Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1038326
54 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2018 James Verheul: So what we'll do is we'll put in a test strip, which is basically an automat- ic test cycle which just tests every function on the machine. So it's like a dry run, so to speak. Goldman: Certainly, I know they do everything individually, but surely you must try to put one job in all together. How does that work? Verheul: I'm not sure with respect to the whole line, but on the Optiflex everything is done with barcodes. Every program will have its own set of requirements; the machine will automatical- ly load a recipe specific to that barcode. So, the thickness of the panel, the formats, everything will be in the recipe, and as it goes through the barcode reader, it will read the barcode, change the format and then punch it. Goldman: So every individual core has its own barcode. Verheul: Yes. Howard: I believe that's true of everything in the shop. Everything through every process is tracked and all relevant data is collected. Goldman: Then once it becomes a multilayer it must get a new barcode. Howard: Correct. Verheul: Yes, it comes in on the left-hand side from the loader, then the system automatically aligns it, the barcode reader will read the code, and if it needs to make any changes, it will make the changes to the format; then it will go through a punch and carry it out. If, for what- ever reason, the fiducials cannot be found, or the barcode cannot be read, or there's a prob- lem with the machine and it doesn't know what to do with the board, it doesn't punch it but just passes it through. With the auto- mation, the cores and machines go through a continuous cycle. If there's one panel that is dirty or broken or whatever, it will still run it through. Video: The Schmoll Maschinen Linear-Z XRI Series X-ray system provides extremely accurate reference hole drilling for multilayer panels. Click to watch the video.