-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
IPC APEX EXPO: IPC Digital Factory to Spotlight Real-world Use of IPC CFX
January 21, 2019 | David Bergman, vice president, Standards and Training, IPCEstimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you had the chance to align your EMS facility with Industry 4.0, set up seamless data communication between all equipment on your line—even conveyors—and be able to track production on all the equipment from any part of the world, would you do it? If you are a machine vendor, would you like to get out of the business of developing and managing bespoke interfaces for your customer? As an OEM, what would you think about one communication software to provide an added dimension over real-time control of product quality, from board assembly to box build?
What if I told you the entry cost for such a communication-enabling software is available at the low, low IPC price of exactly zero dollars? Would it sweeten the deal if I told you that you could plug this software into your existing line in one day?
IPC CFX communication software for smart production (IPC-2591) and HERMES standard for machine-to-machine communication (IPC-HERMES-9852) are industry-developed standards forming the foundation and backbone of Industry 4.0 Applications. IPC CFX-HERMES simplifies and standardizes machine-to-machine communication while also facilitating machine-to-business and business-to-machine solutions.
During IPC APEX EXPO 2019 in San Diego, California, January 29-31, 2019, IPC will demonstrate two live production lines using this standard software in the IPC Digital Factory on the show floor. One line will utilize both HERMES for machine-to-machine communication and CFX for output messages to the cloud, and the second line will utilize CFX.
The HERMES-CFX line will run printed boards of different sizes through the following process sequence using equipment from a variety of manufacturers. We will use boards of different sizes so you can see the power of HERMES, as it communicates upstream to equipment so it can automatically adjust for the new board size. The CFX line will run the same boards through a separate line, and it will use additional equipment as a demonstration of the compatibility of the software.
You will also be able to follow both production lines—in real time—from your mobile device. This will provide you a real-world view of how you will be able to utilize the data reporting from CFX and HERMES in your own facilities.
HERMES-CFX line sequence
Laser marker – ASYS Group
Screen printer – ASM
Solder paste inspection – Saki
Pick and place – Kulick & Soffa
Reflow oven – Heller
Post-over conveyor – Nutek
Post-reflow AOI – Koh Young
X-ray – Test Research, Inc.
ICT – Keysight
Output conveyor – Nutek
CFX line sequence
Input conveyor – Flexlink
Dispense robot – OK International
Solder paste inspection – Koh Young
Pick and place – Fuji
Reflow oven – Heller
Post-oven conveyor – Flexlink
Post-reflow AOI – Pemtron
X-ray – Creative Electron
Buffer conveyor – Flexlink
Inspection conveyor – Flexlink
Rework center – OK International
Each line will run throughout each day of IPC APEX EXPO, so you will have time to see for yourself the simplicity and power of IPC CFX and HERMES. For instance:
- It provides a level playing field for smaller companies
- Because this is an industry standard and available at no cost, with very little work to be done to implement, you can use the same software as larger, globally located companies.
- All manufacturers will save time and money
- Developing your own communications software, especially for multi-vendor equipment lines, can cost upwards or $30,000 and take up to a full business quarter to implement. IPC CFX and HERMES are free to industry and can be implemented in a day.
- Reduce or eliminate customer follow-up for software issues
One of the IPC Connected Factory Initiative Subcommittee members, who works on the software development side, communicated the ease of CFX and HERMES implementation. He directed one of his customers to the software and the customer loaded and implemented it without the need for technical support.
The software serves as a building block for enhanced production tracking. IPC CFX and HERMES are written in a way that a company can very easily and inexpensively add app-like functionalities for such things as materials traceability or quality improvement.
It's even adaptable enough for hand-soldering tools. One of the Digital Factory participants, OK International, found a way to make CFX, which was written for MS .Net, work in Linux. Not only does this present even more possibilities for industry participation, they even implemented it into hand soldering tools.
CFX can provide on-demand, real-time data on any piece of equipment worldwide. EMS companies looking to place orders or report to OEM customers on project statuses will be able to see the activity of any piece of equipment in any facility in any part of the world from their computer or handheld device.
These are just a handful examples of the simplicity, value and power of IPC CFX and HERMES. Visit the IPC Digital Factory during IPC APEX EXPO 2019 to see these standards in action.
IPC Digital Factory
San Diego Convention Center – Sails Pavilion
Tuesday, January 29, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 30, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday, January 31, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Join the IPC 2-17 Subcommittee Meeting at IPC APEX EXPO. You can learn more about these two standards and how you can shape their direction by attending the 2-17 Connected Factory Initiative Subcommittee meeting during the show. The subcommittee will meet Monday, January 28, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in room 17A at the convention center. The meeting is open to anyone.
For more details about IPC CFX-HERMES, the live production line or the 2-17 meeting, e-mail me at DavidBergman@ipc.org.
Suggested Items
Zentech’s Board of Directors Announces the Return of Matt Turpin as President and CEO
04/22/2024 | Zentech ManufacturingTurpin draws upon over 35 years of experience in the electronics industry and has an 18-year history with Zentech. He previously served as President and CEO from 2006 to 2019 after which time he has remained active in the EMS industry as an advisor to Zentech and other industry organizations.
Aaron Woolf, Dylan Peterson Join SIA Team
04/22/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced Aaron Woolf and Dylan Peterson have joined the SIA team. Woolf will serve as director of global policy for economic security and Peterson will be a communications associate. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.
It’s Only Common Sense: OCCAM—the Time Is Now
04/22/2024 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseOne of my favorite books is a little tome called Who Moved My Cheese? Even those of you who don’t spend a lot of time reading books have at least heard of it and know that it refers to people, especially in business, who are so stuck in their ways that they get upset when something changes. In our business, we know this kind of thinking is especially true. In fact, it always makes me laugh when one of my innovative friends finds a new way to do something and is afraid that someone will steal his idea. I always tell him that no one in our business, especially a PCB engineer, has ever thought about someone else’s innovative idea enough to steal it.
Digitalisation and ESG
04/19/2024 | Marina Hornasek-Metzl, AT&SDigitalisation and ESG are prominent and high-priority topics in the global business community. The first focuses on applying technology throughout the value chain to produce faster, smarter, and more desirable business outcomes. The latter emphasises the broader value a business is expected to create for its stakeholders from an environmental, social, and governance perspective.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Looking Back, Looking Forward With IEC
04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIEC came to the RTW booth and discussed both the legacy of IEC's past and the vision for its future. Industry veteran Bruno Ferri highlighted his quarter-century tenure in the industry and with IEC since its founding. He still exhibits boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Brando Stone, a young professional and a future face of IEC, talked about IEC's plans going forward and his experience at this year's IPC APEX EXPO.