Getech Edge Detection Vision Alignment for GSR Routing Process. [Patent Pending.]

Getech Automation Software Development, March 2014

Introduction

Getech Edge Detection Vision Alignment [GDVA software] is a newly

developed system by Getech Automation. Instead of the traditional top

camera ‘view and teach’ method, it works by Back Lighting the PCB held on

the fixture. The Backlight allows the edge of the PCB to be visually detected

by the machines vision system. By detecting the PCB edge before and after

the TAB the machine auto aligns the cutting path for every TAB on a PCB.

The Result is a clean cut edge dimensionally accurate to the PCB Design

outline.

Objectives

The objective of this process is to help the end user eliminate over-cutting issues

due to PCB panel inconsistencies and manufacturing defects, eg mis-matching of

overall trace circuits with tooling holes.

Hardware & Software Requirements Machine Type : GSR Series with top vacuum configuration

Spindle Type : Kavo 4041 or 4025

Camera Type : Fiducial camera ( color or black & white )

Cutter Type : Diamond flutes for FR4 board ( up-cut )

Fixture : Dedicated with LED back light beneath PCB

Software : Getech edge detection software

General Setup for Evaluation

List of Equipment.

1. GSR Edge Detection Software with additional [Vision Aligned Line] option.

2. Getech Standard CPK 4up Panel.

3. Dedicated fixture with Back Lighting feature.

4. GSR Standard Fiducial Camera ( color ).

1. GSR edge detection S/W

[cont]

2. Getech CPK Panel

3. Back Light Fixture

4. GSR edge detection S/W

[cont]

AdvantagesTraditional Vs Back Light Cutting

If a batch of PCBs arrive with global mis-matching of trace circuitry relative to

locating holes. [i.e 0.2mm drift in Y direction]

If this batch of PCBA is uses the traditional method of depanelising [i.e after global

fiducial recognition the system proceeds with the pre-teach (The taught path is

determined from a good panel ). The result will be as shown with an ‘Under-cut’.

Or a worse outcome? Most probably it will be an ‘Over-cut’.

Before Cutting After Cutting

With the Edge Detection option, there is no further concern

about cutting drift.

The vision system will AUTO ALIGN to

the PCB edge, the routing result will be

as shown – No Over/Under cut

Process

Full PCB Panel Routed with EDGE DETECTION Auto Alignment

All the cut edges are perfectly FLUSH with the PCB edges regardless of change in

PCB panels or change in PCB vendors.

Results

Full PCB panel depanelised result which purely based on Cad Data input

Over and Under cut edges can be observed everywhere along the PCB edges,

they vary in locations as raw panel changed.

Results

• Cycle time will increase relative to the

number of vision captures on both ‘Start’

and ‘End’ points of the cutting paths.

• The increment will be approximately 0.8s

per cut.

Auto vision alignment.mp4

Cycle time considerations

Getech Edge Detection Vision Alignment can be considered as an ‘AUTO PILOT’ for the

routing process . It continuously looks at the “Actual Cut Path” needed based on the circuits

Actual Geometry and compensates for any PCB dimensional drift that may impact the

process. The result is clean dimensional stable PCB edge’s regardless of PCB vendors, color

or jagged edges. It provides an Assurance that any change in the circuit as a result of a

change in PCB vendors will not impact the quality of the finished routed PCB. It even helps

to minimize or eliminate tearing, dog bone defects.

Getech Edge Detection Vision Alignment is the next step in machine/process innovation for

the manufacturing company dealing with external quality issues that impact manufacturing.

Note : The lighting level, routing direction etc should be set as per Getech recommendations

.

Conclusions