Assembléon's Installed Base Solutions provide value-added services to ensure lines stay competitive
Assembléon's Installed Base Solutions provide value-added services to ensure lines stay competitive
IBS combines hardware, software, training, maintenance and application support to provide continuous performance improvement and ongoing operational cost reduction.
Assembléon presented several of its key IBS value-added services at APEX (Los Angeles, February 20-22, 2007) on booth no. 2243. IBS comprises on-site and remote services developed to promote continuous performance improvement and operational cost reductions throughout a machine's working life. There are three distinct service areas: performance services to maximize machine, line and process performance, knowledge services to reduce operating costs and boost staff efficiency, and technical services to maximize uptime and minimize cost of operation.
IBS performance services
Four of the performance services were highlighted on Assembléon's APEX stand. They are the Speedpack output upgrade for A-Series machines, the Performance Monitor tool for visualizing production data in real- time, the Performance Improvement Line Assessment service to ensure a line reaches its full potential, and the ITF Feeder Upgrade kit that offers improved feeder performance.
Speedpack
Speedpack is an easy to implement upgrade that speeds-up manufacturing on AX-3 and AX-5 machines. Under controlled test conditions, it enables AX machines to run 17 percent faster, while in actual line situations, placement rate improvements of up to 26 percent have been realized. Speedpack rounds, smoothens and quickens robotic placements and board movements without affecting the machine's accuracy, quality or reliability. No changes in the machine's setup or design (floor space) are required, and there is no extra strain on the machine. Placement action is just more efficient.
Performance Monitor
Performance Monitor visualizes a machine's production parameters in real time to facilitate improvements in output, efficiency and overall performance. Running on a production line server, the Performance Monitor examines production lines on-the-fly and displays customized data for each machine. It monitors parameters like individual feeder performance, most recurring errors per machine, feeder- and head-pick levels, and overall machine pick levels. Optional parameters include boards per hour, shift or day, quality data, time distribution, pick performance per feeder slot, pick performance per package and operational efficiencies. To complement the Performance Monitor, Assembléon also provides real-time diagnostics services. Experienced engineers remotely analyze production data to solve issues, saving valuable production time and travel expenses. A periodic reporting service is also available, in which comprehensive reports based on production data help identify areas for performance improvement.
Performance Improvement Line Assessment
For this service, customers and Assembléon assessment experts first align Key Performance Indicators and decide what improvements need to be realized. Assembléon assessment experts then measure and analyze key production parameters, interview staff, identify production bottlenecks and review processes. After assessment, they define areas for improvement, and then provide a plan to realize measurable improvements. By drawing on expertise gained from actual production lines and environments around the world, Assembléon's experienced assessment teams are able to define performance improvements for higher efficiency, higher output, shorter changeover times, higher yields and lower component wastage. Assessment takes typically 2-3 working days on site,and while it is taking place, production can continue normally. After implementation of recommendations, the long-term performance improvements are measured and reported.
ITF Feeder Upgrade kit
This upgrade for 8mm ITFs can reduce PPM defect levels by up to 50 percent,and reduce feeder maintenance requirements by a factor of five. As ITFs are the most widely used feeder type, this upgrade offers cost-effective feeder performance improvements for a large number of Assembléon Pick &Place solutions installed before 2006. The kit reduces the number of PCB defects by implementing an improved pick action. New hardware suppresses “jumping components” and errors caused by top foil sticking to the guide. It also improves peel-off and prevents tape vibration. With the upgraded feeder, there is less maintenance required. For example, cleaning the sticky top-foil guide is no longer necessary thanks to a newly designed roller. Furthermore, the upgrade includes a newly designed peel-off plate that requires less cleaning and therefore increases the feeder's maintenance interval.
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