Robotics and Automation Be Used in Circuit Board Assembly

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are at the heart of almost all electronic devices, from phones and laptops to industrial machinery and medical equipment. The incredibly complex structures require precision and accuracy when assembled, which can be challenging for manual processes to achieve. This is particularly true for PCBs that incorporate a high number of interconnected components, which must be soldered together to create the final product. As technology advances, the demand for more efficient and powerful PCBs is growing. To meet these demands, many manufacturers turn to robotics and automation.

Robots can replace human workers to handle the most intricate and labor-intensive tasks of a production line, freeing humans to focus on more important work. In an automated factory, robots can increase production rates, improve quality and consistency, reduce human errors, and cut costs.

In some cases, robots can even help repurpose used components. For example, one company used a duAro robot to perform desoldering and component removal for recycling. The device removed the components and image-recognition software identified them as recyclable. The company then repurposed the materials for use in new products, saving the company money on material and energy costs.

How Can Robotics and Automation Be Used in Circuit Board Assembly?

While the benefits of using robotics to handle assembled circuit board are clear, not all manufacturers will want to outsource their production to a robot-driven factory. To decide if a robotic system is a good fit, company leaders should assess which processes are most prone to error or slowdowns. This helps them identify which areas are ripe for automation, reducing process bottlenecks and allowing humans to focus on work that requires a higher degree of skill.

Since PCBs are static sensitive, they need to be placed in antistatic bags and handled with proper care. Improper handling techniques can transmit an accumulated static charge through the circuit board, damaging or destroying components. This may not affect function immediately, but it can cause premature failure or cause intermittent operating faults.

When designing PCBs, manufacturers must take into account several different factors to ensure they will be able to manufacture them efficiently. For example, they must consider the amount of space required for each element. They also need to make sure the traces are not too wide or narrow and that they will be able to pass the appropriate amount of current. To reduce risk, companies can use a PCB Design Rule Check tool that analyzes the design and highlights potential issues before they are built.

A duAro robot recently automated two PCB assembly processes at Toyo Electric: harness assembly and printed circuit board mounting. The first task involves passing multiple electric wires through a protective tube, while the second task requires attaching the wires to a jig for mounting. The duAro uses one arm to hold the jig, while the other hand feeds each wire through a protective tube and into its desired position on the circuit board. The robot then applies the necessary force to latch the RAM module into place.