PCB assembly line setup optimization using component commonality matrices

The contract electronics manufacturing business has special problems and requirements to improve machine setup optimization. Increased complexity of printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies, components and shorter product obsolescence timescales implies machines utilization must be maximized in order to achieve cost efficiencies. As PCB assemblies have large numbers of different components and types, they require machines with a variety of feeders and positions to enable assembly to take place. This paper reviews methodologies available for setup optimization of surface mount pick-and-place machines and provides an improved scheduling technique with associated software that will sequence the assembly of PCBs and hence reduce setup time.