Mar 15, 2011 
There are many machines and materials that go into assembling a complete PCB. Screen printers feature "post print inspection" to catch problems. Reflow ovens are often setup using profiling devices. Until recently, there has not been any real-time tool for the PCB assembly systems. AOI can tell if the part is placed correctly or not, but it cannot tell why it was not placed correctly. In many cases, high-speed movement on these machines makes it extremely hard to "see" exactly what is happening.
If components are being misplaced by the assembly system, it could be caused by many different things. Nozzles could be damaged, feeders could be feeding incorrectly, components could be sticking to the tape, pick positions could be incorrect, the PCB itself could be poorly clamped or supported, and a host of other possible problems. Without a clear view of a machine that is running at very high speed, it is difficult to tell which one of these items is causing the misplacement. This paper will discuss the idea of root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and tools available to assist with RCFA.
Juki Corporation's experience as the market leader in industrial sewing machines was the stepping-stone for the entry into the printed circuit board assembly market in 1987. Since then, Juki has delivered more than 22,000 automated assembly systems worldwide and is currently shipping an average of 200 assembly machines per month. This extraordinary achievement makes Juki one of the world’s leading providers of automated assembly products and systems. In addition to its core technologies, Juki’s Electronic Assembly and Test Systems Division develops and manufactures advanced electronic systems and computer software for data entry, mail processing and other electronic equipment.
With the purchase of Zevatech’s assets in November 1999, Juki Automation Systems now brings Juki’s reputation for top quality and reliable service also to the North and South American and the European electronics assembly markets. Juki recognizes the challenges of the new century and is prepared to respond to the globalization of electronic manufacturing. With a sophisticated knowledge base, advanced technologies and a high commitment to its customers, Juki is poised for continued growth in the 21st century.
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