Section
40
Selecting "A" puts the machine into an Automatic mode using the "ASCOPP" function. Its
operation allows fast re-programming of an EXPANDED program to account for artwork
irregularities, or to re-program conventional silk screened printed panels where screen
stretch or other small miss-alignments may have occurred and would cause production
problems.
To use the "A" function the original program from a previous batch of boards should be
loaded into the machine from cassette tape. A board from the new batch is then placed on
the table below the camera. If the operator then single steps (SST) through the program it
is likely that the stored co-ordinates of the original batch will not correspond with the pad
centres on the new panel. This miss-alignment will be due mainly to screen stretch and
tooling hole registration.
With the PROG switch ON and the target stepped to the first hole position, selecting "A"
and setting the ASCOPP switch to ON will cause the Micromat to step through each set of
co-ordinates in the same order as originally programmed, re-centre the TV target on the
new pad pip position and store the new co-ordinates in the control systems memory along
with any previously entered tool size information. This process will continue automatically
until the END command is reached, at which time "ASCOPP" should be switched OFF and
the new program saved on cassette tape, or used to drill the new batch of boards.
If, during this process, "ASCOPP" is unable to relocate a pad pip, the machine will stop and
an audible warning will be given to allow the operator to switch to the "M" function and
enter the position Manually, after which the "A" function should be selected to allow the
Automatic re-programming process to continue.
Approximately 3000 positions an hour may be re-positioned in this manner.
Finally. "C" select a fast check mode, initiated in the same way as the "A" mode, to visually
verify the completed program. This operates in a similar manner to pressing SST very
rapidly and will show all the programmed positions.
Both the "A" and "C" modes may be initiated at any point within a program.
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