Panasonic Introduces NPM-GH and NPM-GP SMT Machines for Autonomous Factories

Gurgaon, India – Panasonic Smart Factory Solutions India (PSFSIN), a division company of a leading diversified technology company, Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt Ltd, recently announced the launch of new cutting-edge NPM-G Series surface mount technology (SMT) machines, NPM-GH and NPM-GP, for Indian manufacturers. The new NPM-GH modular mounter and the NPM-GP screen printing machines mark a significant step towards realizing the concept of ‘Autonomous Factory’ operations, ushering in a new era of efficiency and precision in assembling state-of-the-art Printer Circuit Boards (PCB).

The NPM G Series SMT machines are designed to respond in real time to customer supply and demand changes through continuous, autonomous updates. This feature helps make the autonomous factory a reality. Overall, the mounting system offers flexibility and customizable options to address the production needs of PCBAs and extend automation in manufacturing.

Panasonic’s SMT Machines Details:

NPM-GH Modular Mounter: Precision Meets Productivity - The NPM-GH modular mounter is the flagship model designed for the ‘Autonomous Factory’ that redefines industry standards with its unparalleled mounting accuracy and exceptional productivity using new Flat contact heads. Utilizing a compact and lightweight mounting head, the NPM-GH achieves an astounding speed of 103,000 chips per hour in high production mode. Notably, this machine also boasts an accuracy level of ±15 μm. Each type of head delivers greater component compatibility, from micro-sized chips to large BGAs & large-size connectors. It has Autonomous control variations in the 5M’s (Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Measurement) & reduces dependency on skill-based operators. An enlarged operation screen enhances the user interface, while the ability to simultaneously control each side of the machine enhances operability.
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, including PCB Transport, Positioning, Recognition, Printing and each time Cleaning for the PCB size 250 x 150 mm, the NPM-GP/L boasts the world’s top solder paste printing performance. The machine helps in increasing production time with features like Automated model changeover, Automated operations during production & optimization of maintenance timing. The key feature, like APC 5M, helps maintain printing quality at a consistently high level.

About the Advance Process Control (APC) 5M System: Quality Production and Stable Operation - Complementing these innovative machines, Panasonic introduces the APC-5M system, a state-of-the-art solution for 5M (Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Measurement) process control. This system continuously monitors irregularities in the 5Ms in real-time, swiftly detects production line changes, and autonomously identifies root causes while offering data-driven solutions. As it accumulates data over time, the APC-5M system becomes an increasingly precise tool for optimizing factory operations. It also excels in real-time monitoring of unit conditions, facilitating proactive maintenance with minimal disruption to operations, and offering predictive replacement instructions in collaboration with the host system.

Stressing that India is poised to become the next global manufacturing hub, and initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are encouraging global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to utilize the Indian economic and demographic ecosystem to set their manufacturing base in the country, thus realizing the self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar) agenda, Manish Sharma, Chairman, Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, added, “Aligned with this vision, we are excited to contribute to this journey by introducing the state-of-the-art NPM-G series SMT machines. These innovative solutions will empower OEMs with enhanced autonomous capabilities for PCB Assembly which are critical components for mobiles & wearables and electronic products, enabling them to scale their operations and produce world-class products right here in India.”

While emphasizing the transformative impact of these new SMT machines, Tsutomu Naito, Divisional Managing Director, Panasonic Smart Factory Solutions India, commented, “We aim to drive process innovation within manufacturing facilities by seamlessly integrating competitive equipment and edge devices, forming the foundation for optimizing both production lines and entire factory operations. The NPM-GH and NPM-GP SMT machines represent a significant leap forward in achieving autonomous factories that set new standards for production capacity, quality, and efficiency for PCB Assembly. These new cutting-edge machines improve overall productivity by 12 percent when compared with previous generations of SMT machines. With this launch, we reaffirm our commitment to enabling automation excellence in manufacturing, allowing manufacturers to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of smart factories and autonomous production.”

Image Source: Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt Ltd