PCB Tech - PCB/FPC industry has huge potential demand

The full name of AOI (Automatic Optic Inspection) is automatic optical inspection, which is based on optical principles to detect common defects encountered in welding production. AOI is a new type of test technology that has only emerged in recent years, but it has developed rapidly. At present, many manufacturers have introduced AOI test equipment.

The main application areas of AOI technology include PCB, FPD, semiconductor, photovoltaic, automotive electronics and other industries. When automatic detection, the machine automatically scans the PCB through the camera, collects images, and compares the tested solder joints with the qualified parameters in the database. Image processing, check out the defects on the PCB, and display/mark the defects through the display or automatic signs for repair by maintenance personnel.

One of the core technologies of high-performance AOI is how to provide high-quality, fast and stable images for camera capture. This is also the difference between high-end AOI and general AOI.

According to IHS statistics, the scale of China's AOI market in 2015 reached 7.62 billion yuan, accounting for 20.9% of the global market; the PCB industry accounted for 64.4% of the total market, and the scale reached 4.91 billion yuan. For the PCB/FPC industry, the demand for AOI equipment has shown an upward trend from the perspectives of process, cost and customer needs:

1. From the perspective of technical process, the miniaturization of PCB leads to the failure of manual visual inspection to meet the requirements, and the use of machine inspection is a general trend;

2. From the perspective of production costs, the ASP of products continues to fall while labor costs continue to rise. Optimizing the production process to finely control the cost is the way for manufacturers to survive in the fierce competition. The introduction of automated testing equipment is a necessary choice;

3. From the perspective of customer needs, the complexity of various terminal products continues to increase, and the requirements for stability are getting higher and higher. AOI can effectively detect defects such as lifted feet and false welding, and enhance product reliability. The introduction of AOI equipment is An important weight for manufacturers to win customer orders.

With the increasing requirements for product portability, the size of electronic components continues to decrease, from 0402 to 0201 to now 01005 has been popular, and the latter area is only 16% and 44% of the former two. 0402 components have been difficult to detect with the naked eye, not to mention 0201 and even 01005 components.

In addition, the difficulty of maintenance is also increasing. 0201 has to be repaired with a microscope, and it is even more difficult for 01005, which can hardly be repaired. Therefore, it is particularly important to find defects as early as possible in the production process. The introduction of AOI equipment into the SMT production line can effectively promote manufacturers to ensure quality, take into account efficiency and reduce the loss caused by undetected defects.