Technical Library | 2020-06-02 15:16:51.0
A commercial systems manufacturer working on a major defense program contacted the Helpline for urgent assistance with an issue of failed parts during reliability testing. They were attempting to incorporate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computer-related hardware into a battlefield system and were experiencing reliability issues. It was noted that the parts were labeled by the vendor as "compliant to military (or MIL) standards" but not clearly identified as tin-lead or lead-free. ACI Technologies has supported a number of customers with lead-free issues and we assisted the customer in developing a short term and long-term solution to their problem.
Technical Library | 2019-07-11 11:07:08.0
Affordability is not exactly the primary word which comes to mind when discussing the use of design of experiments (DOE) principles, but is generally accepted as a necessary part of the engineering activities required in the development of a product or process. However, a number of studies have indicated that the cost savings derived from a well deliberated experimental design can be substantial in the initial stages where the conditions or parameters of a process are determined. Some studies have shown a greater than 50% cost savings compared to the more conventional means of trial and error approaches to process development. At ACI Technologies (ACI), we have found the use of DOE techniques fundamental in eliminating extraneous costs otherwise spent on unnecessary testing.
Technical Library | 2000-11-13 20:45:03.0
Free 16 page guide quickly explains how to read Dummy Component and test vehicle part numbers. Covers CSP, BGA, QFP, SOIC, Flip Chips, flat packs and discretes and chips.
Technical Library | 2018-04-25 15:54:52.0
An automotive wire harness rarely has just a single part number that can be ordered and installed in a vehicle. Typically, there are many different versions of the same harness based on the orderable content in the vehicle. These versions (often called harness levels) will have unique part numbers. The quantity of these levels and their content is what is typically called complexity and it has a significant impact on the cost of the harness.Quantifying these costs is often very difficult especially with manual methods of deriving and costing the complexity solution. Therefore, traditionally, harness costing has focused on the piece cost of each harness level. When these complexity related costs are considered it is typically with overly simplified cost modeling techniques.This paper will focus on the quantification of these complexity related costs so that they can be modeled allowing automated algorithms to optimize for these costs. A number of real world examples will be provided as well. Since no two businesses are alike, it is the aim of this paper to provide the foundational knowledge and methodology so the reader can assess their own business to model how variation complexity costs affect their business.
Technical Library | 2019-05-01 10:07:37.0
Adhesive bonding involves the use of adhesive to form a material bond between two or more assembly parts. In addition to regular adhesive bonding applications, hybrid processes, in which the adhesive bond includes another function such as sealing or heat dissipation, are gaining importance. Traditional joining methods such as welding or bolting are progressively being replaced in industrial applications by efficient adhesive bonding processes, since these processes provide a number of advantages such as part weight reduction or simplified parts handling.
Technical Library | 2021-12-31 06:09:47.0
The packaging method of surface mount components has become an important part of the SMT system. It directly affects the efficiency of assembly production and must be optimized in combination with the type and number of feeders of the SMT machine. There are four main types of packaging for surface mount components, Tape, tube, tray and bulk.
Technical Library | 2021-12-03 01:22:50.0
CNC machines is the abbreviation of "Computer Numerical Control" machines. It is an automatic machine tool with program control system. The control system can logically process the programs with control codes or other symbolic instructions, decode them and express them with coded numbers. Next, the coded numbers will be input into the numerical control device through the information carrier. After calculation and processing, the numerical control device sends out various control signals to control the action of the machine tool. CNC machine can automatically produce parts or other products according to the shape and size specified by the drawings.
Technical Library | 2024-04-29 21:39:52.0
In this paper, we develop and put into practice an Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) system based on machine vision to check the holes on a printed circuit board (PCB). We incorporate the hardware and software. For the hardware part, we combine a PC, the three-axis positioning system, a lighting device and CCD cameras. For the software part, we utilize image registration, image segmentation, drill numbering, drill contrast, and defect displays to achieve this system. Results indicated that an accuracy of 5µm could be achieved in errors of the PCB holes allowing comparisons to be made. This is significant in inspecting the missing, the multi-hole and the incorrect location of the holes. However, previous work only focusses on one or other feature of the holes. Our research is able to assess multiple features: missing holes, incorrectly located holes and excessive holes. Equally, our results could be displayed as a bar chart and target plot. This has not been achieved before. These displays help users analyze the causes of errors and immediately correct the problems. Additionally, this AOI system is valuable for checking a large number of holes and finding out the defective ones on a PCB. Meanwhile, we apply a 0.1mm image resolution which is better than others used in industry. We set a detecting standard based on 2mm diameter of circles to diagnose the quality of the holes within 10 seconds.
Technical Library | 2018-06-04 13:52:05.0
Potting in a vacuum or atmospheric conditions? This question about the correct procedure concerns many users, among others i.e. electronics manufacturers, who pot more and more complex parts and components for a huge variety of products. Against the actual requirements of product and process, a decision on the procedure is often made under the assumption: „Potting under atmosphere = affordable and easy" and „Potting under vacuum = expensive and difficult". But that's a thing of the past. The way to the correct method, however, requires the clarification of a number of factors.
Technical Library | 2018-08-03 14:37:59.0
In the electronics industry, the quality and reliability of any product is highly dependent upon the capabilities of the manufacturing suppliers. Manufacturing defects are one of the top reasons why companies fail to meet warranty expectations. These problems can result in severe financial pain and eventual loss of market share. What a surprising number of engineers and managers fail to realize is that focusing on processes addresses only part of the issue. Supplier selection also plays a critical role in the success or failure of the final product.
