Global economic disruption caused by the ongoing pandemic and the war in Ukraine has given Australian businesses the impetus to respond to the crisis, modernise their manufacturing systems and scale up operations. Unable to compete globally with some heavily protected industries, Australia is moving towards a new future with specialised production to meet the needs of the local and international markets.
With innovation as a powerful driver of economic growth, the Australian government is investing in the Modern Manufacturing Initiative. In 2020, Manufacturing Modernisation grants were set up to reverse the decline in manufacturing, identify and address gaps, and deal with ongoing challenges.
Focusing on projects that scale up and convert high-quality research and ideas into commercial success and boost production and competitiveness, industries in defence, space, medical products, resources technology, and critical minerals were prioritised.
Advanced electronic manufacturing is the key to optimising production in these high-tech industries. The Industry 4.0 high-value manufacturing business model with tech-driven production is crucial to modernisation and increased competitiveness and productivity. With high-tech hardware and software, predictive and preventative maintenance and upgrades, machine-to-machine communication systems and traceability, production can be scaled-up to compete globally.
Hawker Richardson can support your grant application by addressing the objectives identified in the National Manufacturing Priority. As we already work with some organisations that operate within the benchmark parameters, we can provide specific surface mount technology (SMT) production solutions that fulfil the assessment criteria in electronic manufacturing.
Manufacturing Modernisation
By leveraging the latest technology (both hardware and software) Hawker Richardson can help organisations adopt new processes in manufacturing PCBs that will provide the capabilities to grow production and build scale to deliver projects. Our focus is to align the latest in system innovations from brands such as Yamaha, Scienscope, IBL and GE/Baker Hughes to manufacturing modernisation as underlined in National Manufacturing Priorities.
Speed and Flexibility
The latest YRM20 Yamaha Placement System has two heads and can mount at speeds of 115,000 components placed per hour (CPH), providing the capability for volume production, as well as the flexibility to accommodate a comprehensive range of boards and chips. Board sizes range from L50 x W50 to L810 x W510 ensuring the line is adaptable and caters for any board a company makes. The YCP10 stencil printer has a high 8-second speed printing cycle.
Size
The YRM20 can operate at these speeds even when placing ultra-tiny 0201 chips, and with system accuracy for critical assembly payloads, such as those for mini-satellites. The YRi-V system has a super high-resolution lens at 5 microns for automated high-speed optical inspection.
Accuracy
X-Ray systems deliver advanced technologies that critical space, defence and medical industries can leverage, such as checking the accuracy of Ball Grid Array (BGA) components, usually impossible to check because the pad alignment of the solder is generally covered by a hard casing.
Innovation and automation
Total Line Solutions (TLS) for SMT production is the next step for companies that are expanding manufacturing operations. The automated line concept is designed for high production capabilities, high-cycle times and speed. An SMT line typically includes an SMT loader to load the printed circuit boards on the conveyor, a stencil printing machine to place solder on the blank PCBs, a pick-and-place machine to load the components, an oven to cure the boards, and an unloading machine to remove them from the conveyor. Other inspection machinery, such as solder printing inspection systems, can be added to flag paste errors.
Data-Driven Software Solutions
Data-driven software solutions and integrated SMT lines (hardware) are optimised with automation functionality for efficiency. Third-party Machine to Machine (M2M) software can be integrated into an SMT line to deliver efficiency. For example, SMS Line Control software, a multi-vendor system, will simplify and reduce SMT machine programming. SMS Line Check software removes human error by preventing incorrect parts from being loaded onto the assembly line.
Automation and Traceability
The Scienscope automated component receiving station and smart storage racks are another key integration in the āsmart factoryā SMT production process. The receiving station can process up to four reels accurately in seconds. Normally, it would take an operator up to ten minutes to receive one reel. The storage rack, with easy access to hundreds of reels, reduces assembly setup time from hours to minutes. Before a PCB run on the production line, managers can identify stock shortages and optimise operations by minimising downtime. Full component traceability enables time-sensitive stock to be identified, avoiding costly waste.
Why Hawker Richardson?
We help organisations overcome capacity and capability challenges in electronic manufacturing by providing the latest systems and resources for SMT production. In addition, we are proud to add value by ensuring systems are supported with unparalleled service support. For example, we offer the same support in Australasia, ensuring large distances do not inhibit the quality of our service to our customers. Our ability to commission remotely during travel restrictions confirms our commitment.
Hawker Richardson continues to add value by ensuring the latest technology is adopted for future-proofing production. Additionally, we offer training to ensure processes follow best practices and show continual improvement, as required by ISO 9001.
With our expertise and superior technical knowledge, we can help you align your organisational goals to grant objectives to secure funding. Whether it’s to transform research ideas into commercially viable outcomes, scale up manufacturing, or adopt cutting-edge technologies to improve productivity, we are with you all the way. When the next round of grants open, be ready to submit your application.
References:
https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/manufacturing-modernisation-fund
