ASM at SMTconnect 2019

At SMTconnect 2019, visitors can examine the new DEK SmartStencil, an RFID-based hardware and software solution for monitoring and managing stencil service cycles. The ASM Service portfolio will focus on the digital transformation and present VR solutions for easy maintenance as well as the ASM Learning Management System for the mobile training of line staff and engineers. "No other equipment supplier has as much experience in implementing smart factory concepts as ASM," says Gabriela Reckewerth, Senior Director Global Marketing at ASM. "What we are showing at this year’s SMTconnect in Nuremberg is based on our customers’ desire for a coordinated, open and digital concept for all workflows. Total integration is reshaping many processes in electronics manufacturing, and we want to tap the full potential of the smart factory together with our customers."

At the SMTconnect trade show (May 7–9, 2019 in Nuremberg, Booth 5-311), ASM will exhibit solutions for the integrated smart factory in the areas of hardware, software and services. Highlights at the booth and the two SMT production lines will include DEK SmartStencil, ASM Command Center and the digital learning and maintenance tools from the ASM Service team.

What does the integrated smart factory look like?
Smart and efficient electronics manufacturing requires the networking and integration of machines and processes, and sometimes even entire factories. As a leading equipment supplier to the electronics manufacturing industry, technology leader ASM is the first that can offer a consistent spectrum of open interfaces, standardized protocols and integration platforms for all factory levels. ASM's spectrum of interfaces and integration solutions extends across five levels from the machine to factory control via MES solutions to the cloud-based networking of globally distributed plants. At the SMTconnect show, ASM will demonstrate these five levels with a broad range of components extending to open high-performance interfaces, MES integration scenarios, and a whole lot more.

ASM SmartStencil: RFID-based service life control for printing stencils
With ASM SmartStencil, technology leader ASM introduces an RFID-based hardware and software solution for monitoring and managing the service life of stencils in DEK printers. For the first time, electronics manufacturers can have complete transparency regarding the operating times of stencils – automatically and without manual scanning. RFID scanners in DEK printers read the stencils’ RFID tags to recognize "spent" stencils, warn of the impending end of a stencil's predefined service life and prevent the printing process from being started if the maximum number of printing cycles has been exceeded. At the same time, they write the current job's print cycles to the RFID tag of the stencil that’s currently in the printer. ASM SmartStencil can be retrofitted in existing printers and stencils, works with stencils from any supplier, and can be used with many stencil types and carrier systems (DEK VectorGuard frames or classic mesh-mounted stencils). In addition to improving the reliability and quality of the stencil printing process, ASM SmartStencil also makes internal logistics and component processes more efficient.

ASM Command Center: The new software solution for intelligent operator management
Another highlight at the ASM booth will be ASM Command Center, a highly innovative software platform that revolutionizes traditional operator models with their rigid assignment of people to lines. ASM Command Center permanently monitors all factory production lines and analyzes all data and status messages. If many assists are needed, it uses smart devices (e.g., smart watches) to notify operators with the appropriate training while supplying them with the necessary information and help. With ASM Command Center, companies can form teams that support multiple lines in a flexible, competent and task-oriented manner. Another benefit: assists like adjustments that don’t require an operator’s physical presence on the line can be performed from a central console.

Maintenance 4.0: Smart service tools and integration scenarios
Another focal point at this year's SMTconnect show will be smart service tools as part of ASM Maintenance 4.0. Exhibits will include a brand-new app with the virtual training offerings of the ASM Academy, the company's state-of-the-art e-learning platform. Visitors can test the app's virtual reality components, which convey hands-on experience for certain maintenance workflows, live at the booth. The ASM Service team will also present integration scenarios for optimized maintenance management for easy planning and smart user guidance, as well as ASM Remote Smart Factory for secure global connectivity and support between the equipment supplier and electronics manufacturers.

E by ASM – Superb quality and smart software for the midspeed segment
E by DEK and E by SIPLACE, which ASM developed especially for the flexible midspeed market, will also be present at this year’s SMTconnect show. The machines feature many proven functionalities from high-end SIPLACE and DEK solutions that make them unbeatable in their segment in terms of quality and price-performance ratio. ASM will demonstrate how electronics manufacturers in all industry groups can benefit from E by ASM thanks to the platforms’ impressive performance ratings and smart software portfolio. ASM’s E solutions support many ASM software solutions that improve not just line productivity but the processes and efficiency of the entire factory. For the Germany region, ASM will also present an attractive zero-percent financing concept.