New Speedplacer SW helps AWS Group speed up prototype/low volume PCB assembly

Speedplacer uses Gerber files, a BOM and X-Y co-ordinates to produce a sequential step-by-step visual guide for the operative, removing entirely the need to mark up drawings, reducing time wasted on customer documentation and eliminating paperwork at the workstation. An original CAD package generated IPC-D-356 netlist file can be used if available to add pin and net information, speeding up inspection and fault-finding.

Comments Steve Honeybun, FastTrack and General Manager at AWS Cemgraft: “We estimate that we can cut hand-build production time by 30-40% using the new software. This is vital for our FastTrack prototyping program which aims to turn around prototype or urgent low volume requests in five to ten days as standard – even more so when we get requests for delivery in 24 hours!”

He continues: “Speedplacer increases quality and repeatability, reduces errors and rework, and simplifies test. We have also found that we are able to hand-build small volume production runs using Speedplacer instead of clogging up our fully automated lines which would have previously been the only cost-effective solution. Therefore all workflow operations here at our Newbury site are seeing real benefits.”