Optical Inspection System scans PCBs for defects.August 15, 2008 -
Using scanner and computer-based image processor, FA-Inspector provides image acquisition, fault identification, and SPC reporting of PCB assemblies. System handles boards up to 19 x 24 in. with inspectable area of 11 x 16 in. in single scan. Defect coverage includes all SMT and PTH parts down to 0402, part presence/absence verification, part polarity and pin #1 orientation, part position and skew errors, laser marking, wrong part, and device differences.
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Original Press release
FocalSpot, Inc.
9915 Businesspark Ave., Ste. A
San Diego, CA, 92131
USA
FocalSpot, Inc. Announces Desktop AOI System for First Article Inspection and Line Release
San Diego, California (August 6, 2008) - FocalSpot, Inc (www.focalspot.com), announced today the release of a scanner-based Optical Inspection System named the "FA-Inspector". The system provides fast, accurate optical inspection of Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) for First Article build-to-BOM validation prior to line release.
The FA-Inspector uses a high-resolution scanner and computer-based image processor to provide image acquisition, fault identification and SPC reporting. The scanner incorporates proprietary optics, custom illumination and runs advanced Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) Software. Board handling is up to 19 x 24" (483 x 610cm) with an inspectable area of 11x16" (279 x 406cm) in a single scan.
Defect Coverage includes all SMT and PTH parts down to 0402, part presence/absence verification, part polarity and pin #1 orientation, part position and skew errors, laser marking, wrong part and device differences, such as: labeling, color / lot variations and other physical characteristics.
There are two (2) modes of operation, "AOI" or "Comparator" mode and either can be run with or without XY (pick-&place) data.
AOI Mode allows inspection routines to be "taught-once and run many times" semi-automatically, without programming. Quality verification is computer-aided and the resulting analysis presents only the errors for final review by the operator.
Comparator Mode uses a "Golden Board" as test reference. Inspection views are user-configured for best magnification and throughput. Inspections are computer-assisted and faults are classified and logged in real-time by the operator.
Fault Reports, both AOI and Comparator Modes generate comprehensive reports complete with error location marks, fault classifications and PCB image or XY layout for easy rework. Reports can be emailed to customers for rapid prototype review; viewed, printed or saved for use at a future date.
Contract Manufacturers (CMs) often start several projects per day, each requiring First Article Inspection aka build-to-BOMs validation. "The FA-Inspector is a perfect fit for this type of high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment," said Frank Silva, Vice President of Sales for FocalSpot, Inc. Conventional inspection methods typically include a light ring or microscope, hard copy Bill of Material (BOM) and assembly drawings. "The FA-Inspector improves this process by organizing both hard copy materials and physical product into a common digital format, all displayed on a single screen," continued Mr. Silva. The system's AOI capabilities further improve speed and accuracy of the inspection process; by eliminating the need to manually locate and identify parts. First Article AOI inspection ensures 100% of the parts are inspected and eliminates 99.9% of human error related faults. "The obvious time and cost savings makes it hard to ignore the benefits of this system and the price makes it affordable to even the smallest CM shops," concluded Mr. Silva.
Price and Availability
The FA-Inspector is priced under $28K with deliveries from 2 to 5 weeks ARO. Detailed information can be found at URL: http://www.focalspot.com/fa-inspector.htm
About FocalSpot, Inc.
FocalSpot, Inc. is a provider of affordable high-quality BGA/SMT inspection and rework solutions to the electronics manufacturing industry worldwide.
For more information, visit www.focalspot.com, email sales@focalspot.com, or call (858) 536.5050.
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