How RiverSide Integrated Solutions Uses 3D Printing to Improve Efficiency and Quality
3D printing is a rapidly growing technology that is being used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing. RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS) is a company that is using 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, to improve the efficiency and quality of the product assembly process.
At RIS, we use the latest 3D printing technology to create one-of-a-kind solutions for our customers’ product assembly needs. We believe that 3D printing is a powerful tool that can help our customers improve their products and processes.
BENEFITS OF 3D PRINTING
Here are some of the benefits of using 3D printing for product assembly:
Increased flexibility:
3D printing allows for rapid prototyping and manufacturing of custom parts, which can help to improve product assembly efficiency and reduce costs.
Improved quality:
3D printing can be used to create complex parts with tight tolerances, which can help to improve the overall quality of assembled products.
Reduced lead times:
3D printing can help to reduce lead times for product assembly by eliminating the need for tooling and other traditional manufacturing
processes.
Increased sustainability:
3D printing can help to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of product assembly by using less material and energy than traditional manufacturing methods.
3D PRINTING SOLUTIONS AT RIS
We went to Rich Lieske, RIS’s engineering manager to get some real-life examples of how RIS is using 3D printing to make a difference in our customers’ experiences:
Custom pick-and-place trays:
We used to have to go to a third-party vendor to design and manufacture custom pick-and-place trays. This process was time-consuming and expensive. Now, we can design and print our own trays in-house overnight. This has saved us a significant amount of time and money.
Custom dispensing needles:
We were able to design and print a new dispensing needle for a product with large caps. The only commercially made nozzles that fit the size cap this product had was over $10, couldn’t be cleaned, was made of metal and required them to use high-pressure for dispensing due to the shape of the needle. They had to throw the needle away after every use. So one of our engineers designed their own needle with a tapered diameter which requires less pressure to dispense, and is made out of a cheap resin material. Now the company can print 50 to 100 of these needles at a time, so while they may not have been able to solve the problem of waste with this particular product, they at least solved the problem of cost.
Custom tools and machine parts:
We use 3D printing to create custom tools and machine parts that can be worked into our assembly processes. This helps us to improve efficiency and quality.
Dual head 3D printing:
We use dual head 3D printing to create parts with multiple materials. This allows us to create parts with the desired properties for the specific application.
If you are looking for a way to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of your product assembly process, 3D printing is a great option to consider. RIS can help you to implement 3D printing into your manufacturing process and achieve the desired results.
Rich concludes by saying: “It was a huge advantage for us to start 3D printing.”
About RiverSide Integrated Solutions
RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly and product assembly. We employ more than 350 people and provide services to OEMs worldwide. We operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities within the US.
With all of the choices in contract manufacturers out there, we know it can be challenging to find someone who understands your business model and has your best intentions in mind. RIS has always proven to be a win-win-focused relationship.
As your one-stop shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards and resources to support all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is complex and very time-consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize us in the fullest capacity.
Our total-package solutions include:
- Extensive supply-chain network
- Full box-build assembly
- Dedicated Program Team
- Warehousing, kitting and drop-shipping capabilities
- Reverse logistics
- Flexible order fulfillment
- Scalability to meet your needs
Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click contact us for a quote.
Cobots and Machine Learning: The Future of PCBA and Product Assembly
RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS) is a leading provider of printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and product assembly services, and we know that an important part of leading is staying up to date on the latest technology. We use a variety of technologies to provide our customers with only the highest quality products and services, including utilizing cobots and machine learning to streamline our processes.
What are cobots?
One of the technologies we use is collaborative robots, or cobots. Cobots are robots that are designed to work safely and efficiently alongside humans.
They are used in a variety of applications, including PCBA and product assembly in our facilities. They are typically smaller and less powerful than traditional industrial robots. Cobots are becoming increasingly popular in manufacturing and assembly applications, as they can help to improve efficiency and safety.
Cobots can be used for a variety of tasks in PCBA and product assembly. They can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks, such as picking and placing components, loading and unloading machines, quality control tasks and even welding! Cobots can also be used to perform more complex tasks, such as inspection and testing. Cobots offer a number of advantages over
traditional manufacturing methods. They are more accurate than humans, and they can work 24 hours a day without getting tired. Cobots are also more flexible than traditional manufacturing methods, and they can be easily reprogrammed to perform new tasks.
What is machine learning?
In addition to cobots, RIS also uses machine learning to improve the quality of our products and services. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. We use machine learning to improve our processes, identify defects and predict future trends.
Machine learning is used in a variety of applications at RIS. It is used to improve our quality control processes, identify defects in our products and predict future demand. Machine learning is also used to optimize our manufacturing processes, improve our supply chain management.
RIS is committed to using the latest technologies to provide our customers with the highest quality products and services. We believe that cobots and machine learning are essential for the future of manufacturing, and we are investing heavily in these technologies.
If you are looking for a PCBA or product assembly partner, we encourage you to contact RIS. We would be happy to discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve your goals.
How Cobots and Machine Learning Improve Quality
Cobots and machine learning can improve quality in a number of ways:
Increased productivity:
Cobots can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex tasks.
Improved Efficiency:
Cobots can work faster than humans and can be used to perform tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans to perform. Machine learning can be used to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce waste.
Improved quality:
Cobots are very precise and can perform tasks with high accuracy. Machine learning can be used to identify potential defects in products. This allows companies to take corrective action before the products are shipped to customers.
Reduced costs:
Cobots can help companies reduce costs by automating tasks that would otherwise be done by humans. Machine learning can also help companies reduce costs by identifying potential defects in products before they are shipped.
Improved safety:
Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans. This can help companies improve safety in the workplace.
Improved consistency:
Cobots can perform tasks consistently, which can help ensure that products are manufactured to the same high standards. Machine learning can be used to track data and identify trends, which can help to identify areas where improvements can be made.
RIS is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. We use a variety of technologies, including cobots and machine learning, to improve our quality control processes. This helps us to ensure that our customers receive products that meet their quality and performance requirements.
If you are looking for a partner to help you with your PCBA or product assembly needs, please contact RIS today. We would be happy to discuss your requirements and how we can help you to achieve your quality goals.
About RiverSide Integrated Solutions
RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly and product assembly. We employ more than 350 people and provide services to OEMs worldwide. We operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities within the US.
With all of the choices in contract manufacturers out there, we know it can be challenging to find someone who understands your business model and has your best intentions in mind. RIS has always proven to be a win-win-focused relationship.
As your one-stop shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards and resources to support all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is complex and very time-consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize us in the fullest capacity.
Our total-package solutions include:
- Extensive supply-chain network
- Full box-build assembly
- Dedicated Program Team
- Warehousing, kitting and drop-shipping capabilities
- Reverse logistics
- Flexible order fulfillment
- Scalability to meet your needs
Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click contact us for a quote.
3D AOI Machine: The Ultimate PCB Quality Testing Tool
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics. They are used in everything from smartphones to cars to medical devices. And in today’s competitive electronic manufacturing industry, ensuring the quality of your PCBs is more crucial than ever. One of the most common ways to do this is to use a 3D Automated Optical Inspection (3D AOI) machine.
A 3D AOI machine is a computer-assisted inspection system. It utilizes a combination of cameras and software to inspect PCBs. The camera captures images of the board from different angles. It combines these images with diagrams to make a 3D model of the board, then uses this model to identify any potential defects on the board.
3D AOI machines offer several benefits over 2D AOI machines. At RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS), we use 3D AOI machines to improve the quality of our PCB assemblies. They are just one of the tools in our product testing arsenal.
To demonstrate these machines’ advantages, let’s look at some of their capabilities.
Benefits of 3D AOI Machines
Overall there are three significant ways that a 3D AOI machine can help improve your PCB assembly process:
Increased accuracy:
3D AOI systems can identify defects that are invisible to the naked eye. This helps reduce the number of defects that slip through the inspection process. 3D AOI machines are also much more accurate than traditional 2D inspection methods because they take multiple images from different angles. This allows them to see defects that are otherwise hidden.
Increased speed:
3D AOI systems can inspect boards much faster than traditional 2D AOI systems. They can look at both sides of the board at once. This helps improve speed and efficiency in the assembly process.
Increased flexibility:
3D AOI systems can be used to inspect various types of PCBs. This makes them versatile tools for quality testing.
Reduced costs:
3D AOI machines can reduce the number of defective PCBs that need to be reworked or scrapped, saving both time and money.
And, of course, all of these improvements together help to increase productivity and output. So when you want to increase the speed and capabilities of your manufacturing process without sacrificing quality, a 3D AOI machine is the way to go!
Quality Management Methods
Regarding PCB assembly here at RIS, we want to be absolutely sure that what we’re producing is top quality. And we can already see from the above how significantly 3D AOI machines can influence quality. So now let’s talk about the types of inspections these machines utilize for guaranteed quality management:
Visual inspection:
This is the most basic type of inspection, and it involves visually looking for defects on the board. But while the human eye cannot spot many minor defects and a 2D AOI machine can only inspect one side of a board at a time,
a 3D AOI machine inspects both sides simultaneously. Because of this, it can identify defects that are much too small for humans to find on their own.
Dimensional inspection:
A 3D AOI machine uses software to compare the PCB it inspects to the diagram it’s been programmed with. It then reports any discrepancies, including location, measurement of dimensions, and misalignment of components.
Solder joint & paste inspection:
A 3D AOI machine can inspect for defects that are not visible to the naked eye. These include cracks in solder joints and defects in the solder paste.
There’s no doubt that 3D AOI systems are a valuable tool for PCB quality testing. That’s why RIS uses them in all of our SMT lines. If you want to improve the quality of your PCB assemblies, reach out to us at RIS to hear about our 3D AOI systems and other quality testing measures we use throughout the assembly process.
About RiverSide Integrated Solutions
RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly and product assembly. We employ more than 350 people and provide services to OEMs worldwide. We operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities within the US.
With all of the choices in contract manufacturers out there, we know it can be challenging to find someone who understands your business model and has your best intentions in mind. RIS has always proven to be a win-win-focused relationship.
As your one-stop shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards and resources to support all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is complex and very time-consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize us in the fullest capacity.
Our total-package solutions include:
- Extensive supply-chain network
- Full box-build assembly
- Dedicated Program Team
- Warehousing, kitting and drop-shipping capabilities
- Reverse logistics
- Flexible order fulfillment
- Scalability to meet your needs
Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click contact us for a quote.