Case Study: EMS company Assel turns to IT solution to reach manufacturing goals
is crucial. Assel is able to simulate various selected line configuration, for the specific
line configurations and mixing this with sMT machine programming machines which are capable of placing the
different product volumes. The result is The same benefits as described for AOI component. Using a fine tuned rule set for
an accurate “what if?” simulation that lets also apply to SMT placement machines, each machine, vPlan then auto-generates
engineers try various machine types and but to an even greater extent. Since the complete machine library parts data
line configurations to find the best mix and specific line configurations and individual (mShape) off-line, for all machines in the
layout to meet their needs. Assel can try a machine models are included in the process line which are capable to place the part.
variety of machine platforms, even within models, creating machine ready programs This allows for optimal line balancing. The
the same line, before deciding on the best for each machine platform is a highly AG process makes it possible to run new
capital investment and layout. streamlined process. Two major capabilities products very quickly since missing library
have provided the greatest impact on data is created automatically. This capability
aoi programming Assel’s NPI productivity. These are Auto- also makes it possible for Assel to quickly
In the past, programming AOI equipment Generation (AG) of machine library parts move a product from one line to another,
was time consuming and required data, a capability that is patented by Valor even if the new line has no library data for
redundant work flows. Now, since the Computerized Systems, the company that the board. The production flexibility this
complete product data model is prepared provided vPlan, the enterprise-level process creates is both a competitive advantage and
by the PE Division, including all fiducials, engineering solution Assel has begun using, a means to reduce costs by improved asset
component rotations, pin centroids, body and the offline program placement location utilization.
centroids, part numbers (including internal, and rotation validation created with Virtual Assel engineering is also saving time by
customer and manufacturer PNs), pin one Sticky Tape (VST). replacing multiple machine libraries with a
locations, and polarity status, the product single centralized library within the vPlan
data model is sufficiently neutralized so that auto-generation of machine libraries relational database. The Auto-Generation
each different platform of AOI equipment Assel is taking advantage of the accurate capability also saves line time that was
can be quickly programmed from a component shape geometries imported previously required to debug incorrect or
single standardized output file. This is all from the VPL as linked to BOM data missing parts data, also improving shop
accomplished offline and has substantially containing the manufacturers part number, floor efficiency and line utilization.
reduced the steps required to generate new for each placement ref des location.
programs. An added bonus is that, due vPlan automatically creates a generic Virtual sticky Tape
to the high quality and accuracy of the high level vShape for all components on Before Valor software solutions were put
neutralized data set, the amount of program the board which are missing from the into place, Assel engineers spent an average
debug time has also been greatly reduced. corresponding machines libraries in the of 2-3 hours per NPI, on the line, to run a
40 – Global SMT & Packaging – October 2009 www.globalsmt.net
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