Optimization of Set-up Strategies for Operating Automated SMT Assembly Lines

Abstract The state of the art in automation of the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCB's) is very advanced. But since the solutions realised up to low are mainly concentrated on the existing spectrum of standard components the introduction of the new technology of surface mounted devices (SMD) requires new approaches. The lead time for a defined production volume of PCB's with SME is decisively influenced by the choice of the set-up status of the assembly systems or assembly lines involved. The paper describes an approach to minimize the lead time by developing an optimization strategy for the initial set-up and subsequent changes in set-up of the components.