Robotic capabilities for printed wiring assembly processing

Automation is widely used in the electronic industry for the manufacture of printed wiring assemblies (PWAs). Literature reviews and visits with some automation vendors revealed that robotics are used when processing flexibility is required. Robotic development work at the Allied-Signal Inc., Kansas City Division (KCD) resulted in the fabrication of three robot workcells. The capabilities of two robotic Component Preparation (RCP) workcells, that had been developed and fabricated to tin component leads, were increased by development on these processes. A Robotic Component Insertion System (RCIS) was developed and fabricated to insert components directly into a printed wiring board (PWB). The RCP workcells were developed to use robotics to perform some of the annual processes on PWA components. These robotic processes prepared the components for the subsequent insertion and soldering in the PWAs. The first workcell was released for production use in 1985. The RCPs have proven to be reliable with resultant cost savings of up to $50,000 per year. Development work increased the capabilities of these RCPs and increased the cost savings by $30,000 per year. The RCIS workcell design was developed to automatically insert components into PWBs. A specification to meet this design was written, an order placed, and the RCIS fabricated and installed at KCD. The system is anticipated to be released for production use in the near future. 2 refs., 10 figs