I work as a software engineer at ETON, an SMT equipment manufacturer. I am interested in how different factories verify a new placement program before releasing it to production.

CAD and BOM data may look correct on screen, but the first run can still reveal problems such as a wrong board origin, incorrect component rotation, mismatched package data, or the wrong feeder and nozzle assignment.

The basic workflow I have in mind is:

• Confirm the PCB, BOM and centroid file revisions
• Check units, board origin and panel orientation
• Review pin 1 and polarity for ICs, diodes and electrolytic capacitors
• Verify package, feeder and nozzle assignments
• Perform a slow or dry run
• Inspect the first assembled board before releasing the program
• Save the approved program as a controlled revision

For people who set up or maintain SMT lines, which of these checks catches the most real-world mistakes?

Do you rely mainly on offline simulation and preview, or do you always require a physical first-article build? I would also be interested to know which checks you wish the machine software could perform automatically.

 

Since the PCB that receives the parts must already be designed, and verified, placing parts on an actual board is the last check.
Consider that not only the placing must be verified, but also every bit of the fixturing needs to be verified for accuracy.
Prior to that, the coordinates of every part position need to be verified, and the accuracy of the specific machine must be checked.
Pictures on a screen look nice, but they are seldom "close enough."