Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1269815
48 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2020 Schatz: Yes. We don't only look at bringing the board through the machine. With a smart manufacturing solution, you gain an increased level of flexibility, all at the touch of a button. This can offer the ability to process multiple panel types through the same equipment by automatically changing the related process and production parameters, which would current- ly need to be done by hand or even require a completely separate production line. This can be achieved by creating recipes for spe- cific product types that contain all the process related settings, such as speed, pressure, tem- perature, dosing, etc. When the product arrives at the line, an in- tegrated bar code or similar can be scanned, the associated recipe is loaded to the line, the configuration is rapidly changed automatically, and production can begin. This way, the PCB provides the equipment information it needs to process itself and enables a paperless work- flow with minimal risk of operator error yet with full traceability. Matties: A lot of the smaller companies in America would say we don't need the automa- tion. What would you say to somebody with that mindset? Schatz: Automation is not only important to reduce current process handling needs, but at the same time, it can also enable a safer user environment. Through automation, we enable stable, repetitive, and reliable process sequences, and let's remember that we are dealing with chemicals, where instability can lead to unsafe work- ing conditions. For instance, chemi- cal cleaning cycles have to follow a very specific order, and drain and in- let valves have to be in the right po- sition at the right time to ensure that you do not get undesirable chemical mixtures, which may lead to a danger- ous condition. Here, automation is the only choice to mitigate user and en- vironmental risk. On the other hand, process automation helps you reach higher quality control levels and ulti- mately increases your product reliability. Of course, the cost of such equipment is gen- erally higher, but this can quickly be recouped through the reduction in scrap and lower re- work levels. At the same time, you also gain the benefits of improved process and quality control, paperless workflow, and—most im- portantly—a safer working environment; that would come hand in hand with reduced con- sumption of chemistries, water, and energy. If you consider both the global or local en- vironmental targets, PCB shops are under in- creasing pressure to develop and are becoming more motivated to switch from older equip- ment—such as vertical plating systems—to more environmentally sound units, such as our automated horizontal lines. Our produc- tion equipment is completely encapsulated, which minimizes fume escape and helps to re- duce energy loss and achieves this with mini- mal operator intervention. Our Uniplate sys- tem, for example, allows a single in-line plating process where PCBs run through all processes sequentially, without interruption. A Uniplate line with a P/LB/Cu configuration enables our customers to run the desmear, electroless cop- per, and electrolytic copper processes in one line without interruptions and fewer operators than the equivalent vertical approach. Matties: In many cases, a lot of these compa- nies still have manual processes—especially in some of the smaller shops. Is there a demand to move from vertical to horizontal? Networked production control.