On SMT production lines with ASMPT hardware and software, program changes is now possible even without a barcode reader. Particularly, by passing the data of the respective PCB from machine to machine via a standardized interface.

The IPC-HERMES-9852 industry standard makes it possible to electronically transmit PCB data from machine to machine. Based on this capability, DEK TQ solder paste printers, Process Lens SPI systems, and SIPLACE placement machines from ASMPT can automatically load the respective production program as needed. Thus, it is no longer necessary to read a barcode on each machine.

The open, standardized interface also makes it possible for each conveyor system to automatically adapt to the respective width of the PCBs, regardless of the manufacturer.

PCB data is automatically checked

Already at the start of the line, as PCBs unload from a magazine, data transmission to the solder paste printer has been possible, either via a barcode reader or via IPC-HERMES-9852. The system uses this data to select the production program for execution. If a batch change is necessary, automatic downloading of the new production program is possible.

Moreover, If any retooling is required, WORKS Operations, the application that controls the human operators on the lines, calls a qualified specialist.

SPI systems, placement machines also change automatically

Once printed, the PCB passes along to the Process Lens along with its IPC-HERMES-9852 data. The SPI system checks the board data and changes the program, if necessary. Then it’s the turn of the placement machines, which, like the solder paste printer, check the PCB data. Thereafter, it automatically changes the program if necessary, and calls an operator via WORKS Operations.

Standardized interfaces instead of barcode readers

“Previously, PCB data could not be passed from machine to machine. Instead, each machine had to query this data individually from a higher-level system after reading the barcode,” explains Volker Sindel, Senior Product Manager at ASMPT.

In addition, Sindel said, “Now, the data can be passed on much more elegantly via the IPC-HERMES-9852 interface, which eliminates the need for a barcode reader on each machine. Thanks to the standardized interface, automatic program changes can also be supported by third-party systems. Thus, making it possible to implement them along the entire SMT line in the intelligent factory.”

-21 March 2024-