In 1989, I set up a line that used a standard PCB panel size (11.0 inches 
by 15.0 inches) as the most economical size for us to use  for mixed 
technology assembly without loading and unloading pallets, etc.  We 
started with an auotmated board loader and went through stencil printing, 
placement (4 machines), inspection, reflow soldering, through-hole 
assembly, wave soldering, cleaning, and then into test.  The boards were 
not touched between board loading and testing, except to pull rejects off 
the line.  The bottom line is: total cycle time from bare board to fully 
assembled and tested boards was less than one hour.  Obviously, I 
advocate settling on one or at the most, two standard panel sizes to 
reduce or virtually eliminate setup and changeover time.  Let me know if 
you would like additional information.

Ed Valentine
ProTronics, Inc. (USA)
Phone: (919) 217-0007
Fax: (919) 217-0050
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
************************************





On Wed, 14 Feb 1996 [log in to unmask] wrote:

> I am looking for a carrier that can transport different sized PCB's through
> our automated surface mount assembly line (screenprint, adhesive dispense,
> P&P, inspection, reflow, buffer). 
> The different machines have different conveyors, edge-belts etc. 
> I don't want to re-adjust the transport-width of all the machines after every
> type of PCB. That's why i'm now designing an aluminium, adjustable carrier. 
> 
> Is there someone out there who has a different solution or who can advise me? 
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> *******************************
>  Ivo de Rooij
>  Process Engineer and Operator
>  Surface Mount Assembly
>  Fokker Elmo BV
>  P.O. Box 75
>  4630 AB Hoogerheide
>  The Netherlands
>  phone (+31)(0) 164 - 6 17 000
>  fax   (+31)(0) 164 - 6 17 700
>  e-mail     [log in to unmask]
> *******************************
> 
>