Yestech Europe features new high speed Automated Optical Inspection solution at SMT Hybrid Packaging

Yestech Europe launched the Nordson YESTECH new, high-speed FX SL advanced Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system into Europe at the SMD Hybrid Packaging 2012 exhibition. This international electronics event took place in Nuremberg, Germany on May 8 to May 10.

The new FX SL is a development from the well-established and popular FX Series of AOI solutions. It features a three times image capture speed improvement in both on the fly or stop – start modes, plus all of the series' existing functionality. Advanced 12 micron colour camera imaging technology assures high speed PCBA inspection and exceptional defect coverage. With one top down viewing camera and four side viewing cameras, the FX Series inspects solder joints and verifies correct part assembly enabling users to improve process quality and increase throughput. 

The FX SL also includes Yestech's dual inspection technology, flexibly allowing users to benefit from both image matching and algorithm based inspection techniques within a single program. Image matching depends on building a reference image database of known good and defective board samples. The machine learns these images for comparison with the boards being inspected. Algorithm-based inspection uses rules, measurements and contrast location mechanisms that look for variations in light and dark grayscale or colour patterns to identify a component and its surrounding area.

Providing both methods of inspection offers significant advantages for different production environments. In high mix situations with limited production runs, users can benefit from image-based inspection's fast set-up time. Alternatively, algorithm-based inspection offers comprehensive and precise parameter control for high volume production. Accuracy is further improved by the FX SL's new, more accurate x-y stage. Set-up times in multi-system installations are also reduced through library based software and copy-exact program portability.

The FX SL offers fast throughput as well as set-up, allowing compatibility with even the highest speed production lines. It also integrates easily into production environments, with intuitive interfaces for operators, technicians and engineers. Additionally, the system enables real-time visibility and optimisation of the manufacturing process through a comprehensive collection of SPC, data and image-based reports.

Visitors to Yestech Europe at the Nuremberg exhibition were quick to spot the new machine's potential. “I'm delighted with the quality of the visitors we have had' commented Andy Bonner, Yestech Europe's Managing Director. “We were spending our time talking to knowledgeable users seeking a closer understanding of how the new FX SL would benefit their production throughput and quality. We're always happy to help users through these early stages of their research, as well as offering more formal consultancy and training as their project progresses.'

Don Miller, President and CEO of Nordson YESTECH, commenting on this latest system development, said. “Our development team has worked hard to bring this latest innovation to market and we are all delighted with the inspection speed increases and the way the SL handles our dual inspection mode with on-the-fly image capture. We are excited about how the FX-SL sets a new expectation for Automated Optical Inspection.'
Contact for sales and technical information:
Awww.yestech-europe.com.