Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1467744
24 PCB007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2022 are other benefits. With a loader like the one shown in Figure 1, panels are also less likely to become damaged. Although loading a panel into a machine may sound like a simple task, it is highly susceptible to error. If the person loading the panel is not careful enough, the corners and edges of the panel can easily be damaged. Even if the operator only slightly damage the edges of the panel, it could result in a much larger problem down the line. e initial damage can become exaggerated and effectively ruin the product even more. It could even cause the panel to create a jam inside the machine and halt production. It should also be noted that this problem becomes an even greater concern as you try to obtain thinner PCB layers. Since the thin materials are more easily damaged, they oen need to be handled with extra care. For some PCB manufacturers, the layers being manufac- tured are so thin that people loading the mate- rial must be specially trained on how to han- dle panels without causing damage. By intro- ducing robotics into this section of the PCB manufacturing process, so many variables are removed, thus keeping production consistent in a simple and effortless process—even for ultra-thin materials. Smart Connections Another development in automation is the ability to operate them from our smart devices. Loaders like the one shown in Figure 1 can be conveniently operated from a laptop or any touch screen device. Smart con- nections are not limited just to loading robot- ics either. Recently, we have started to see implementations of smart device interaction with your wet processing equipment, effec- tively allowing you to make process changes anywhere. Having this new freedom to effectively run your entire process from a smart device creates some new opportunities. Without requiring someone to continuously monitor and oper- ate the machine now, these workers can then shi their focus to specialized tasks such as checking etchant conditions, calibrating probes, or performing maintenance checks. is will grant PCB manufacturers more time and resources to take care of matters that are important yet oen overlooked. For instance, the person who would typically load panels all day could implement a cohesive preven- tive maintenance program like I discussed in my previous column, "e Case for Pre- ventive Maintenance." Reallocating time and resources to matters like this would be a great way to keep your PCB manufacturing process moving at a steady pace with a reduced num- ber of sudden complications. Where It All Comes Together With this further push for automation, there will be plenty more extraordinary develop- ments ahead. Now that robotics and smart devices are becoming more integrated into PCB processing equipment, I think the future certainly holds promise in making these seam- lessly interconnected. I think it is likely that this technology will become fully integrated with wet processing equipment. Perhaps it may even get to the point where processing lines can become autonomous. To achieve this, however, there seems to be one more area that will need further development: where data sci- ence meets wet processing. If you look at the technology available today, you can see that the infrastructure for creating autonomous wet process lines is nearly com- plete. Let's look at the technology we have at our disposal in wet processing equipment: Since the thin materials are more easily damaged, they often need to be handled with extra care.