2022-09-16

The method of SMT patch effectively improving the production efficiency of PCBA

In order to ensure the PCBA delivery time, effective methods to improve PCBA production efficiency are needed in SMT, which will help you simplify production, achieve goals and reduce costs.

How to improve the production efficiency of SMT processing PCBA

1. Minimize BOM changes

When specifying a bill of materials (BOM), it is common to find PCB design engineers listing several similar components in the same board reference. While this selection element may have the best intentions, it can be a challenge as parts from different manufacturers can vary in size and shape.

SMT pick and place procedures are usually set up for specific components. Any deviation from expected tolerances can result in scrap parts and disrupt the production line. For consistency, always ask your material supplier to schedule only one approved component - at least they should let you know of any possible changes so your pick and place procedures can be updated offline and any expensive machine downtime can be avoided time.

2. Choose the most effective component packaging

The format of the provided devices can vary widely - especially in integrated circuits (ICs). Typical IC packaging methods might include waffle trays, tubes and reels - each type of part is usually distinguished by a specific letter or number at the end of the part number.

If optimum efficiency is your goal, strip and wrap parts are preferred, as the use of tubular parts depends on the operator to replace parts when the pipe becomes empty, which can delay the manufacturing process. Of course, in some cases, such as in the case of smaller batches of new product introductions (NPI), it may not be feasible to require gluing and wrapping parts. In this case, it probably doesn't make business sense to buy a lot of equipment so you can receive it in audio and reel format.

If you decide to replace parts from tubular items to tape and reel, you also need to ensure that the sealing quality of the cover tape is adequate. Poor seal quality increases the risk of movement of the chinstrap, which can mean damaged or missing parts.

3. Avoid PCBA board splicing components

Occasionally it may be necessary to splice together a small number of tape and winding assembly combinations to form a larger continuous strip. However, if the splicing doesn't work well, the tape might get stuck in the SMT machine. If the cover plate is pulled away from the load belt, the machine will jam and require operator handling, which will result in expensive downtime.

4. Plan what might happen

Inherent in the manufacturing process is that things don't always go as expected. If your SMT machine is misplaced, drops or damages a component and you don't have more of that component in your inventory, you may have two tough choices. You can choose to continue machining with SMT and manually assemble the part when it arrives, or stop work while you order (and wait) for a part replacement. The reality is that neither option is particularly ideal. Manually installing parts can compromise quality, increase the risk of damage, and impact lead times. At the same time, choosing to stop working means your machine is sitting idle and costs money.

First, it can take some time to put wear and tear into a component kit, but it can save hundreds of pounds in extra rework. So make sure to ask for each component as much as possible beyond your actual needs. The smallest details can have a huge impact on PCBA production efficiency. By having a program for continuous monitoring and improvement of the process, you will be able to identify and eliminate ineffective content, keep quality first, and increase profitability.