Emergence of Automated Optical Inspection Systems

Here’s why The Automated Optical Inspection Systems Trends are making a Wave in the Industry. As the demand for high-quality electronic products is on-demand in many industries, companies are choosing automated Optical Inspection Systems. The size of electronic products is decreasing and the need to compacting all components in the same miniature device will increase the chances of error during their production subsequently automated optical inspection systems are highly needed in such cases in order to identify defects.

Automated Optical Inspection Systems is an automatic inspection system that visually examines the transistor, LCD, or printed circuit board. These Inspection Systems are commonly used in manufacturing progressions to test the quality of devices been manufactured. The camera is attached which autonomously scans the newly manufactured devices to test defects or failure as well as a quality check of the devices. Automated Optical Inspection Systems is a contactless method of assessment that is applied in various stages of manufacturing process like solder paste inspection (SPI), pre-reflow and post-reflow, and bare board inspection

What is Automated Optical Inspection Systems

Automated Optical Inspection Systems use optics and cameras for capturing high-quality images. In order to detect any discrepancies or defects in the components that get assembled in the device, the images of the printed circuit board are taken and analyzed by software. It is programmed that collects data and sends it to computer software for analysis of the data. According to the specific component to be inspected, automated optical inspection systems are differently programmed.

There are two types of automated optical inspection systems that are 2D AOI and 3D AOI. The lower cost and less complex programming made the 2D AOI system most ideal for inspection in the manufacturing companies. Since many new technologies have been implemented at its software interface and image processing methods many features have been improved. 3D AOI captures the volumetric image of the object it inspects. This in turn gives a high definition image of the components or the devices that makes the inspection system more accurate. It has more complex programming and also the cost possess limitations in their application for low or average budget companies.

During the manufacturing of devices or products, the manufacturer opts for two ways of inspection: inline and offline. Inline product inspection is the inspection process that occurs in the production line itself. While in off-line, the inspection process occurs when the product is removed from the production line. Most widely used is inline, as it introduces a faster rate of inspection to the system and scans both sides of printed circuit boards that make the system sufficient enough. Due to such properties, an inline inspection ensures high production in manufacturing companies.

Advantages of AOI

To achieve the target of high production volume, the speed of assembly PCB components must increase this consequently increases the chances of error, there plays AOI important to detect such errors. The need for better inspection techniques is high in manufacturing industries more productivity. There are many advantages to Automated Optical Inspection Systems compared to manual inspection.

This inspection system can easily adapt to the surfaces of different products, therefore, reduces the time of inspection. AOI is well-programmed and can work continuously, and has a higher speed of inspection than manual inspection. The error during the inspection is almost negligible. Altogether, it is time-saving and cost-effective for manufacturing companies. The products manufactured by the intervention automated inspection are customer satisfaction and help the business of the manufacturing companies grow enormously.

Applications

Automated Optical Inspection Systems are used in various industries including IT and telecom in the production of routers, communication devices, servers, satellite systems, LED displays, etc. Manufacturing of home appliances and smartphones also uses AOI for quality production. It also finds its application in Automotive, Industrial Electronics, Aerospace & Defence, and Medical devices manufacturing industries.

Challenges faced by it

The Automated Optical Inspection System is well-programmed. The main challenge faced by this system is the complex programming structure and its operation. The false detection might occur if the programming is not working efficiently and will ultimately hamper the quality of the products. False call rate of detention by AOI, providing incorrect inspection data will tend to interfere with the performance of the machine. However, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D imaging have been introduced in AOI systems in the past few years that will decrease the frequency of false call rates and hence improve the performance of the system.

Sum up

The Automated Optical Inspection Systems Market has been witnessing rapid growth due to extensive use of printed circuit boards in computers, electrical products in homes, and IT and telecom industries all across the globe. All these sectors require high-quality electronic products and to ensure the products manufactured are non-defective, Automated Optical Inspection System has been opted by manufacturing companies and industries. The market of vehicles manufacturing is growing and the rise in the demand for durable and high performing electronic products in the automobile industry is also increasing ultimately led to an increase in the demand of the AOI system.

Additionally, the advancement in technologies causing in the manufacturing of slimmer and compact electronic devices will have a positive impact on the AOI market in the coming years globally. The past few years' disposable incomes have increased which has amplified the demand for consumer electronic products, this also drives the market in a positive direction.