Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) uses a camera to scan devices that have quality problems. It is one of the most preferred methods because it can be implemented throughout the manufacturing and production process. For so long, this automated optical inspection method was only used in the post-production so as to identify any faults on the printed circuit boards so that they could be reworked. Over the recent past, this automated optical inspection can be used at different stages of production thus making it more competitive.
This automated optical inspection uses high-definition cameras and various lighting sources, for example, LED, ultra-violet, infra-red etc. As the circuit board gets scanned, the captured images are compared with the designs that have been pre-programmed into the system thus detecting any differences between the produced boards as well as the ideal computer system.
The automated optical inspection offers various benefits that other manual visual inspection cannot keep up. The bottom line is that you need to purchase your machine from a reputable automated optical inspection machine manufacturer. By doing so, you can rely on their advise and recommendations, here are some of the reasons why you need to embrace the use of automated optical inspection tools.
There is a higher speed than the manual visual methods.
This is one of the features that make it stand out and most preferred. While it takes about an hour to inspect a panel of boards visually, it takes about a minute to process the faults and about 3-5 minutes to validate the errors picked up. This means that your products and the manufacturing process are faster than visual inspection.
If there are some errors that are detected during the inspection, the automated optical inspection is advantageous in that it not only detects these faults but it is able to correct them as soon as they start. Also, the faults are detected and corrected before the rest of the production begins thus you will not have to worry about reworking the completed projects.
Automated optical inspections are more accurate.
In addition to the high speed, AOI provides a high level of accuracy. In many cases, high speeds are often perceived to have several errors. However, with AOI, it combines both of these features. It is so reliable that it is able to detect any tiny defect that may try to slip by. Its accuracy means that there will be more errors detected and clarified within the shortest time possible thus enabling you to move to the next process with no errors.
In addition to speed and accuracy, AOI is known for its consistency. It delivers where all the other processes fail. It never misses to capture an image and it is consistently accurate and fast.
The AOI is flexible.
AOI can be placed and used in any part of the manufacturing line. This entirely depends on your needs and budgets. If you have a tight budget, it is recommended that you should pace the AOI where there is a high likelihood of errors happening. For the circuit boards, this is likely t be placed right after the soldering but it is important to test it elsewhere in the process. Regardless of the part that you decide to place it, its value lies in its flexibility especially on the parts that are prone to errors and the ability to fix these errors as early as possible.
Automated optical Inspection is one of the best quality assurance tools that can guarantee error-free processes. However, for you to realize the benefits that come with it, you need to get the right tool from a reputable AOI manufacturer that match to your needs. If you are unsure, carry out research before purchasing.
