At present, the automation level of the overall industry processing technology is average, mainly because the special equipment is relatively mature. First of all, small and medium-sized enterprises (small batches of products, many types, too large size range, etc.) have a low level of automation, mainly focusing on special process equipment + retractable board + labor. The medium and large enterprises (large batches, relatively uniform types and specifications) have a higher level of automation, mainly focusing on special process equipment + retractable boards + industrial robots, with manual assistance (inspection, maintenance).
On the whole, the demand for automation transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises is still relatively weak, while medium and large enterprises are on the contrary. Whether it is a newly planned workshop or an upgrade of an old production line, they are actively planning the participation of robots (industrial + AGV), aiming at PCB upstream. Raw materials need to build smarter warehousing; for the PCB factory, a more complete automatic warehousing system is needed, and it is best to integrate ERP, MES, etc.
Although the reality varies widely, automation and intelligence are still the general direction of development. As the basis for the development of the electronics industry, the scale and market of PCB materials and PCB boards will continue to grow with the development of 5G, smart cars, etc. Therefore, the requirements for product quality and process accuracy are higher, and automation and intelligent production scheduling will continue to grow. Demand will continue to rise.
Secondly, there are various types of products in the PCB industry, and the raw materials of the board are large and heavy. The effective transportation and management of semi-finished products or finished products during processing can improve production efficiency, so the level of automation should also be improved.
Whether it is from the perspective of product iteration or technological innovation, the automation transformation of the PCB industry is inevitable, and the efficiency and precision of industrial robots make it an important step in the transformation and upgrading of the industry.
(1) Demand characteristics:
①Industry production characteristics:
A. complex process
B. Work across floors and areas
C. Cancellation in the middle, expedited order
②Environmental requirements:
A. Workshop dust-free level requirements
B. Hydraulic structure (oil leakage)
③Line-side warehouse planning: line-side warehouse design, zoning management, and balanced production of upstream and downstream processes
④Transition period of production and commissioning:
A. There is no MES docking in the early stage;
B. Post-demand docking with MES/ERP/elevator control system
(2) The PCB industry is dedicated to the product form of intelligent AGV
Set up different vehicles for different scenarios to meet the loading requirements (the vehicle is determined according to the customer’s site, and the chassis structure of the vehicle is as consistent as possible). The application model can be selected according to the actual scene needs.
(3) Key technical difficulties related to product selection related benefits:
① The AGV needs to realize cross-regional transfer
● The AGV realizes automatic loading and unloading of production materials through automatic connection with Loader & Unloader;
● The AGV scheduling system is connected with the automatic door controller to realize cross-regional transfer of materials;
● Manage WIP line side warehouse material information to achieve accurate material supply.
② The AGV needs to realize cross-floor transfer;
(4) Project benefit assessment
Five evaluation dimensions of project benefits: the proportion of production efficiency improvement, the proportion of operating cost control, the degree of shortening the product development cycle, the proportion of product defective product rate reduction, and energy utilization efficiency.