- Contributing to Defect Prevention and Productivity Improvement in Mounting Process -

OMRON Corporation will launch in December 2016 the "Q-upAuto" next-generation quality control system capable of integrating inspection information and equipment operation information based on linkage between inspection and mounting machines on printed circuit board (PCB)-mounting lines. "Q-upAuto" provides a system to simplify quality control of the entire PCB-mounting line, which conventionally has required highly expert knowledge and enormous working hours, thus contributing to defect prevention and enhanced productivity.

OMRON will exhibit "Q-upAuto" and demonstrate its functions at a Fuji Machine Mfg. booth in the JISSO PROTEC 2016 exhibition to be held from June 1 to 3 at Tokyo Big Sight.

OMRON has supported PCB-mounting quality control and analysis activities at numerous manufacturing sites since launching "the Q-upNavi Series" of quality control systems in 2005. Incorporated with an industry-first "process reference function," in which PCB-mounting process inspection results (image and digital data) are specifically linked to individual PCBs and components for visualization, Q-upNavi has continuously provided customer companies with an environment allowing early detection of defect causes. "Q-upAuto," the newly developed system, has upgraded the defect analysis platform made available in the Q-upNavi Series, making it possible to identify defect causes among multiple factors and extract optimal setting conditions (parameters) for individual facilities, based on their final quality inspection, all of which has been a long-pending issue in the PCB-mounting process.

Specifically, the new system links quantitative inspection results, obtained with "VT-S730 PCB Inspection System" (installed in the final process), to information on the operation of equipment such as mounters in order identify defect causes in multiple processes including printing, mounting and reflow. By using this, users can quickly and accurately control and adjust the entire processes by referring to analysis results provided by "Q-upAuto." It also becomes possible to extract optimal parameters for each process based on the final, post-reflow inspection result by exploiting information obtained from inspection systems individually installed at the printing, mounting and reflow processes.

In addition, OMRON will start in July 2016 a "Q-upAuto" effect verification test at its Kusatsu factory, in collaboration with Fuji Machine Mfg., a major mounter manufacturer in Japan. Furthermore, it will also promote linkage between "Q-upAuto" and various production equipment, including the PCB mounters, aiming to establish a system in which "anyone can operate a swift and accurate cycle of quality control" and provide "a quality control PDCA tool" in the mounting line.

OMRON constantly strives to support manufacturing sites to maintain stable quality and enhanced productivity, alongside global manufacturers engaged in challenging manufacturing innovation activities.

Presenting new values by linking inspection and mounting systems

1. Detection and correction of mounter-originated sudden defect causes

Mounter-related defects are detected and notified instantly.

Pinpoint identification of research targets is possible, thanks to listed defect component and mounting information. As a result, line stop time can be reduced, contributing to productivity improvement.

(Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102197/201605160657/_prw_OI1fl_Fg15r74B.jpg

2. Defect prevention

The system outputs notification when detecting mounter-related quality degradation such as component mounting shift variations. Effective not only to prevent defects, but also to know the timing for mounter machine maintenance and required part replacement.

3. Checking improvement result on mounter

Checking defect correction results or post-correction quality deterioration is possible by collecting mounter-related correction information and comparing auto-saved pre- and post-correction results. Easy verification and visualization of a correction operation and its effects are possible.

About OMRON Corporation

OMRON Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto, is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of sensing and control. OMRON's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to automotive electronic components, social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Established in 1933, OMRON has over 39,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in more than 110 countries and regions. In the field of industrial automation, OMRON supports manufacturing innovation by providing advanced automation technologies and products, as well as through extensive customer support, in order to help create a better society. For more information, visit OMRON's website at: http://www.omron.com/