There are two ways to program a pick and place panel, and not all machines allow both methods. The first method is to create the program for a single PWB within the panel (called the one-up program loop), and then provide multiple offsets from the panel's X0, Y0 reference datum point (first panel global fiducial). The second method is to create the one-up program and then replicate it sequentially times the number of boards on the panel, in other words treat the whole panel as a single CCA. 

Depending on the machine's capabilities for handling X-outs, the programming goes accordingly. 

It really does not take any longer to create the one-up program and include multiple offsets than it takes to create the one-up program and copy and paste it sequentially X number of times. But if the machine does not have the capability of automatically detecting an X-out, then you want to be able to delete only the offsets correlating to those CCAs on the panel. If it DOES have the capability, then your programming scheme choice is driven by HOW the machine identifies the X-out panel and HOW it skips that particular bad board. You need to open up the programming manual for the pick/place machine and read your options.

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gumpert, Ben
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2014 10:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] EXTERNAL: [TN] NTC - (somewhat) regarding X-outs

Blair,

Assembly:
Some machines will read an 'x-out' mark on the panel and skip the board if the vendor includes this. I build a limited number of panels, so I've always handled them manually - I hold them to the end of the build and then adjust the settings on the machine for that panel. Not the best option for high-volume, but the panels I work with typically don't have the x-out mark.

Planning:
I've always gotten the right number of boards out of stock, so I haven't gone looking for a way to control this. I think our stock-keepers just know to look for this.

Quality:
Usually when I see an x-out, it's because of a visual defect, like physical damage or an inclusion in the solder mask, and not something that would put the other images on the panel into question. Quality of the board construction is still demonstrated by a panel coupon. 


Ben

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Blair Hogg
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2014 10:16 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: EXTERNAL: [TN] NTC - (somewhat) regarding X-outs

Happy Spring, Technetters! Having enjoyed a very snowy winter here in PA I am now ready to enjoy some warmer weather.

I have a few question as to how others handle x-out boards in a panel, both from an assembly point of view, from a planning point of view, and from a quality point of view. 

Assembly - we are planning to run these boards on our Phillips / Assembleon equipment, and there should be a way to have the machine automatically detect an x-out panel and not populate it, or am I asking too much? We can't seem to figure out how to get this to work. 

Planning - there are n boards in a panel, but 1 is an x-out, and the planning / ERP system thinks there will be n boards, but you get 1 less, how do you tell the ERP system this? 

Quality - If there is a defect on 1 board in the panel, should there be concerns that the other boards may also have defects that weren't detected? 

Thanks!

Blair

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