Although we decided to install AVI system, "It was difficult to find an inspection machine that met our needs," said Mr .Ishikura.We narrowed the model selection to key points, with operability and service capabilities being the most important considerations.
In terms of operability, the system would no longer be available if it could only be operated by a specific operator.Therefore, importance was placed on an easy-to-use system that had a wide range of detection parameters with high detectability, and could be used by anyone.n terms of service capability, we placed importance on manufacturers who could respond immediately to inquiries about malfunctions and settings.In terms of service capability, we placed importance on manufacturers who could respond immediately to inquiries about malfunctions and settings.It is preferable to choose a manufacturer that has a support base nearby.The reasons for deciding on the FP Series included the agility of the manufacturer. SCREEN carefully instructed on how to operate the system and the technician would arrive within a few hours once we contacted.

SHIN-ASAHI ELECTRIC IND. has seven staff members who can create inspection data for automatic inspection machines.It was a high number compared to the typical rate at others , where only 1 or 2 people were involved."This number of personnel leads to a high detection rate and into our ability to reduce claims due to leaks," Mr. Ishikura said.The quality requirements were different for each client even for the same product such as automotive or general products. So, SHIN-ASAHI ELECTRIC IND. created inspection data depending on the delivery destination.Mr. Ishikura said that "Having seven staff members will enable them to generate a large amount of testing data, reduce false positives, and increase the detection rate.
"So what about the other skills that were considered during the selection process?First, the inspection speed.The FP-8000 series was introduced first, and was capable of inspecting 6,000 to 7,000 sheets per day. Each system was capable of inspecting 6,000 to 7,000 sheets.The FP-9000 series was capable of inspecting 11,000 sheets, and this was sufficient inspection capacity.

In addition, the system downtime was about 15 to 20 minutes when creating new inspection data, which led to better production.

We were able to maintain high quality even with such efficient personnel management.In fact, we have received awards for recognition of our quality from our clients.The products were lined up in order of quality at the ceremony and we were able to be lined up in the front with proud feeling.Our quality has earned the trust of clients. This was important and it led to requesting prototypes when developing new products.

However, the AVI system did not magically solve all the problems.Various issues occurred and led to increased awareness of quality after the AVI system. Increased resolution provided the possibility to detect more defects that were previously undetectable. Due to this reason, the yield rate deteriorated from 96% to 95% when the FP-9000 was installed.
SHIN-ASAHI ELECTRIC IND.'s internal Quality Control Club activities aimed at a higher quality than before, including improvements to the manufacturing process, which would play a significantly important role since the new AVI system had higher detection capabilities.
Therefore, we were able to implement "Improvement Activities" to improve the quality of each process by analyzing the causes of defects detected by the FP-9000 series and feeding back the results to the process in which we occurred. In addition, SCREEN's Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) system MIYABI-7 was also used to improve quality in the inspection process as part of "Improvement Activities".

We were able to maintain and improve quality by updating the system for areas that could not be addressed through "Improvement Activities" alone.Currently, the yield rate is around 97 to 97.5 percent.In addition, a "Customer Records" of inspection data was prepared for all processes.Strict inspections could improve quality, but we could also lead to excessive quality.This would result in a decrease in yield rate.On the other hand, prioritizing the yield rate could lead to a decline in quality.Finding a perfect balance was significantly important.
For this reason, multiple inspection data sets were prepared and switched between for the same product. However, changing the inspection accuracy was not an easy task.This success was due to the company's continued efforts to hold detailed meetings with its clients' procurement departments and actively listen to what quality was required.Needless to say, this was backed by a strong relationship of trust with clients, backed by high quality.The content of these interviews was then fed back into the inspection process, allowing multiple pieces of inspection data to be created and used, all thanks to the large number of people creating the inspection data.

Nowadays, circuits are becoming more intricate, and more products require strict quality assurance like automotive products.
Increasing the volume of in-vehicle circuit boards handled requires high quality, and even in the AOI process, full inspection rather than random inspection is required.This will require an increase in staff.
However, it is not easy to recruit personnel due to social conditions such as a declining population. The demand for equipment that can reduce the number of personnel required while still providing high inspection quality.For example, I would be interested in a system that can find circuit defects underneath a symbol mark.I would like to see further development of equipment that can increase the operating rate of inspection system such as the AP-Station.