Easy test handler and depanelers

IPTE is represented with its Easy Test Handler ETH and the depanelers EasyRouter, TopRouter and FlexRouter II at the German Pavilion (Stand: 1C05) at NEPCON Shanghai China 2017 from April 25 – 27.

In-Circuit- or Functional- Test, as well as, Programming processes can be inline automated with the company’s Easy Test Handler ETH. The ETH is practical for the use with single-circuit boards, multiple boards, or corresponding carriers for circuit boards. Both, one- or double-sided fixtures, can be realized.The fixtures can be exchanged quickly and easily according to the lean production method SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die). For optional parallel testing, multiple Easy Test Handlers equipped with a bypass transport, can be placed in series. This allows a constant production process, which is not interrupted by the testing process. Moreover, the bypass can be used to optimize the cycle time.

The Easy Test Handler ETH is an economical test solution with compact footprint. The Easy Test Handler integrates easily in a fully automated SMEMA-compatible test environment and provides enough space for 19 inch-Test-Equipment (10 HE). The integrated LC-touch display gives access to all parameters and settings.

The performance of both, manual EasyRouter and TopRouter, now sets new benchmarks in PCB depaneling. The simple handling allows a quick plug-and-play use. Both routers can be equipped with a productive milling tool featuring a speed of up to 60 mm/s for the fast routing of circuit boards from above. The TopRouter can also be equipped with a saw blade for speeds up to 200 mm/s (or both router and saw blade). The loading and unloading of the depanelers takes place manually during the separating process via a rotating table on which non-complex and highly functional work-piece holders are mounted. For high user comfort both the EasyRouter and TopRouter features also a light-curtain gate. This way the handling time can be significantly reduced without any deficit in operator safety.

The X and Y drive mechanisms for the milling operation during the separating process are equipped with modern, fast and precise linear-motor axes. For the easy programming of the depaneling process, the EasyRouter and TopRouter come with the camera-based CATS (Camera Aided Teaching System). Moreover, the programming can be carried out by using standard dxf files or with G-data codes. Both capabilities are available for off-line or on-line operation respectively.

From the additional options offered, the customers can select from an extensive range of tools. The EasyRouter can optionally (standard for TopRouter) be equipped with a tool-break monitor system and a tool operating-time counter. According to the individual application, the user can also select from a broad range of dust vacuum-suction systems. A processor tool is available on request for the application of existing CAD data to ease the programming task. Additionally, the routers can be geared up with an acquisition system for production and operation data, in order to record the depaneling procedures.

Both EasyRouter and TopRouter can be used in an automated production. The loading / unloading of the routers is done using a Cobot, as shown at the exhibition.

The company also supplies in-line routers such as the FlexRouter II. This one is developed for inline operations in productions with middle to high mix. Due to its short cycle time and high flexibility through the operation with separated circuit boards, this depaneling system is predestined for the automatic separation of circuit boards. The user-friendly graphic interface allows a quick and simple adaption in the start-up process or for product changes.

The depaneling process is done by a high frequency milling spindle equipped with hard metal milling tool mounted on X-, Y- and Z-axles below the PCB. The dust will be extracted directly at the PCB using a flow-optimized spindle by a high performance industrial vacuum cleaner. The results are clean and widely dust free cutting edges and singulated PCBs.

During the depaneling process, the single boards are fixed by a gripper. Afterwards, they are placed on a defined place. The depaneling tool, as well as the gripper, are moving in X- and Y- directions by using linear axles and linear motors. Servo motors are in charge of the Z- movement of the milling tool and the handling. The grip system can be equipped either with PCB specific pneumatic grippers or with a highly flexible servo gripper. The servo gripper itself uses fingers with diamond coating. As an option, these fingers can be stored in magazine and changed automatically.

Unloading PCBs can handled in various ways: