New AOI module with assembly assistance for THT

In order to be able to work quickly and error-free during the manual assembly of PCBs, GÖPEL electronic has developed the Multi Line Assist, an AOI module that guides the operator through the assembly process and checks in real time whether the process was carried out correctly. The fully automated workstation guides the operator step by step through the placement process. For this purpose, placement information is projected directly into the operator's field of vision on the placement table. After each individual placement, the result is checked in real time, errors are recognised immediately and can be corrected in good time before soldering. The integrated PILOT software recognises and reports deviations during placement and indicates the error to the operator via a projected marking directly on the assembly.

The Multi Line Assist is equipped with a powerful AOI module with a 47 megapixel image capture unit and a flexible LED lighting system. This guarantees the highest image quality and detail resolution with an inspection area of up to 660 mm x 450 mm. Three resolution variants with three different image field sizes are available. The camera module is able to safely and reliably check the presence, position and colour of THT components. In addition, labelled or lasered 2D codes or barcodes can be read and texts recognised. The combination of a guided placement process and live inspection after each placement ensures professional THT assembly quality. An inspection speed of up to 800 cm²/s is achieved. The entire PCB can be inspected with a single ‘snap’.

A powerful laser projector has been integrated into the Multi Line Assist for guided placement assistance. This makes it possible to intuitively support the manual process by displaying placement information (chute/box, position, component type) directly in the operator's field of vision. This prevents placement errors and achieves reproducible results, even with a large variety of products. 

In addition to displaying information during the assembly process, detected errors are displayed directly on the assembly by laser. This is an advantage if there is a large variety of products or if new or changing personnel often need to be trained. During inspection, Multi Line Assist checks quality factors such as the presence of components, correct positioning of components and connectors, polarity, labelling (OCR) as well as position and defect detection and completeness checks.

Multi Line Assist is part of the new Multi Line product family from GÖPEL electronic. With these systems, the manufacturer provides a platform of inspection systems that support the entire production process. In addition to the modular hardware, the Multi Line series is characterised by standardised, powerful operating and evaluation software for all applications and across all devices. This reduces training and programming costs, enabling flexible and optimised employee scheduling.