Operator machine training plays a fundamental role SMT Line manufacturing
When a manufacturer invests in SMT capital equipment, from Hawker Richardson, it’s the start of a long-term relationship. We support our customers beyond the sales cycle. SMT manufacturing is moving towards the automated Smart Factory environment, where equipment and resources are connected. Upon commissioning, we provide comprehensive training for SMT technicians which plays a fundamental role in manufacturing machinery operations.
The SMT line is complex with sophisticated equipment. The production process for SMT typically includes loading bare boards and solder paste printing. After that, there is high-speed mounting and then, the boards go through reflow solder ovens. With advances in inspection technology, manufacturers can now include Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) to detect faults in solder printing and Automated Optical inspection (AOI) to detect misassembly and solder defects on PCBs. Both, the SPI and AOI coordinate with other machines and communicate up and down the SMT line. We ensure that technicians obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate SMT machinery and software effectively and safely.
With SMT line training, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The skills and knowledge gaps of our customers are different. For example, a CEM that has been operating for thirty years has different needs to an OEM that is commissioning an SMT line for the first time. Our engaging product training programs are tailored to your needs whether it’s new machinery or maintenance training.
Dean Mischewsk, Manufacturing Engineering Manager Tait Communications in New Zealand, highlights how his team of technicians benefited from maintenance training with Hawker Richardson service engineers.
“I was catching up with the SMT Techs in my team last week as part of a review of the year to date, and they highlighted to me that the training they got from John B when he and Duc were here was really good.
John got the commissioning done quickly so was able to spend a couple of days doing concentrated maintenance training. My techs were impressed by the information he shared and the way he shared it. They learned a lot more than they expected. So, feel free to give him a pat on the back based on some positive customer feedback!”
We offer instructor-led training where our skilled service staff, with years of industry experience, teach operational staff in a classroom or on-site setting. Additionally, our customers have access to our online training portal with step-by-step videos. Technicians can then refresh their knowledge or view updates at their own pace. The training portal is also a resource for new employees to obtain first-hand information. We continue to update the portal with new videos and information.
Key members of the factory and operational teams from Signify-Philips Dynalite, recently completed training at Hawker Richardson. They want to hit the ground running with their SMT line, which is due to be commissioned in 2024. The training was held over four days and included an introduction to software, programming, and hands-on operation of the Yamaha YRM20 mounter.
“We’d like to thank John and the team from Hawker Richardson for hosting our team and patiently stepping them through the process.
We are very excited to embark on this new chapter, leveraging this technology to boost our capability, reduce lead times, and enhance our position as an end-to-end Australian manufacturing facility.”
When you invest in capital equipment you want to get the best out of it. With proper training, employees will be operationally ready and able to reach performance goals. Our value-added training will help standardize procedures and ensure that employees follow best practices to ensure better lifecycle management of the SMT line. Find out more about our in-house training here.
