During a recent Webinar, hosted by Keith Bryant, from Global SMT & Packaging magazine, the panel was asked: “Can solder robots solve social distancing requirements?”
While not all participants agreed, there is, nevertheless, a clear benefit to having robots undertake tasks that were previously undertaken by individual operators. First and foremost, the solder robot has to perform at a level that exceeds that of an experienced operator and be capable of providing the accuracy, repeatability and traceability demanded by Industry 4.0.
An example of a success story from Thermaltronics USA, Inc. related to both social distancing and enhanced soldering operations is GPC Electronics, a CEM located in Jamisontown, New South Wales, Australia. GPC operates a highly efficient factory with a focus on automation, where possible. However, over the years they had struggled with a soldering operation, that for technical reasons could not be fully processed in the SMT production line and required final off-line work by several operators.
Today this problem has been solved and as illustrated in the photo, one person, with the help of three Thermaltronics TMT-9800S solder robots, has helped GPC meet social distancing and Industry 4.0 requirements.
The process previously required several operators working in close proximity – today one person is simply loading and unloading the jigs and the robots take care of everything else.
About Thermaltronics
Thermaltronics is a manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of soldering products and accessories used in the electronics manufacturing industry. Design and development is undertaken in the USA and Australia, with final production taking place in a customized manufacturing facility, incorporating specialized equipment and in accordance with recognized international standards of quality and compliance.
In addition to the modern factory, Thermaltronics maintains an office and warehouse in New York State, commercial offices in Hong Kong and a Distribution Sales Office in Perth Australia.
All Thermaltronics products are produced in accordance with ISO 9000 & ISO 14000 standards and meet either TUV, GS, CE or NRTL safety requirements. Strict quality control procedures are in place and product warranties are among the best in the industry. For more information, visit www.thermaltronics.com.