Moisture Sensitivity Level Classification and Component Floor Life Tracking
Solder reflow steam pressures inside plastic components demand exact floor life accounting and dry storage discipline to prevent package delamination.
Splice Tape Tracking
Joint Alignment
Process monitoring for component carrier tape joints ensures that the transition between two reels of surface mount devices occurs without jamming the assembly machine. Splice tape tracking involves the use of sensors to detect the presence and the alignment of the adhesive strip that connects the old tape to the new one. This monitoring prevents downtime caused by broken tapes or misfed components.
Feeding Reliability
Optical sensors look for a specific color or pattern on the tape to signal that a splice is approaching the pick and place head. This allows the machine to adjust its speed or skip the few components located at the joint.
Production Impact
Poorly applied splice tape can lead to a loss of vacuum at the nozzle or a mechanical snag in the feeder mechanism. When splice tape tracking is active, the system can log the frequency of reel changes and the quality of the splices performed by different operators. This data is used to improve training and to ensure that the production line maintains its maximum throughput.
If the tape is not perfectly aligned, the components might be presented at an angle that the vision system cannot correct. Accurate tracking mitigates these risks and ensures a continuous flow of parts to the assembly line.