Getech Automation has introduced its latest product, the Inline Labeller APIL. This innovative device facilitates on-demand printing of labels using BarTender software or pre-printed labels from Zebra printers.

The Inline Labeller APIL performs comprehensive inspections of labels for print quality employing Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and barcode decoding. Barcodes are graded for their print quality on a 100% basis. Furthermore, labels undergo alignment measurements to ensure compliance with the Keep Out Zone (KOZ) specifications. Rejected labels are directed to a rejection station.

PCBA panels are transported on auto-adjustable conveyors, where their barcode is decoded for traceability purposes. The PCBA panel is then clamped on the conveyor for precise positioning correction prior to the application of labels.

A Scara robot is utilised for the pick-and-place of labels on PCBA panels. A fiducial camera on the Scara robot scans fiducial marks on the PCB, thereby correcting any PCBA position errors.

Following the placement of labels on the PCBA panels, their positions are measured using a post-vision system. Only PCBA panels exhibiting acceptable placement accuracies are subsequently forwarded to downstream processing machines.

The Inline Labeller APIL is engineered to accommodate dynamic data requirements from customer MES systems, thereby ensuring seamless integration with diverse protocols. It is constructed to adhere to ESD compliance standards and safety regulations, including SEM S2/S8 and F47. The machine is equipped with two printers, enabling the printing of two labels per product, including labels as small as 7 mm x 7 mm.