Let’s talk about something cutting-edge today, artificial intelligence.
At the beginning of the manufacturing industry, it relied on manpower, and later the introduction of automation equipment greatly improved the efficiency. Now the manufacturing industry will take a further leap forward, this time the protagonist is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is poised to be the next frontier in improving productivity as it has the potential to augment human capabilities and ensure greater business efficiency. While it’s no longer a new concept, it’s only recently entered the limelight, with everyone talking about how artificial intelligence can help businesses increase revenue and market share.
Using AI is primarily about processing large amounts of data and identifying patterns in it to accomplish specific tasks. Artificial intelligence can accurately implement production tasks, expand human production efficiency, and improve our way of life and work. The growth of AI is driven by improvements in computing power, which can be boosted by improved learning algorithms. So it’s clear that today’s computing power is so advanced that AI has gone from being seen as a futuristic concept to quickly becoming an extremely usable and relevant technology.
AI Revolutionizes PCB Manufacturing
Like other fields, AI is revolutionizing the PCB manufacturing industry and can be used to simplify the production process while also increasing productivity. AI can help automated systems communicate with humans in real time, potentially disrupting current production models. The benefits of artificial intelligence include, but are not limited to:
1.Improved performance.
2.Manage assets effectively.
3.The scrap rate is reduced.
4.Improve supply chain management, etc.
For example, AI can be embedded in precision pick-and-place tools, which help determine how each component should be placed, improving performance. This can also significantly reduce the time required for assembly, which further reduces costs. The precise control of AI will reduce the loss of material cleaning. Essentially, human designers can use state-of-the-art AI for production to design your boards faster and at a lower cost.
Another advantage of using AI is that it can quickly perform inspections based on the common locations of defects, making them easy to deal with. In addition, by solving problems in real time, manufacturers save a lot of money.
Requirements for Successful AI Implementation
However, the successful implementation of AI in PCB manufacturing requires deep expertise in both vertical PCB manufacturing and AI. What is required is operational technology process expertise. For example, defect classification is an important aspect of having an automated solution that provides optical inspection. Using an AOI machine, an image of a defective PCB can be sent to a multi-image verification station, which can be connected remotely with the Internet, and then classify the defect as destructive or permissible.
In addition to ensuring that AI can obtain accurate data in PCB manufacturing, another aspect is the full cooperation between AI solution providers and PCB manufacturers. It is important that the AI provider has sufficient understanding of the PCB manufacturing process to be able to create a system that makes sense for production. It is also important for an AI provider to invest in R&D so it can provide the latest powerful solutions that are effective and efficient. By using AI effectively, providers will help businesses by:
1.Help recast business models and business processes – through intelligent automation, processes will be optimized.
2.Unlocking the trappings of data – Artificial intelligence can be used for research data analysis as well as for spotting trends and generating insights.
3.Changing the relationship between humans and machines – By using artificial intelligence, humans will be able to spend more time on non-routine tasks.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence will disrupt the current PCB production industry, which will bring PCB manufacturing to a whole new level. It is only a matter of time before industrial companies become AI companies, with customers completely centered around their operations.
Post time: Apr-25-2023