Contax installs new SMT line for Chemigraphic

Citation

(2006), "Contax installs new SMT line for Chemigraphic", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 18 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2006.21918bab.005

Contax installs new SMT line for Chemigraphic

Contax installs new SMT line for Chemigraphic

Keywords: Solder, Instruments

Production automation specialist, Contax Ltd, has just installed part of a new SMT production line at contract electronic manufacturer (CEM), Chemigraphic Ltd. This is set to increase the Company's manufacturing capacity by over 65 per cent, with Contax's new equipment ensuring the quality and integrity of the assemblies produced. The equipment supplied comprised an Omron VT-RNS optical inspection (OI) system, MPM AccuFlex stencil printer and McDry low humidity cabinet.

Chemigraphic already had an OI system, but the technology was based on pattern recognition. For the new line, they wanted an automatic, in- line solution with full analysis capabilities.

“We selected the Omron VT-RNS as it met all our requirements and offered us a dramatic improvement on throughput”, commented Stewart. “Components are getting smaller, and we are now producing assemblies with over 10,000 solder joints – far too many for a manual procedure. We wanted an AOI system to speed up the process and ensure accuracy. However, the deciding factor was its method of precise control and operation. We could understand exactly how the system worked, and that gave us added confidence in its capabilities.”

The MPM AccuFlex was an easy choice for Chemigraphic. They had already viewed the system when it was launched, but had wanted a tried and tested solution. Now well established, they knew that the AccuFlex would be ideally suited to their needs.

“We wanted a machine that could offer fast changeovers, automatic tooling and stencil loading,” said Stewart. “The AccuFlex provided all of this and more. It is easy to use, offers 2D inspection, SPC data collection and is very flexible and easy to program and use,” he added.

The final unit purchased from Contax was the McDry cabinet. Many of the semiconductors used by Chemigraphic are moisture sensitive and have a varying shelf life from hours – up to a year. It was time- consuming to categorise them, so Chemigraphic had a policy of baking them to dry them out. By storing them in a McDry cabinet, this process has been eliminated.

Continued Stewart Gadd, “We can now store the components safely for extended periods of time. The ICs can be worth up to £1,000 each, so you do not take risks with such high value items. Our customers can be assured that their components are well protected, and we can safeguard our valuable stock.”