Conceptual design of a positioning system for systematic production of needle beds

Abstract

In-Circuit-Test Machines are nowadays one of the most important systems on the productions lines in the electronic industry. Printed Circuit Board quality standards have become increasingly higher and all processes involved in its production must be checked and controlled with a high degree of reliability. One particular aspect that clearly did not follow the technological breakthroughs is the manufacturing process of the In-Circuit-Test machines, and more particularly its needle beds. This process is still a manual process that results in critical quality problems that are going to be reflected on the final production lines. This paper proposes a new manufacturing process for needle bed production that aims at reducing the production process constraints and therefore improving all respective quality parameters. The problem was analyzed and several project parameters were defined, such as project goals, engineering requirements and functions analysis. A conceptual solution is developed and proposed to solve the identified problem.