Motion Control Software provides calibration features.April 7, 2003 - CODEâ„¢ Software uses calibration functions to correct for mechanical inaccuracies in robot being used to move components, inaccuracies in camera and nozzle positions, board errors, and errors introduced by conveyor moving board after visioning. Equipment suppliers can write applications as if process and mechanics are perfect, dealing only with ideal recipe coordinates. CODE conforms to IEEE PR-1533 open-architecture controller specification.
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Original Press release
Cimetrix Inc.
6979 Hightech Dr., S.
Midvale, UT, 84047
USA
Cimetrix Adds New Calibration Features to CODE Software for High Accuracy Component Placement
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah-April 1, 2003- Cimetrix, Incorporated (OTC: CMXX) announced today new advanced calibration features for its CODE(tm) (Cimetrix Open Development Environment) motion control software, providing the industry's most comprehensive yet simple approach to high accuracy component placement. These new features, currently being utilized by major surface mount technology (SMT) placement equipment suppliers, allow any electronics assembly technology supplier to hide all inherent inaccuracies in the placement process in a calibrated model. This allows equipment suppliers to write their applications as if the process and mechanics were perfect, dealing only with ideal recipe coordinates.
The calibration model includes corrections for mechanical inaccuracies in the robots being used to move the components, inaccuracies in the camera and nozzle positions, board errors including position, stretch and skew, error introduced by a conveyor moving the board after visioning, and even robot to robot errors. Virtually any aspect of the process that introduces a measurable error can be modeled. Three leading customers are currently using the new feature-rich software in their electronics assembly equipment.
"Cimetrix's advanced calibration model allowed us to achieve our accuracy targets in considerably less time," stated Rik van der Burg, group leader of the motion control group of Assembléon Netherlands B.V. "By encapsulating all elements of our machine's calibration in the Cimetrix model, our programming time was reduced allowing us to spend more time and energy on the unique features of our machine."
"CODE software provides a unique simulation environment and robust runtime that meets performance and flexibility needs for our customers," stated Steve Sorensen, VP and CTO. "Our software has continually enabled increased productivity by reducing the amount of new application software needed and significantly reducing development time. With these new features we have reduced development time even further, with added ease of use and a simplified approach."
SMT placement machines are constantly being upgraded and improved to respond to user demands for greater flexibility and higher throughput. Time to market and cost-efficiency are critical for the equipment manufacturers. CODE provides a flexible software solution that can adapt to the specific needs of each machine model but allows a high degree of re-use in the application software. Application software can be written in C, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Borland Delphi, or IEC-1131 PLC languages -- allowing a variety of programming options. This allows the OEMs to capitalize on their specific language expertise and enables them to develop robust software applications.
CODE conforms to the IEEE PR-1533 low-cost, open-architecture controller specification that provides for a uniform application programming interface to control industrial machinery. The National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (NEMI), which is comprised of SMT end users and OEMs, developed this specification. The CODE PC-based control software is targeted at multi-axis motion intensive equipment such as component placement machines, assembly cells and robots.
About Cimetrix Incorporated
Cimetrix Incorporated, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a leading developer of software products for equipment connectivity and advanced motion control. Connectivity products include CIM300, an award winning product family for 300mm semiconductor tools and CIMConnect, a family of enabling general-purpose connectivity solutions for 200mm tools and printed circuit board equipment. Motion control products include Cimetrix Open Development Environment (CODE) product family, which provides PC based solutions for motion intensive applications such as surface mount technology equipment, electronics assembly equipment, robotics, and machine tools. For more information, please visit www.cimetrix.com.
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