Selecting the Accept/Reject Criteria for an Automated Solder Process Inspection Machine

The selection of the accept/reject criteria for any automated inspection machine depends first on what is deemed an acceptable quality level for the particular company/organisation doing the soldering. Although there are many specifications and guidelines, the criteria become those which were previously acceptable. As a result, a method has been developed for the Solder Process Inspector, SPI‐2000, to adjust the variable threshold settings based upon that particular solder line's previously acceptable performance. Once this has been accomplished and the automated machine is performing the function for which it was purchased, additional process data can be analysed and improvements considered. Utilising this method puts the machine to work in the existing environment rather than forcing undesired changes to the process, resulting from the new acquisition.