Integration and control of handling plant in an FMS for surface mounted PCBs

Abstract

This paper gives an overall view of the system integration requirements and the solutions adopted for control of the various machines used in the production of Surface Mounted PCBs. Production machines with different interfacing requirements, both mechanical and electrical, were integrated into a working FMS using robotics in combination with purpose designed plant. The paper shows how the control systems for the robots were also used for machine interfacing. The control network between the machines and the robot systems using both digital and data links to a mini computer is illustrated. The contrast between safety and operating requirements is discussed.