The SMT Solutions division of market leader ASMPT demonstrates its position as the industry’s technology pioneer at the IPC APEX Expo 2023. The three-day annual industry event started Jan. 24 in San Diego.

Particularly, ASMPT’s exhibits included the new DEK TQ L solder paste printer for large circuit boards. To illustrate, the machine measures up to 600 x 510mm and includes innovative software for the integrated smart factory.  

In addition, ASMPT exhibits its smart shop floor management suite WORKS for optimizing SMT line processes. Furthermore, the company is also  highlighting its smart SaaS applications for factory and enterprise uses and an MES solution specially designed for the needs of SMT manufacturers.

Meanwhile, modular, manufacturer-independent and retrofittable, all hardware and software solutions being shown fit seamlessly into ASMPT’s Open Automation concept for the economically sensible automation of SMT production.

Best-in-Class SMT Line

At the ASMPT booth, visitors can see for themselves how high-performance printers, high-end SPI systems, high-performance placement systems, industry-leading feeding solutions and fully automated storage systems work together perfectly and with the highest precision on a fully functional SMT line. Also, for the first time in the United States, the new DEK TQ L solder paste printer demonstrates how effectively it handles circuit boards measuring up to 600x510mm. With this new printer, manufacturers significantly increase their flexibility and product range, thus opening the door to a completely new set of markets.

Full Integration for Open Automation

Thanks to open interfaces such as IPC-HERMES-9852 and IPC-CFX, all ASMPT enables seamless M2M and M2H communication. Specifically, they fit easily and comprehensively into the modular and manufacturer-independent Open Automation concept for the economically sensible automation of SMT production. Presently, software is just as important to ASMPT as hardware. With smart solutions and SaaS applications for the machine, shop floor, factory, and company levels, ASMPT is underlining its technological leadership at APEX in this field as well.

Process Optimization on the Shop Floor

The smart shop floor management suite WORKS covers all production workflows. For example, WORKS Command Center, optimizes employee assignments by automatically generating tasks and sending them to their smartphones, tablets, or smart watches. Here, WORKS Performance Monitor provides information about all of the production’s relevant performance indicators at the line in real time. In addition, the unique WORKS Process Expert turns the high-end Process Lens SPI system into the world’s first self-learning inline expert system that can control and optimize the printing process fully autonomously if desired.

Intelligent Software for Integrated SMT Factory

In the area of factory solutions, ASMPT will focus on SaaS applications such as the Factory Equipment Center, its comprehensive solution for company-wide asset and maintenance management, and on Data Analytics for extensive reporting across the whole enterprise. Virtual Assist is the brand-new AI- and NLP-supported ASMPT expert system that lets users handle all maintenance, repair and service tasks with help from their smartphones or tablets. The system answers concrete questions like an experienced coworker and reduces the time spent looking for information by up to 95 percent. As a special feature, it works even for third-party systems.

Powerful MES for Electronics Manufacturers

ASMPT recognized at an early stage the hugely important role that software would play today and decided in 2018 to invest in Critical Manufacturing (CMF), an MES developer specializing in the electronics industry. Presently, the Portuguese company is also responsible for ASMPT’s software applications on the factory and enterprise levels. At this year’s APEX show, CMF will present its leading “Critical Manufacturing MES” designed to meet the special needs of the electronics manufacturing industry.

“ROI-oriented, modular and retrofittable automation, best-in-class hardware and smart software solutions bring SMT production into top shape, relieve employees, and optimize processes. A visit to our IPC APEX Expo booth will be exciting and informative again this year thanks to ASMPT’s unique spectrum of products and services,” explains Mark Ogden, Head of Marketing AMCAS at ASMPT.

In addition, Ogden said, “For our customers, North America’s largest event for electronics manufacturing is a very special opportunity to engage in a personal dialog with our specialists and to discuss their individual requirements based on the fully functional production line being shown.”