Posted to News on 8th Oct 2021, 00:00
Omron launches PCB inspection system
Omron has launched the new PCB inspection system VT-S10 Series, featuring what it claims to be an industry-first imaging technology and AI to automate high-precision inspection processes for PCB sub-assemblies, thus eliminating the need for specialist operator skills. With an increased call for the new global wireless standard 5G, electric vehicles (EVs), and autonomous driving, the inspection of in-vehicle PCB assemblies becomes increasingly challenging. Omron’s VT-S10 solution allows for high-precision inspection of such key components to maintain and enhance quality, thus contributing to security and safety.
As PCB assemblies become more dense and even smaller, inspection is accompanied by increased challenges. Conventional PCB inspection systems struggle to take accurate images of solder shapes, for example, thus limiting the scope and parameters of inspection. Meanwhile on the factory floor and confronted with a growing shortage of skilled workforce, employees are required to avoid close contact and movement to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As a result, the frequency of visual inspections has to be reduced. Other demands are lower experience and skill requirements for the implementation of new inspection equipment, in addition to improved inspection accuracy. Where demand from the automotive and 5G markets increases, the product supply chain expands. So, shape inspection such as IPC standard becomes more important in maintaining and improving the inspection quality.
Equipped with Omron’s proprietary MDMC (Multi-Direction Multi-Colour) imaging technology, the VT-S10 Series automatically optimises irradiation angles, colours, and light intensity of illumination during the inspection of the PCB assembly taking characteristics such as the shapes of electronic components and soldering on the PCB into account.
Omron says first tests have shown that this new technology can reduce the human-hours required for set up by approximately 70%. Furthermore, with the assistance of AI, this PCB inspection system can automate inspections that have until now had to rely on human senses, significantly improving inspection accuracy. Omron has more than 30 years of experience in the field of both appearance and solder inspection.
