Figure 5: Electronics contract manufacturing makes copious use of robotics for board testing. (Image source: Dreamstime)
Figure 4: Small-component EGK grippers are lubricated with H1 grease and sport cleanroom certification. (Image source: SCHUNK Intec Inc.)
Consider how flexible workcells served by six-axis robots often execute two or more tasks such as general workpiece handling, conveyor and other machine tending, machining, assembly, and packaging. Similarly, the application of encapsulation, vibration damping, shielding, adhesion, and sealing materials is often executed within one six-axis robotic workcell. Here, robotic end effectors complemented by automated tool changers impart
Figure 6: Robotic end effectors can take the form of soldering iron tips to automate the assembly of subcomponents onto PCBs. (Image source: Dreamstime)
multitasking capabilities so every workcell is maximally useful; EoAT changeovers are typically fast to support the semiconductor industry’s high throughput requirements. For example, a robot might employ one EoAT to pick
and place items into a fixture. Then (after a quick EoAT changeover) it might apply adhesive and press together mating housing halves of an end product. A third EoAT might load finished items onto an outbound conveyor or into a case.
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