Digital twin PCB cuts programming time

With the new version 6.7, users receive a major update that allows programming processes to be greatly shortened.

A special highlight of version 6.7 allows users to create and optimise inspection programs by using a "digital twin". A real assembled board does not even have to be available at this point. The project was made possible by close cooperation with Siemens Digital Industry Software and the use of its Valor Data Prep Express tool for importing CAD and manufacturing data. The seamless support for this format in PILOT AOI, in conjunction with the powerful MagicClick function, enables the use of additional information on the respective components of the assembly.

By providing the actual component geometry including height information as well as information on the individual pin and solder joint position, AOI inspection programs can be created and optimized fully automatically even without a real assembled board.

This function of the PILOT AOI software is a big step toward achieving a fully automated and operational inspection program in the shortest possible time, even without a real assembly, by means of a "digital twin" and the MagicClick function.

The generation of the digital twin for the AOI programme creation is based on Siemens’ ODB++ Process language.

Siemens’ ODB++ Process is a solution for the open exchange of process engineering information between disparate machines and processes.

ODB++ Process contains all of the essential elements from the design data including fully detailed part shape definitions as well as more advanced descriptions of production requirements such as Alternative Part Definitions, Solder Paste Apertures, Machine Support Pins, Place Last guidance, Warp Detection Points, and more.

Oren Manor, Director of Electronics Manufacturing Business Development at Siemens Digital Industries Software, says “an important factor for GÖPEL electronic is our ability to provide accurate part geometries by using Siemens’ Valor™ Parts Library (VPL) software to enhance the ODB++ Process output that drives AOI programming. Working with GÖPEL electronic was a very rewarding experience, and the results are truly impressive. The definition of parameters in an AOI program is thereby improved by approx. 80 % by using the "Digital Twin" method.”