Productivity increases with a 3D AOI upgrade with Europlacer
Published: March 15, 2023
Europlacer have supported the expansion plans of Northern Ireland based contract manufacturer Lenalea Electronics Ltd.
Lenalea have been using 2D Automatic Inspection System technology for almost a decade but has now invested in the latest 3D AOI from Europlacer.
Lenelea’s objective was to boost productivity by reducing programming time. The latest AOI software enables a much higher level of automatic programming, which reduces operator decisions and consequently reduces false calls. This investment was imperative due to the increasing volume of new customer business coming through the company’s doors.
“The transition from 2D to 3D proved straightforward thanks to Europlacer’s applications support, with our team getting up to speed quickly”
David Foster, Lenalea Director.
3D AOI substantially reduces the effects of component shadowing that can sometimes be flagged up as possible errors, requiring an operator to make a fault or no-fault assessment. In addition, 3D technology distinguishes solder on a pad more effectively, providing a greater level of post-reflow assembly confidence.
“False calls are now very infrequent,” claims Lenalea director David Foster. Where potential errors are highlighted, the Lenalea operators benefit from a clearer perspective of the board thanks to a built-in microscope function with next level resolution graphics.
Lenalea wisely involved its assembly operators in the AOI evaluation and purchase decision, with the Europlacer solution favoured due to the company’s multi-award-winning customer support and industry expertise. “The transition from 2D to 3D proved straightforward thanks to Europlacer’s applications support, with our team getting up to speed quickly,” Foster says. “We are very pleased with our investment and the new AOI is already making a positive impact on our productivity and helping to drive our expansion.”
