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REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2024 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 143 Automation in PCB Production PCB manufacturers worldwide are investing in new equipment to improve technology and pro- duction, especially in the field of automation. In Europe, the automation of drilling machines is already standard to increase producivity and achieve a higher degree of utilization. e current talent shortage in the U.S. and Canada is accelera- ting the demand for automation as well. Drill and rout machines with shuttle system and loaders; direct imaging machines with robot arms; and X-ray capabilities with drill and inline automation already allow the automatic loading and unloa- ding of PCBs and ensure contact-free panel hand- ling in the factory, which results in both labor cost savings and quality assurance in the PCB. Registration, Alignment, Accuracy Highly technologized devices such as spindles, lighting heads, laser sources, cameras, code readers, and sensors are built-up on solid gran- ite and then connected to the machine con- troller to deliver perfect results and ensure highly accurate PCB processing. For high-end panels, machines with CCD are an option, as any inaccuracies of the panel will be corrected. A two-pin system on panels is mandatory for automated drilling and a well-proven process to support the needed accuracy. Maximum Productivity with the Right Application Track and trace technology is also being adopted in the handling of PCBs. With a bar- code or 2D code, panels can be uniquely iden- tified and processed according to the specific CAD/CAM program. Integrated CCDs and scanner systems in the machines handle the reading of specific part programs. Automated calibration procedures ensure machine accuracies at the highest level to ensure quality of drilled, routed, and imaged products. Automated spindle maintenance reduces machine down-time and increases productivity. Automation Possibilities e engineering industry has recently advanced with Industry 4.0 and the building up of several new standards. Drill, rout, and laser machines can be equipped with a loader to feed the pan- els automatically—one of the new simplified solutions. X-ray and direct imaging machines can now be put into a production line with belt conveyors and run at a constant speed, resulting in increased output. Panels are then handled with robot arms. More robotics have also been introduced to the market, includ- ing automated guided vehicles, automated line systems, and shuttle systems. Features for Automation to Increase Utilization Standard SW interfaces to the MES allow bi- directional communication between machines and high-level production controls, which allows for real-time status information. An operator can have remote access to all machines from the con- trol room, allowing them to monitor automated PCB production, run statistics, and react quickly to any error message or breakdowns. 1 2 4 5 3