case-studies-pco-kobe-hero

Panasonic Connect Kobe Factory

Modular mounter NPM-WX, SMT line system APC-5M

Visualization of SMT equipment condition by using the APC-5M system.
By detecting signs of defects in advance, maintenance can be done in the spare time, resulting in high productivity.

Introduction: From 2022   Location: Hyogo prefecture, Japan


Issue

The frequency and implementation of maintenance were determined based on manuals and experienced operator's intuition. Under such circumstances, there were sudden equipment stoppages and excessive maintenance.

Solution

Heads, nozzles, and feeders, which have a particular impact on mounting quality, are monitored in real time by using APC -5M software to visualize equipment conditions. Warnings were issued and equipments were automatically shut down not to occur big problem.

 “The APC-5M is a very effective tool that our operators are happy with. They say it is easier for them to plan their operations because we can now see what we couldn't see before.” 

Panasonic Connect, Mobilie Solutions Business Division

Mr. Shinji Kawakami, Assistant Manager


Background

SMT Lines are shut down everyday for maintenance

Until now, daily inspections and periodic maintenance had been performed based on the intuition and experience of the operators, who decided the frequency and details of implementation. During this time, the operation of the mounting machine had to be stopped.

Excessive maintenance to keep stable production

We were not able to catch the signs of defects in advance, which led to sudden equipment stoppages. And productivity sometimes did not increase.

 

 


Reason for introduction

 

 

 

 

"We can do maintenance in a short time." (Shinji Kawakami)

Real-time monitoring of components such as heads, nozzles, and feeders, which have a big impact on mounting quality, allows maintenance to be performed in a short time without stopping the line for maintenance.

“We can visualize what is likely to happen and when, which makes it easier to make predictions for production and maintenance plans," (Migifumi Tanaka)

Since the APC-5M has the function to issue warnings before equipment operation is affected and to automatically stop the system if it is determined to have a significant impact on production. These functions can now be effectively utilized to perform maintenance at more appropriate times.

 

 

 


Effects

 

 

Continuous production while maintaining the best condition of equipments

"This is a great software that has made all the operators, including myself, very happy because we can now see things (problems) that we couldn't see before.”(Shinji Kawakami

Everyone can predict what is likely to happen next

“The Process Automation Business Division and we have created user friendly screen that is easy for anyone to understand.”(Shinji Kawakami

 


写真:NMP-WX

Mounter NPM-WX realize high productivity and high quality SMT line.

写真:品種混載基板