Automated optical inspection is increasingly necessary on today’s electronics assembly lines, but not everyone uses it the same way.
Even among those who have adopted AOI, there’s debate over how best to use the technology. Some experts suggest that AOI should be used early in the assembly process—that is, before soldering—because that’s when most defects occur. It’s easier and less expensive to fix defects when they’re found early. And, AOI can provide real-time feedback on machine performance so that operators can make adjustments and prevent faulty boards from being produced.