Rising Demand for Process Control
As new product development becomes a large part of the microelectronics landscape, and your customer’s requirements become more challenging, it is imperative to keep up just to survive, never mind thrive. Process control has become an important part of everyday life in the manufacturing of microelectronic devices. The devices being built are more complicated and are much more susceptible to process variations affecting performance and yields.
Moving Beyond Manual Operator Control
In the past the industry depended highly on qualified operators who were expected to maintain repeatability and control of processes. As processes have become more complex and staffing levels have decreased, this manufacturing method is simply no longer manageable. Answers must be found to augment the simple manual controls that worked in the past but may be causing problems now.
Benefits of Digital Controls
Digital controls and embedded computers have made process repeatability and precise control possible and attainable for most manufacturing facilities. Key benefits include statistical analysis and process flexibility.
Planning an Equipment Upgrade
When deciding to upgrade your production line equipment and controls you should plan carefully to avoid unneeded costs and loss of production time. How can you do this?
- First and foremost, keep it simple.
- Work with your equipment supplier to help you identify those features which will give you your best return on investment. Leverage their experience to avoid costly mistakes.
- Determine how long you can expect this upgrade to support your current and future production demands.
- Involve your entire team in the planning, including operators, technicians, engineers and managers.
- With help from your equipment supplier, determine the estimated upgrade costs.
- Before new equipment is delivered, raise the awareness of your team including anticipated timing and individual and team responsibilities.
- Plan comprehensive operator/technician and engineer training with your supplier/partners.
- Work with your supplier/partners to establish a comprehensive maintenance and continuing training schedule.
Ultimately, this process should be a team effort and include your outside partners. When you and your team have realistic schedules, expectations and responsibilities, the goals can be met with little or no disruption to ongoing production and customer delivery needs.
SST Experience with Equipment Upgrades
SST International has over 50 years of experience in making production-ready equipment and is willing and able to help our partners improve their existing processes and equipment to meet their current and future manufacturing needs
Contact us for more information on upgrade options for SST International processing equipment.
Download these resources for more information:
| Model 3130 Data Sheet | Void-Free Die Soldering | Process Development |
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Bruce Wilson
Director of Sales
SST International
