Design of a flexible assembly and remanufacturing cell for advanced SM components: selection of cell design concept based on reflow tools

Abstract

Purpose -To design a flexible integrated robotic assembly and rework (remanufacturing) cell for assembly, selective assembly and rework of advanced surface mount components (SMCs) using the generic methodology developed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach -Manual rework procedures are investigated for all advanced SMCs. General and specific component-related rework considerations are obtained and necessary tooling candidates for automation are determined. This is followed by determination of the specific automated rework procedure and selection of suitable tooling for automated robotic rework and generation and evaluation of design concepts. Findings -The developed methodology, which considers the reflow tool at the centre of the development process, has worked well in designing a flexible integrated robotic assembly and rework cell.Practical implications -This study identified the rework requirements for advanced SMCs, the essential features for rework reflow tools, criteria for comparing reflow tools, and a generic procedure for design and concept selection. Originality/value -It provides valuable knowledge for designers of flexible integrated robotic assembly and rework cells for assembly, selective assembly and rework of advanced SMCs.

Systematic mechanical design approach for a flexible printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) rework cell: part II – conceptual design of soldering and desoldering system

“…The main goal was to investigate the success of the developed systematic design methodology in designing the mechanics of a PCBA rework cell for advanced SM components. The work proves the methodology by selecting the same SM component range of the work cell that was designed purely using a designer's knowledge and experience by Geren et al (2006).…”

“…However, the design is initiated by the reflow (soldering and desoldering) function. This is because the determination of appropriate desoldering and resoldering tools are found to be not only important for the quality and reliability of PCBA rework, but it also significantly influences the overall concept of the development (Geren et al , 2006, 2011). In addition to this, the methodology of reworking components, overall design of the cell, the peripheral rework equipment (pad cleaning, solder dispensing, etc.…”

“…In spite of highly advanced printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) manufacturing equipment, process control techniques and great effort spent to achieve defect‐free PCBAs during PCBA manufacturing, defects in PCBAs are still possible in electronic manufacturing (Geren et al , 2006). As a result of this, rework of printed PCBAs has often been inevitable.…”

“…On the other hand, some attempts have also been made to develop an autonomous, fully automated robotic assembly and rework cell as an integral part of a PCBA manufacturing line to share the resources of a robotic assembly cell, such as manipulating devices and in process inspection equipment, etc. (Geren and Redford, 1994, 1996; Fidan et al , 1998; Geren et al , 2006). However, none of these concentrate on the development of a systematic design methodology.…”

“…The paper mainly concentrates on the conceptual design of a soldering and desoldering system, which is accepted as the most critical processes of the PCBA rework cell by Geren et al (2006). The paper also applies the developed systematic design methodology step‐by‐step to the soldering and desoldering processes (function) to determine an optimum soldering and desoldering tool.…”