There is an interesting hypothesis that mankind exists thanks to evolved planning skills. One (very distant) time we competed with Neanderthals, who, if you look at it on paper, should have won in this competition. They were stronger, more resilient and, contrary to appearances, not less intelligent than us. However, they lacked something, something that had an impact on the fact that they lost in the competition for resources with a much weaker human leg – us. For many, this planning skill was this “something”.
This lead apparently does not seem to have much to do with the selection of devices in an enterprise. However, we will try to prove that the ability to plan properly also here is a factor separating those who are destined for the future from those who may be in danger of the fate of the Neanderthals. EMS are governed by similar laws as any other enterprise – they must evolve. The task of a good manager is not to disturb this development.
This task manifests itself in virtually every sphere of the company’s activity, but within this article we will focus on the sphere of investment in devices and on what should be considered when choosing them.
There are three main factors to consider when choosing a device for producing PCB packages: device performance over time (usually given per hour), the range of components that the device can install (in height and size), and the size of the boards supported.
First, it should be clearly emphasized that the specificity of the EMS industry means that enterprises of this type (mostly) are not able to precisely determine these parameters in advance. This is due to the obvious fact that they are contractors of tasks commissioned by other entities.
Anticipation is limited in this sphere to observing technological trends and cooperation with regular clients. Practice shows that the answer to this problem is the selection of devices with the highest possible parameters.
The wide spectrum of device capabilities allows enterprises to accept orders and to keep up with the increasing market requirements.
YAMAHA EQUIPMENT
In this sphere, Yamaha Motors Company devices and robots have gained recognition – Their distributor in Poland is RENEX Group. An example of the optimal solution created by this manufacturer, allowing for a wide range of production is the YSM20 pick & place assembly machine. The device can support 490 × 810 mm PCBs and allows installation of up to 95,000 components per hour.
Another issue that should be considered when designing a technological line is the range of the manufacturer’s offer. Keep in mind the further development of the company and what devices will be needed with its development. The choice of the manufacturer with the widest possible range allows for gradual extension and improvement of the line based on uniform solutions.
at the same time, it excludes problems resulting from incompatibility of devices, maintenance training or service logistics. Yamaha Motors offers a wide range of devices and machines for PCB assembly – in and outside the line – from solder paste printers (e.g. YSP20), through inspection equipment (AOI, SPI), to component storage systems. Choosing the right supplier of the devices we choose is also important.
RENEX, a recognized manufacturer and distributor of equipment for the electronics industry, prides itself on its approach to provide comprehensive service for its partners, both in the sphere of delivered devices and their components as well as consulting and technical support. The company celebrating its 30th anniversary this year has a very wide spectrum of activities – including manufacturing of antistatic furniture, antistatic clothing and soldering / dispensing robots under its REECO brand, as well as being the exclusive distributor of many recognized global brands (e.g. the manufacturer of Heller soldering ovens).
BY choosing this type of partner you can avoid the third type of problem that may be standing in the path of a developing EMS company – the lack of appropriate know-how.
Using the experience of partners with in-depth knowledge of the market and available devices in the field of broadly understood production and service of electronics allows you to avoid mistakes when choosing devices.
In summary – when designing EMS lines, always take into account the future needs of enterprise development. Planning and solving problems before they occur is a key factor in gaining competitive advantage and enables uninterrupted business development.