Cogent Technology See the future of AOI with UltraVision

Cogent Technology have recently installed the latest UltraVision Automated Optical Inspection system from DCB Automation Limited to provide increased inspection capacity for the complex PCB assemblies they are now producing for their wide range of customers.

Although Cogent Technology had an existing AOI system, their increase in production would not be met with just one system, so they initially looked to purchase a second system from the same supplier. However, they had some concerns over the limited support received and the fact that the software in particular had not developed significantly over the three years since it's introduction resulting in a large number of "false calls" even from the latest version.

DCB Automation's earlier AOI had previously been considered, but not chosen, for the first AOI introduction. However, Michael Charlesworth, Process Engineering Manager at Cogent Technology had followed the progress of DCB Automation and the way they had improved their range of Automated Optical Inspection systems. With the introduction of the UltraVision AOI he felt it should now be considered as a more "modern" design and the intuitive software suite offered significant programming and operational improvements over their current system.

It was decided to run a "side by side benchmark trial" of the latest version of their current AOI model and the UltraVision AOI at their factory using a number of production boards. This would allow them to readily compare the programming times, complexity of program generation and inspection performance / false calls and repeatability, between the two systems as they already understood the process required to develop inspection programs which would easily allow them to see the benefits, or failures, of either system.

Cogent Technology found that the UltraVision produced far less false calls, and even found faults that had been missed by the other AOI system, which in it's self was a major factor as this provided confidence in the program generated for UltraVision even with the minimum of training time available.  The ease and speed of programming due to the intuitive methods used whereby the software develops many of the tests parameters required i.e. IC leg details are automatically generated, enables even a complicated 144 pin QFP to be programmed in about 10 seconds, unachievable with other systems!

The concise and informative software  used within UltraVision AOI made the whole process easy to understand while providing the operator with sufficient information to use the system, but without the complication often seen in other systems. UltraVision AOI outperformed the other system in all respects from initial program generation to final PCB inspection with the minimum of operator involvement. The inspection results provided during the inspection process and the detailed images from the 4 Mega pixel CCD camera enabled a rapid review of any failures saving on the overall inspection cycle per board. The informative rework facility is included as standard with UltraVision AOI.

The results of this evaluation, and the fact that DCB Automation are probably the only UK designer and manufacturer of this type of equipment making them the ideal partner for their customers as they can offer support and assistance during the introduction of UltraVision into a manufacturing environment, made the final decision to purchase UlraVision much easier. Michael Charlesworth also felt that the ability to talk directly with the Software Development Manager at DCB, who was always able to offer help and assistance, was vitally important during the early introduction of the AOI. This close working relationship has helped many customers to quickly develop the initial programs to obtain a fully operational system with the minimum of delay, achieving a rapid and reliable inspection process for the future.

Since this important decision by Cogent Technology to introduce the UltraVision AOI, they are better placed to satisfy their customers, many of whom are in the critical medical market, with high quality products supplied on time. In fact they have now transferred the majority of their inspection to the UltraVision AOI as it provides them with a faster, more reliable and consistent inspection process.

DCB Automation offer a complete solution to their customers Automated Optical Inspection requirements by providing additional software enhancements to meet specific user situations, with the highest level of support and assistance which can only be provided by a local manufacturer of these highly sophisticated AOI systems.

DCB Automation
Unit 10 Belfont Trading Estate
Mucklow Hill
Halesowen
West Midlands
B62 8DR

Office Tel.: 0121 585 9229
Contact: Graham Penson
DDI Tel: 01494 449677
email: graham@testsolve.co.uk

Cogent Technology Limited
Dock Lane
Melton
Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP12 1PE

Tel:01394 445566
Contact: Mr Michael Charlesworth - Process Engineering Manager
www.cogent-technology.co.uk



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