Image capture starts automatically
The PCB is identified by its barcode and image capture starts by itself – your operator is called as soon as an inspection is due.
Why inspect before soldering ..
Pre-reflow AOI for the moments with potential for errors: inspection takes place directly after the placement machine and before the reflow oven – while an error can still be corrected easily.
- Placement machinecomponents placed, not yet soldered
- EFA Picture Inlinepre-reflow AOI – correct errors directly on the conveyor
- Reflow ovenafter that, every correction becomes costly
Errors as early as possible
The earlier a misplaced component is detected, the cheaper the correction. Once the components are soldered – possibly hidden by larger components – rework becomes many times more expensive.
The moments with potential for errors
After the first article and a restart, placement errors mainly occur when someone intervenes at the placement machine – for example during a reel change. That is exactly when the inspection takes place.
Catch problems early
Automatic spot checks catch placement problems early – so the process can be corrected much faster.
How to inspect before soldering ..
The imaging system sits directly in the line, EFA SmartSuite inspects the image – and the PCB stays on the conveyor.
Correction directly on the conveyor
Correct faulty components directly on the conveyor and confirm the placement with a new image.
Connected to the line
If the inspection result is not OK, the PCB does not move on automatically. After a successful inspection, it moves on by itself.
No carrying, no shifting
Unsoldered components can shift at the slightest knock. In the line, carrying the PCB back and forth is eliminated.
Inspected automatically by EFA AOI with AI
As pre-reflow AOI, EFA AOI automatically checks before soldering:
- PresenceMissing components are detected automatically.
- OrientationPolarity, offset and rotation are checked automatically.
- MarkingComponent markings are read and checked by OCR – EFA keeps learning.
- Colour bandsThe colour bands of resistors are checked automatically.
Set up in a few minutes, from batch size 1. Part numbers set up once apply immediately to every new assembly. More about EFA AOI with AI →
The unit for it: EFA Picture Inline
The imaging system directly in the line – also for retrofitting on an existing conveyor segment. The microscopic full image of the entire PCB at up to 5,000 dpi goes directly to EFA SmartSuite.
More about EFA Picture Inline →Frequently asked questions about inspection before soldering ..
What is pre-reflow AOI?
Automated optical inspection before reflow soldering: inspection takes place directly after the placement machine, while an error can still be corrected easily.
Is every PCB inspected?
That is not the point. Inspection takes place specifically when errors can occur: after the first article, a restart and a reel change, and as spot checks.
What happens if there is an error?
Correct, capture again, approve – the PCB stays on the conveyor. If there are many errors, the PCB can alternatively be wiped and fed to the placement machine again.
Is it worthwhile for small batches, too?
Yes. EFA AOI is set up in a few minutes and can be used from batch size 1; part numbers set up once apply immediately to every new assembly.
What our customers say ..
As we insist on an initial inspection before SMD soldering, we now also use the EFA inspection system specifically at that point, so that consequential errors can be ruled out in advance. In addition, this type of inspection reduces the downtime of our production lines.
The EFA inline solution won us over with its automatic image capture. This lets us inspect batch sizes from 0 to 1,000 with EFA Inspection without any problems.
With the automatic spot checks of EFA Inspection, we already catch placement problems before the AOI and can therefore correct the process much faster.
Related topics ..
Before the batch is releasedFirst article inspectionGuided inspection instead of searching – with one operator instead of the four-eyes principle
After a restart or reel changeSetup checkInspect in full or in reduced form, with a golden board – traceable down to the feeder
All inspection methods at a glance: Production & inspection →
Talk to us ..
Do you have any questions? We will be happy to advise you – by phone, online or in person.
LEBERT Software Engineering
Maybachstr. 15, 63456 Hanau, Germany
+49 6181 96942-0
info@lse.cc
Maybachstr. 15, 63456 Hanau, Germany
+49 6181 96942-0
info@lse.cc
Mon–Thu09:00–17:00
Fri08:00–16:00
Sat10:00–12:00