【PCB Information Network】With the gradual disappearance of China’s demographic dividend, rising labor costs, and the new generation of labor becoming the main workforce, the “labor shortage” in the circuit board manufacturing industry has almost become the norm. To address this labor dilemma and meet the increasingly refined requirements of the circuit board industry, many circuit board equipment manufacturers are actively launching automation equipment.
Large Technology
This year, the products exhibited by Large Technology brought new surprises to the industry. Their RUB2 molding machine has innovated on the basis of traditional molding machines by adding a new automatic pin extraction function. It is reported that most operators still use manual extraction for this process, which has issues such as difficulty in extraction, breakage, and low yield. The new function of Large Technology’s molding machine effectively solves these problems.
It is reported that the software system used with this molding machine is independently developed by Large Technology and can be customized according to the special needs of customers. Functions can be adjusted quickly and promptly.
Kangdai
Kangdai launched the Phoenix Maxima at the CTEX exhibition, which supports Kangdai’s automation solutions. I observed on-site that the device’s robotic arm can flexibly complete the AOI loading and unloading tasks. According to Kangdai’s Marketing and Technical Director, Cobran, this device can connect to all models of AOI, completing flipping, cleaning, and loading/unloading tasks, with one robotic arm able to support two AOI devices simultaneously.
It is reported that this device has the capability to detect line widths and spacings of 10µm, allowing it to identify smaller and finer defects. Cobran stated that the device’s greatest advantage is its small footprint, which can bring greater economic benefits to customers; additionally, the robotic arm replaces manual operations, featuring continuous operation and significantly improved yield.
The performance of GryphonSL is also noteworthy. As the world’s first commercially available fully digital, 3D function solder mask ink and character printing device, it can completely replace five steps in traditional manufacturing processes: coating, pre-baking, film production, exposure, and developing, requiring only surface treatment, solder mask and character printing, and post-baking to complete the entire process. Remarkably, this device generates no waste throughout the process, achieving excellent results in environmental protection while significantly saving production time and resources. It is reported that this device won the “Global Technology Advancement Award” at last year’s Munich exhibition. Currently, they have chosen the world-class quick board manufacturer, Xingsen Quick, as a testing partner to optimize technical parameters, with validation work to be completed soon. They will then fully enter the Chinese market.
Zhi Sheng
Zhi Sheng’s automatic film stripping machine attracted considerable attention at the exhibition. According to Lin Yingsong, a relevant person in charge, most circuit board companies in mainland China still rely on manual operations for the stripping process. Given the trend of increasingly thinner circuit boards, the risks associated with manual operations are growing. This device will automate the stripping process, effectively addressing such issues and alleviating the ongoing crisis of rising labor costs. It is reported that this device can automatically detect whether the stripping has failed, with abnormal boards temporarily stored, allowing personnel to easily retrieve and clear the temporarily stored boards.
Otimar
Otimar’s double-sided online AOI (DS2) can connect with commonly used etching lines in the market, achieving automatic “zero” time switching of production material numbers, eliminating traditional manual loading, unloading, and scanning processes, reducing labor costs, and avoiding potential scratches and wear on products during these processes. It is reported that this device has a maximum capacity of 450 boards per hour.
Due to the high-quality performance and automation features of the product, major industry players such as Hongban, Jinghua, and Wuzhunen have introduced their equipment. It is disclosed that this device was launched in 2013 and has already achieved sales of over 200 units.
Suzhou Shigao Automation System Co., Ltd.
Shigao’s point correction machine PC450 also achieves uninterrupted production through machine feeding. When the circuit board loading process is completed, this device can automatically switch without manual operation. According to Zhao Kai, a relevant person in charge at Shigao, this device differs from traditional CCD manual alignment adjustments as they have achieved automatic alignment. Additionally, in response to the situation where circuit board manufacturers often have hundreds of material numbers, this device saves material number data to the touchscreen, allowing for one-click operation by simply entering the material number. It is reported that this device’s capacity can reach 18 PCS per minute, with plans to increase to 22 PCS per minute. Besides high capacity, the small footprint of the device is also a major advantage.
PCB Information Network CTEX 2016 Special Report
