Automation of Resistor Networks, CTS, USA

Abstract

For several years, competition within the resistor network industry has greatly increased sizeable increases in demand. To remain competitive and a leader in the field, CTS Corporation has chosen to initiate constantly new technologies for automation. To improve overall costs, automation must take place in the area of support personnel such as clerks, engineers, management and technicians as well as with the direct production workers. It is also believed that automation should take place under a well formulated planning system. Some of the techniques being implemented at CTS of Berne to accomplish this come under discussion. First, the capability of the process should be proven. Dealt with briefly are ways in which this is accomplished and the important role it plays in the fore‐running steps of automating. Before an automation project is undertaken, the payback to the company must be assured. The steps taken to accomplish this, starting with determining the variance in output rates (not cycle rates), yield and/or quality improvements, acquiring quotations, establishing total costs, and finally computing the ROI and payback factors are all reviewed. CTS Corporation has graduated from high labour intensified manual operations to semi and fully automatic ones. Some of the techniques used to effect this transition such as bowl and vibratory feeders, walking beams, and pick‐and‐place units, are discussed. Also portrayed is the way in which a constant improvement in the automation of the process and material handling is being undertaken at CTS. Among the new generation developments are: Multiple handling of parts via tubes, magazines, and pallets; robotics; automatic 100% visual inspection, and computer and microprocessor controlled processes.