In the relentless pursuit of manufacturing excellence, the advent of the smart factory has brought about a new era of innovation and efficiency. At the forefront of this transformation is Koh Young Technology, an industry leader driving the evolution of
inspection-based process control tools to reshape modern electronics manufacturing.
The smart factory: a paradigm shift
Gone are the days of inefficient, error-prone manufacturing. The smart factory has emerged as a catalyst for change, powered by advanced technologies like IoT (Internet of Things), AI (artificial intelligence), and machine learning. At the heart of this transformation lies a synergy between advanced inspection systems and process control tools. These work together to ensure quality is maintained at every stage of production. We recognise this transformative potential and have harnessed it to lead the charge towards a smart factory.
The convergence of inspection and process control
At Koh Young, we envision a world in which inspection is not just a post-production ritual but an integral part of the production process itself.
Traditional methods of quality control often lead to the identification of defects after products have already been manufactured, resulting in increased costs and wastage. Our approach is different. We advocate real-time inspection and process control that identifies issues at the source, preventing potential
defects.
Using advanced 3D measurement-based inspection and AI algorithms, our machines accurately evaluate product quality. This real-time data integrates seamlessly into process control tools that dynamically adjust parameters to maintain optimal production conditions. This holistic approach ensures consistent quality, reduces rework, and enhances production efficiency.
The power of data: from insights to action
In the smart factory ecosystem, data fuels continuous improvement. Inspection-based process
control tools generate valuable data, offering
insights into trends, patterns, and potential improvements. By analysing this data, manufacturers can identify bottlenecks, fine tune processes, and even predict maintenance needs, all while maintaining the highest possible quality standards.
Our tools enable predictive analytics that help manufacturers anticipate deviations from optimal conditions and take corrective action proactively. This predictive capability minimizes downtime, prevents costly defects, and fosters a culture of lean, agile manufacturing.
Empowering the workforce:
bridging skills gaps
As industries evolve, the demand for skilled labour continues to rise. However, the intricacies of modern manufacturing processes can be a steep learning curve. Our inspection-based process control tools serve as a bridge, empowering the workforce by providing real time guidance and insights. Operators are equipped with a digital companion that guides them through processes, alerts them to potential issues, and fosters a deeper understanding of the production line. This symbiotic relationship between technology and human expertise is the cornerstone of the smart factory.
Revolutionizing control: KPO
At the epicentre of our commitment to manufacturing excellence lies the groundbreaking Process Optimizer (KPO). This innovation epitomizes the company‘s mission to synergize inspection and process control: a single tool designed to boost efficiency and precision.
KPO is the keystone that integrates our inspection systems with real-time process control. Through an intuitive interface, operators gain access to a dashboard of vital production insights – ranging from the minutiae of individual measurements to macroscopic trends that influence overall product quality. KPO is more than a data aggregator, however. It is a decision-making engine that gives operators the knowledge to tweak production parameters, optimise workflows, and eliminate defects before they happen.
Leveraging AI algorithms that learn and adapt, KPO evolves in tandem with the production line. It assesses production data to predict potential deviations, and offers recommendations to maintain peak efficiency and quality. In enabling operators to make informed decisions swiftly and confidently, KPO bridges the gap between experience and automation, creating a holistic production environment where expertise is enhanced – not replaced.
Beyond machine-to-machine
connectivity
As manufacturing evolves towards Industry 4.0, inspection-based process control tools become even more critical. Koh Young’s innovative approach has already set the stage to revolutionize the manufacturing process. Nonetheless, the journey towards a fully realized smart factory involves a synergy of standards that facilitate communication across production assets. IPC communication standards — IPC CFX, IPC HERMES, and IPC DPMX — build on our tools, enabling comprehensive connectivity and data exchange, and ultimately enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
IPC CFX: enabling seamless
communication
IPC CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) is an open, neutral, and secure standard designed to enable real time, bidirectional communication between machines, devices, and enterprise systems in a factory. By integrating IPC CFX into the smart factory framework, manufacturers can benefit from: enhanced visibility of production processes; faster decision-making, and better overall equipment effectiveness.
Our inspection-based process control tools, coupled with IPC CFX, support the exchange of
critical data across the manufacturing floor. These inspection systems generate real-time insights, which are seamlessly communicated through the IPC CFX standard to other machinery and systems. This exchange of data ensures that the entire production line operates in harmony. This, in turn, enables rapid responses to deviations, which reduces downtime, and optimizes production quality.
IPC HERMES:
facilitating intelligent logistics
IPC HERMES is another communication standard that complements an Industry 4.0 transformation. Focused on streamlining communication between different machines in the electronics assembly line, IPC HERMES ensures an efficient flow of production materials and products, allowing for reduced lead times, enhanced traceability, and minimal errors.
When integrated with our inspection-based process control tools, IPC HERMES facilitates dynamic adjustments to the assembly process based on inspection results. For instance, if a Koh Young SPI or AOI detects a defect, the information can be communicated through IPC HERMES to other machines downstream, triggering immediate adjustments to rectify the issue. This level of intelligent communication results in a production line that runs with agility and adaptability, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
IPC DPMX: data exchange for
process optimization
IPC DPMX (Digital Product Model Exchange) focuses on improving digital product model data exchange across different stages of the manufacturing process. This standard enhances the collaboration between design, manufacturing, and inspection teams by ensuring that accurate and up-to-date product data is consistently available across the production lifecycle.
Adding IPC DPMX helps make sure inspection systems have access to the latest digital product
models. This ensures that inspection algorithms are aligned with current product specifications – leading to more precise defect detection, and fewer false calls. Additionally, the data generated by our inspection systems can be seamlessly communicated through IPC DPMX to design and manufacturing teams, enabling them to refine and optimize the product design and production processes.
Koh Young and IPC standards
Koh Young‘s dedication aligns with IPC communication standards. Integrating IPC CFX, IPC HERMES, and IPC DPMX into our tools makes for a connected, intelligent production environment. Manufacturers can make data-driven decisions in real-time, improve processes, and respond to deviations. This results in quality production and operational efficiency.
In the quest for a smart factory that thrives on the collaboration between human expertise and technological advancement, our tools and IPC communication standards stand as cornerstones, allowing the industry to attain new heights of productivity, innovation, and quality. Together, they shape the future of manufacturing: one in which the convergence of inspection, process control, and communication standards facilitates a production landscape that is not only intelligent but transformative.
The road ahead
The journey towards manufacturing excellence is far from over. As technology advances and industries evolve, we remain committed to pushing boundaries and redefining industry standards. By continually innovating our inspection systems, AI-driven analytics, and process control tools, we hope to create a world in which defects are eradicated before they manifest, where inefficiencies are eliminated, and where every product is of uncompromised quality.
The smart factory era is here, and we stand at the vanguard of this revolution. By championing inspection-based process control tools, we are not only shaping the future of production but also ensuring that every product that rolls off the assembly line is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence. In this new industrial dawn, the collaboration between human ingenuity and technological prowess will propel us to reach even greater heights.
Productronica, Stand A2.359/A2.377
