MEK's Breakout AOI and SPI Technologies Featured by Christopher Associates at APEX 2012
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MEK, formerly known as Marantz Business Electronics, will showcase a unique range of AOI technologies at IPC/APEX in San Diego this month. Featured MEK demonstrations at Christopher Associates booth # 2801 include a variety of 9-camera inspection systems and next-gen 5D SPI.
PowerSpector S1 Solder Paste Inspection by MEK employs a unique new "5D" technology that delivers true area, shape, offset, volume and height measurement together and complete for the first time. PowerSpector S1's high speed post-print SPI process incorporates patented new sensor technology and simultaneously combines 3D and 2D image processing methodologies along with elegant real-time SPC process data management that delivers defect detection far beyond current industry standards.
Christopher Associates was recently named as the exclusive North American distributor for the SPI system, after successfully representing Marantz AOI for many years. Commenting on the expanded channel appointment MEK General Manager Henk Biemans explained, "CA has been an effective partner in the past and have proven knowledge and experience in the North American SPI marketplace. Armed with our new unique new SPI solutions, they are certain to be successful."
APEX visitors will also discover a new generation iSpector desktop AOI system that unites advanced optical performance with inherent flexibility and accuracy. iSpector was the world's first desktop system to offer one top camera and eight side cameras in 45/45 degree configuration. Increasingly popular 45 degree space-saving circuitry designs can now be inspected with 10µm resolution side cameras. Combining simultaneous 9 camera inspection, true 24-bit colour imaging technology and 3D Solder Meniscus profiling, these systems deliver advanced AOI performance with either manual or fully automated PCB handling.
The MEK Inspection Island serves multiple lines while eliminating the requirement to manually handle PCBs. Featuring unique repair & traceability software for effective post processing of defects, operators are afforded the flexibility to select classification on the fly, through manual intervention.
Biemans went on to conclude: "Traditionally, island operation has only been available for customers with an inline machine model, plus a loader and unloader. We've taken our most cost-effective and popular desktop model and combined it with a proven, conveyor/rack storage system to dramatically reduce the cost and complexity associated with automatic offline inspection. Innovations like this have enabled our customers to break out and rediscover AOI."
About MEK
A former division of Marantz well known for its high quality Audio/Video products, MEK Japan (Marantz Electronics Kabushiki Kaisha), developed its first AOI system in 1994. Developed to inspect PCB assemblies for correct component placement and soldering, the company's original AOI system was designed for use in Marantz factories. Proving to be a highly successful, cost-effective alternative to traditional human inspection, MEK developed its first generation commercial system in 1996. With a steadily growing installed base, MEK Japan and its European headquarters, MEK Europe BV, have sold over 5000 units worldwide to date. Now well established as a leading force in AOI technologies, the company recently launched a 5D post-print SPI system which combines 3D and 2D image processing methodologies to deliver unprecedented defect detection.
