Automated system combines conformal coating and inspection
Claimed to ensure an accurate and reliable coating process, Nordson Asymtek has combined its Select Coat SL-940 conformal coating system with the FX-940UV series ACI/AOI automated conformal coat inspection system.
Together, says the company, the systems ensure a conformal coating process that is accurate and reliable, and which delivers ongoing coating quality and consistency.
The Nordson Asymtek Select Coat SL-940 conformal coating system is claimed to provide high quality and productivity for automated coating processes. It has features to monitor and control the process and to provide traceability, such as fan width control, viscosity control, flow monitoring, a barcode system, and a vision system. Information can be exchanged with customer-specific factory information systems (FIS) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) to ensure factory production workflow.
Conformal coatings used by electronics equipment manufacturers contain UV indicators for inspection. Coatings are transparent, so parts must be viewed under ultra-violet (UV) or black light to verify coverage and non-coverage. The FX-940UV’s advanced, high-power UV lighting and newly-introduced image-processing technology integrate techniques such as coverage and colour inspection, normalised correlation, and rule-based algorithms to provide complete inspection coverage with an unmatched low false-failure rate, claims Nordson Asymtek. Multiple-camera imaging technology inspects at high-speed inspection with defect coverage. The FX-942 model provides dual-sided viewing (top-down and bottom-up) cameras. The ACI/AOI systems inspect conformal coating coverage and verify correct part assembly in surface mount technology or through-hole applications, to improve quality and enhance yield.
Set-up is fast and intuitive, says the company, with minimal programming, typically requiring less than 30 minutes. A known-good board is used to teach the coverage and non-coverage areas. Automated inspection typically takes only a few seconds and results are immediately displayed. Results can be stored and reviewed off-line. The FX-940UV also reads all common barcodes and captures board images for product traceability.
Configurable for several line positions, the FX-940UV ACI series can be used for coating, pre- and post-cure, and final assembly inspection. Off-line programming maximises machine utilisation and real-time SPC monitoring to enhance yield. The FX-940UV can be fully integrated with a FIS/MES system to capture up-to-the-minute process data. Single-page, quick feedback reports provide an overall view of the inspected board and allow the user to zoom in on specific areas of interest, such as around keep out zones and critical components.
http://www.nordsonasymtek.com
