.

"We have been growing 20% year on year as a result of market demand", added Val Parkin, Marketing Assistant at Deep Sea Electronics.

"And we wanted to be able to sustain that growth without having to make substantial increases to our production line equipment", she said.

With these two objectives in mind, Mark Dresser investigated the AOI market to determine the best systems for his needs.

"We finally shortlisted three different systems", he said.

"And the Omron was definitely the right one for us".

"It offers all the features we need combined with ease of use, robustness and a high level of support from Contax".

"This was essential to ensure that the machine programming was set for our specific requirements".

The Omron VT-RNS is now installed and is handling around 80% of Deep Sea's manufacturing.

This has enabled them to make very few adjustments to their production line and still handle the increased throughput.

Parkin continued: "As sales are growing fast, we needed to get the maximum out of our production equipment".

"But as a result of the Omron AOI, the line is now able to work faster and longer - so our volumes have increased".

"The Omron has done everything we need and more", added Dresser.

"For six months after the installation, Contax worked with us to make sure that the system was giving us what we wanted".

"The Omron has been an excellent investment for us, and the support from Contax has been invaluable".

"In fact we have recently placed an order for our second system which was installed end of March", he concluded.

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