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High mix low volume

Views: 9038

#54387

High mix low volume | 15 April, 2008

Hello

I would like to ask you what kind of production do u treat for high mix and low volume.

I mean what is your definition for this high mix and low volume - is 5 changovers for shift is high mix and low volume technology?

And what kind of SMT platform configuration u are using for high mix and low volume?

regards peter

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#54410

High mix low volume | 16 April, 2008

Peter,

Everyone's definition of High Mix-Low Volume is somewhat different. The die-hards will say batch sizes 1<10 pcbs, but in general anything less than 50-100 pcs probably falls into this category.

Platforms of choice will vary depending on the complexity and mix of products to be manufactured. The # of parts numbers(therefore unique feeders), max board sizes, component range, and required pulse rates are all key to this decision making process. Some choices have particular limitations, while others are more forgiving. Mydata is always on the list of HMLV choices, but has some limitations (speed,footprint, and growth path being the biggest).

Universal Instruments is one choice with few limitations that provides a superb HMLV solution as well as a smooth growth path forward. UIC's true platform approach delivers speed, flexibility, and ease-of-use all on a common PLATFORM that you can grow with. And if you haven't seen UIC's standard NPI software tools, you need to. This alone sets them apart for HMLV solutions. You may be surprised just how affordable these platforms are a well.

best of luck...

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#54411

High mix low volume | 16 April, 2008

Peter,

In the interest of full disclosure "vickt" works for UIC.

Jerry (not employed by any machine manufacturer).

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#54412

High mix low volume | 16 April, 2008

Anyway thanks for any input from you Guys. Because at the moment we are trying to connect some products on one SMT platform (some short run about 100-500 boards from one product and changeover )and I just want to listen about ur experience with any kind of SMT platform for these purpose. We are thinkin about Philips or Fuji solution, but if Universal is worth to consider I will keep it in my mind

Any other ideas?

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#54413

High mix low volume | 16 April, 2008

Peter,

We have 2 Fuji lines. We run from 5 to 5000 piece lots. When we are running near capacity and have a lot of change-overs scheduled we have special operators that will load parts onto feeders and organize the feeders like they will be on the machine. This kit is delivered to a staging area and when it's scheduled to run, the line operator will bring the kit to the line. He removes the feeders from the last kit and loads the feeders for the new kit, adjusts conveyors, changes programs and starts the new kit running. On some kits we can load the new kit on the CP's idle feeder table while the machine is still running and keep the change over time very low.

Some products we run on a fairly consistent basis we have made a standard set-up that allows 4 different boards to run under 1 feeder set-up. We then schedule these boards to run back to back and only have to adjust conveyors and change programs from 1 board to the next.

Your situation may vary and need different solutions for different problems.

Jerry

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#54465

High mix low volume | 23 April, 2008

I worked for a company that did fast change overs with Panasonic machines. We also had dedicated feeders that never came off the machine. But even with over 100 different dedicated parts most set-ups still had 30 or more parts to load. All feeders were loaded while the previous run was running.

We also got rid of all %5 resistors and all loose tolerance caps to cut down on the variety of parts.

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#54468

High mix low volume | 23 April, 2008

As a user of UIC Advantis with NPI for a couple years now, it kicks butt for low volume high mix. In full production mode it's great for the higher volume builds as well.

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#54472

High mix low volume | 23 April, 2008

so what period of times are you loosing for changeover? is it half of hour? more or less? because I think that should also be a useful indicator, how much time does it take to switch to different product if we are using panasonic,universal,fuji,philips,juki or any other platform.( preparing components, register them in traceability system, put it on machine, prepare setup support under pcb, prepare nozzles,feeders, program on the machine, and finally produce new product)

or maybe in your opinions its hard to compare different platforms in high mix low volume thinking just taking in consideration changeover times

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#54473

High mix low volume | 23 April, 2008

We are a small OEM that also does EMS for local companies. We run our SMT line 10 hours/day 5 days/week and average 2 changeovers per day. We are using a MyData machine in our line. With the proper mix of magazines and feeders, changeover times can be as low as 5-10 min from one job to the next (assuming you load the magazines/feeders for the next job while the current job is running). Our changover times are averaging 25 min mostly because our boss won't give us more $$$ to buy more magazines and feeders.

I recommend checking out the MyData machines as they work well in high mix/low volume production.

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#54480

High mix low volume | 24 April, 2008

Where I am now we have Mydatas. We aren't quite changeing over as fast as we did where they have Panasonics.

But there was an OEM with one set of part numbers and here is a contract manufacturer with several part numbers systems.

What makes a bigger difference than the choice machines is your process and dedication of operators. Plus it is absolutely essential that all kits be complete with no problems.

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