Justifying flexible automation for PCB assembly

Abstract

Examines the use of robots for printed circuit board assembly with particular reference to the growing trend of mixing surface‐mount and through‐hole technology on to a single board. Describes the flexibility of today’s robotic cells, with one system capable of assembling a range of PCBs, making changes to board assembly by changing the software instead of the hardware. Looks at the various end effectors for robotic assembly of PCBs, including a new type of gripper which can handle all variations of circuit boards without having to make tooling or gripper changes.