-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueComing to Terms With AI
In this issue, we examine the profound effect artificial intelligence and machine learning are having on manufacturing and business processes. We follow technology, innovation, and money as automation becomes the new key indicator of growth in our industry.
Box Build
One trend is to add box build and final assembly to your product offering. In this issue, we explore the opportunities and risks of adding system assembly to your service portfolio.
IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Pre-show
This month’s issue devotes its pages to a comprehensive preview of the IPC APEX EXPO 2024 event. Whether your role is technical or business, if you're new-to-the-industry or seasoned veteran, you'll find value throughout this program.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
Smart Is Not A Binary Concept
April 21, 2021 | Michael Ford, Aegis SoftwareEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
“Smart” is not simply an “on” or “off” state. Just like people, some solutions are “smarter” than others; as we see from the various ways of measuring intelligence within humans, there are many kinds of “smarts.” When looking to invest in a smart manufacturing strategy, the playing field is more complex than it may appear. We should first understand and define what “smart” means, to what extent it exists, and the other requirements and dependencies that are needed to get the best value from investment.
Perhaps we should start with the IQ test, a measurement of intelligence attributed to people. Could we not have a scale for the intelligence of smart processes? As an adjective, “smart” sets expectations, but there is a huge gamut of actual intelligence or cleverness that can pass for smart. Perhaps we can create an AIQ (artificial intelligence quotient) scale to help us.
At the bottom of the AIQ scale, I would place the smartphone, which does nothing unless you press a button or configure an action to make it do exactly what it was programmed to do. The functions shortcut many otherwise manual actions. Smart functions are normally associated with software, though that is not to say that hardware cannot also be smart. A modern domestic sewing machine, for example, enables a novice operator with little skill or experience to create all manner of amazing stitching patterns. It is “smart” in that it augments human capabilities.
A mechanical manufacturing machine-based process—anything from a simple SMT placer to an assembly robot arm—is likely to be at least as smart as a smartphone. They basically do what they are told to do as a replacement of otherwise manual operations. Results of Six Sigma experiments tell us that there will always be variation in mechanical movements, resulting in slightly different results each time. Sensors are therefore built into machines and linked with the control logic, acting as feedback to make sure that the operational movement meets expectation, avoiding excessive or incorrect actions.
Machine Learning
Expanding on that principle of direct feedback in a smart way is machine learning (ML). For example, an inspection machine will modify its assessment of passes and fails as a result of changed settings determined from analysis of prior judgements. This expands out to become “closed-loop” feedback where two or more different machines are involved. For example, deviations in X, Y, and rotation position of placed SMT components are measured by an inspection machine. Then, by an analysis of patterns and trends in the data, parameters are changed to reduce the deviation in placement. Subtle live alterations to the placement process can be done automatically, or the alarm is raised to call for an operator to replace a worn nozzle, for example. Instances of defects are then avoided by not allowing any deviations to go beyond control limits.
These smart technologies, available today, are used to correct and refine actions that are performed, enhancing the effect of the original sensors. It is interesting to note that practical implementation of these steps has been enabled by expanded communication of data between machines that are likely to have come from different vendors. Technologies such as IPC-CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) have revolutionized the ability to share and utilize actionable data in a singularly defined format and meaning, without the need for middleware and IP exchange. This has been smart. We are certainly now higher up the AIQ scale, as demonstrated in this simple example, by the order of magnitude of defects found at test. But the losses are not yet reduced to zero. Our degree of “smart” is not yet perfect.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the March 2021 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
IPC APEX EXPO: Some Thoughts About Growth
05/16/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007After two and a half days of wandering the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2024, for the first time, I almost felt like I was exploring CES. There were so many booths and exhibits that I could describe, but I’d like to focus on the growth and huge value of this event, which has expanded well beyond just the growing and impressive exhibit show floor.
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Industry Growth, Challenges, and Technological Advancements
05/09/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Nolan Johnson and Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, dive into key industry topics such as growth, challenges, and technological advancements. They discuss shifts in the global competitive landscape, downstream demand, customization, and how AI is enhancing human skills. The industry outlook appears promising for both the short and long term.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: The Driving World of e-Mobility with Indium
05/08/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn the competitive EV market, technology plays a crucial role facing the challenges of infrastructure. As Brian O'Leary explains, Indium's e-Mobility product suite includes proven solder and thermal management products for high reliability.