Intelligent optimization of component onsertion in multi-head concurrent operation PCBA machines

The placement or onsertion of surface mounted components is an essential stage in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). A reduction in production time of placement through efficient process planning will significantly increase total yield of the whole line. Addressed in this paper is the task of achieving high yield through determination of an optimal placement sequence given the constraints of feeder arrangement and machine design. A knowledge-based component placement system (CPS) which incorporates optimization algorithms is presented for a sophisticated but popular multi-head concurrent assembly machine. CPS has proven, in comparison to the machine proprietary algorithm, to be more practical and effective. CPS, a hybrid, which uniquely couples mathematical algorithms with a knowledge base, is a powerful tool in process PCB assembly.