Background
The recent changes in lifestyles and consumption habits are having huge impacts on supply chains. In the manufacturing domain of Gemba Process Innovation, which seeks to solve customers’ Gemba issues, the creation of assembly lines that can cater to sudden changes is presenting a major challenge. Panasonic believes it can provide a solution to this problem through factory automation. To automate factories, the company is working to reduce total cost of ownership through thorough 5M management and improve overall equipment effectiveness with 5M process control. Ultimately, the company aims to build autonomous factories that can immediately respond to customer supply and demand changes through continuous, autonomous updates.
Panasonic will utilize its strengths in edge devices, sensing, and robotics to collect key Gemba data and apply its unique technologies to optimize supply chains. In addition to initiatives to eliminate waste and standstills at each Gemba and automate Gemba improvements, the company will use Blue Yonder software to visualize and optimize supply chain links and ensure a continuous cycle of major improvements. In combining these two, Panasonic will aim to provide solutions that facilitate continued, autonomous improvements across the supply chain. The company has defined this concept as the Autonomous Supply Chain™. Accelerating efforts to achieve this Autonomous Supply Chain™ will enable the company to thoroughly reduce Gemba losses and standstills, contribute to customers’ management reforms, promote the effective use of resources, reform Gemba workstyles, and offer solutions to a range of other social challenges as well.
NPM G Series for Autonomous Factories
Description of Features
(1) NPM-GH modular mounter with industry-leading mounting accuracy
Using a smaller, lighter mounting head, NPM-GH achieves high-level productivity (max. 41,000 chips per hour-total number of assembled chips per hour under optimal conditions) with outstanding accuracy (±15 μm). The mounter can also be configured as the industry’s first ultra-precise specification (±10 μm). Additionally, an enlarged operation screen has improved the user interface, and with the ability to simultaneously control each side of the machine’s operability has also greatly improved.
(2) NPM-GP/L screen printing machine with automatic printing process functions
With a printing accuracy of ±3.8 μm and a cycle time of 12 seconds, the NPM-GP/L boasts the world’s top solder paste printing performance. The company also offers an optional function for a fully automatic printing process. In addition to a “mask changer” that can stock up to ten different types of solder masks, the machine can automatically supply and collect solder, automatically reconfigure pin support of the substrate, and automatically undertake a range of other processes required for production line changes.
(3) Auto Setting Feeder for automatic supply of mounting components
The Auto Setting Feeder is the industry’s first*2 feed mechanism that can automatically peel back the cover on surface-mount component tape between 4 mm and 104 mm wide. This has enabled the automatic supply of mounting components without the help of skilled workers. Further, when a reel of tape is finished, a loading unit automatically and instantly supplies the next reel. This eliminates the need for human intervention in the component supply process to facilitate full autonomy. Moreover, the use of a dedicated cart means that the current NPM and NPM-X series can support the Auto Setting Feeder without restructuring the entire line.
- *2: The first machine to have a tape feeder that can automatically peel back the cover of tape between 4 mm and 104 mm wide; according to in-house research that is current as of January 2022.
(4) APC-5M system for 5M process control to ensure quality production and stable operation
APC-5M monitors irregularities in the 5Ms in real time and detects production line changes. It then analyzes the accumulated data, identifies the cause, and uses empirical data to autonomously find a solution. This adds further empirical data, and so the more the system is used the more it grows into a highly precise system in customers’ factories. Further, during its real-time monitoring of the 5Ms, the system can focus on unit condition and determine which units need to be corrected and when. It can then undertake maintenance in times with the least impact on operations, and work with the host system to provide predictive replacement instructions.
About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a global leader developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B sectors. The company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, operates 522 subsidiaries and 69 associated companies worldwide and reported consolidated net sales of 6,698.8 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2021. Committed to pursuing new value through collaborative innovation, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for customers. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global.
