MEK (Marantz Electronics) Introduces New Low-Cost AOI System for Inspection of THT Components

27 December, 2023 | Editorial Team

MEK (Marantz Electronics) Introduces New Low-Cost AOI System for Inspection of THT Components 712370

Mek (Marantz Electronics), a provider of Automatic Optical Inspection equipment (AOI) and Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) solutions, has introduced Mek VeriSpector AOI, a low-cost AOI system for inspection of THT components before they enter the wave or selective soldering machine.

With extremely short inspection times of under 5 seconds the VeriSpector AOI system allows manufacturers to perform real-time assembly and placement inspection, carry out repairs on the fly and prevent defects before they move into the next process. In manual assembly, there is a much-increased risk of faults. The instant feedback provided to operators by VeriSpector helps eliminate the risk of failures and increase the quality and effectiveness of manual and semi-automatic manufacturing processes. Significant yield improvements are realized as a result.

Inline Operation

Typically, there are multiple manual assembly stations in factories that ideally require separate optical inspection at each station. To minimize AOI investment costs, an inline configuration is therefore preferable.

Developed in cooperation with Nutek, a brand well known in Board Handling and traceability Equipment, the inline version of the successful VeriSpector THT AOI delivers maximum robustness and compatibility. A wide range of options are available to fully automate the inspection process.

Powerful, Tried & Tested Software

Mek VeriSpector is an optical inspection system that uses the renowned Marantz 22X Software. It is easy to program while maintaining the power and speed of the inspection algorithms used for many years within the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly industry.

Flexible Inspection Possibilities

The VeriSpector AOI is designed for a wide variety of inspection needs including:

Presence/absence
Orientation
Shape
Offset
Polarity
Text Verification
Fiducial reading
Colour check
1D and 2D barcode reading
Assembly materials fittings
Damaged objects
And many more.

The maximum size of the PCB or object to be inspected is 750mm x 500mm (29.5″x19.7″) whilst the minimum is 460x300mm (18×12″) when using the maximum zoom setting on the zoom lens.

A 24MP camera for crisp, clear resolution comes as standard, with a high-definition lens to capture fine details. Options are available to upgrade to 42 Mp or 60 Mp cameras depending on the application requirements. The resolution can be increased if a PCB size less than the maximum of 750×500 is required. Detected defects can be displayed via red circles on a PCB Map or by NG images.

The overhead orthogonal camera and LED lighting system are optimized for color and glare, allowing operators to continue performing assembly tasks under normal lighting conditions.

Fiducial Recognition

Amongst the many capabilities of the VeriSpector assembly station AOI is Fiducial Recognition.

The recognition of fiducials is an important feature, ensuring high repeatability of inspection programs. The VeriSpector uses the fiducial recognition algorithm provided by the Marantz 22x Software. VeriSpector can recognize a wide variety of fiducials, and when there is no fiducial available, it can use a photo as a fiducial reference.

Connectivity and Traceability

VeriSpector is powered by Mek 22X AOI Software on Apple Mac and is fully compatible with Mek’s 22X AOI products such as SpectorBOX including Library, Fiducialling, Search, Text, Polarity, Bar Coding etc. BarCode reading is carried out by the 22X BarCode decoding engine. Base formats including Datamatrix, QRcode, Code 128 and Code 39 are supported and the system can handle multiple barcodes per fixture or panel. For total flexibility, an external BarCode reader can also be used.

As an option VeriSpector can also feature Mek Catch Software for MES gateways, repair & SPC on Windows 10, integrating the storage of inspection data, including images.

Easy Integration

The VeriSpector Assembly Station AOI comes complete as an easy-to-assemble package to install the optical head with a frame on the assembly station of the users’ choice. This frame holds all the system components; camera, lighting system, Apple Mac & monitor.