Contax installs first VT-RNS AOI system at Axiom for lead-free production

Leading production automation system specialist, Contax Ltd, has installed the first Omron VT-RNS automated optical inspection (AOI) system at leading UK contract electronics manufacturer, Axiom Manufacturing Services.

Based in Newbridge, Wales, Axiom will be using the in-line VT-RNS for inspecting and evaluating PCB assemblies to ensure their quality and integrity.  Previously, Axiom had relied on manual visual inspection to IPC-610 specifications, but with the market trend to produce smaller components, they had decided to look at automating the process.

"When you are doing circuit tests with large boards you can do a physical test," explained Axiom's Test Engineering Manager, Nick Baker.  "But times have changed.  You now need a multi-layer test for boards, and lead free solder requires closer examination than traditional paste.  As boards get smaller, so we are driven by the market to go the automatic route rather than manual for quality control".