Ersa keeps a close eye on PCB production


VERSASCAN and VERSAEYE board monitoring systems supports zero-defect strategy

Wertheim/Nürnberg, 22 May 2017

The growing interconnectedness in many branches – be it industry, the automotive industry including e-mobility, or in private use – is further accelerating the dynamic electronics manufacturing branch. However, in the production of electronic modules, equipment manufacturers and EMS service providers are under enormous cost pressure. That’s why system supplier Ersa is setting its sights on a “zero defect strategy” with the PCB monitoring systems VERSASCAN and VERSAEYE. In the selective soldering process, both modules monitor the constraints of the assembly and the process parameters of the soldering system, for example wettability, layout, soldering heat requirement and constancy. A soldering system alone cannot monitor all these parameters – but this is exactly what is required for a reproducible zero-defect soldering result.

 

The VERSASCAN assembly monitor checks THT-equipped PCBs for defects even before the soldering process commences. Here, a high-resolution camera checks the following criteria against a reference image: complete assembly and direction of the PCB, correct placement and polarization of the components. The bad board detection recognises faulty components and excludes these boards from the rest of the production process – saving not only valuable production time but also operating materials such as flux, solder and energy, reducing rework costs to almost zero and considerably increasing throughput. The results are documented and available as XML files for follow-up processes. Direct deployment of VERSASCAN in production can be prepared in advance by CAD import or offline programming.

 

VERSAEYE quality assurance – analysis, documentation, traceability

Recommended as the next step immediately following the soldering process, is the VERSAEYE module with which the soldering quality achieved is inspected and documented. The Ersa quality assurance module is available in two versions: either integrated directly into the soldering system or as a stand-alone module which fits seamlessly into every production line. The VERSAEYE inspection system is based on an axis system which can move in x/y and z-direction and is fitted with nine cameras for a precise 360° inspection (eight cameras positioned in a ring around the central camera). Thanks to the innovative ring lighting, various angles of reflection are possible, from which the software generates a colour schematic in blue, white and red and, depending on the ratio, can define a joint as “good” or “bad”. On this basis, inspection results are continuously documented – including traceability of assemblies and fault analysis. The handling of the boards ensues directly or through a work piece carrier via pin chain conveyor for flexible product changeover. Anyone aiming for zero-defect production in his electronics manufacturing should consider the VERSASCAN and VERSAEYE board monitoring systems – the Ersa Team would be pleased to advise you!