Multiline Newsline

Volume 2 Number 3 / Editor: Steve Scheinpflug / September 1998

New Product
(Multiframe)

Tech Talk

Equipment Training

Lamination Help

Shots From The Shop
Happy Anniversary

Expressing Your Interest

: Just how much maintenance is required to keep our Multiline machines running efficiently? This is a question that does not have a simple answer, other than, ëit dependsí. But this is the kind of response that you might expect from a machinery manufacturer.

: What we observe when visiting some of our customers board shops is that the Post Etch Punch, and sometimes the Post Lamination Drill, is often located in a unclean room, often next to some chemical operation, with nobody calibrating or maintaining it. Our service manager speculates this happens because of the heavy equipment look of the machines. Although not delicate in looks these machines are very precise instruments and require proper placement and care. Fortunately, many of our customers now find locations of the OPE in the AOI room. And the OPL X-ray in the drill room is logically a great location. This is surprising and upsetting in that Multiline equipment is not inexpensive, there is usually only one in a facility (as compared to Drilling machines), and it is very important to the quality of the end product. If a Drilling machine has to be put down for maintenance; no big deal, there are other machines available. But if the Optiline PE or Optiline PL has to be put down for maintenance; big deal, there are no other systems available!

Our Service Technicians travel the world visiting PCB factories of all sizes are surprised by the lack of regular maintenance. Something as simple as a daily clean up generally goes wanting, but lost in a battle of responsibility. "Does the Operator clean the machine, or does Maintenance?" "Is it the responsibility of the 1st Shift, or the 2nd, or the 3rd?" Another observation is that down time logs, or problems with systems are always carefully documented in ëproblemí periods, but never documented in ëno problemí periods. If the above somewhat describes your company, do not despair. Youíre in good company, and help is on the way.

Getting back to the subject. Yes, systems manufactured by Multiline Technology do require maintenance! And they should be cared for as any valuable property that you own. All systems that we manufacture are now supplied with a "Maintenance Log" attached to the machine with a chain. The purpose of this log is to provide a list of recommended maintenance procedures that should be done daily, weekly and monthly; and by whom. The intent is to make it easier for our customers to keep their systems in the best operating condition that they can be. This may not prevent a breakdown, but will prevent a slow, down spiral in performance. Operator observations entered in this log will also provide the Service Technician with some clues as to what to look for in the case of a total breakdown. Some of these events can be cured with a simple telephone call. If your systems do not have this Maintenance Log book, give us a call with the kinds of machines that you have, and we will be pleased to send you a log book to attach to your systems. It will be a benefit to both of us.

One other thought. Multiline Technology offers a Service Contract with all systems. This Service can include a periodic Preventative Maintenance visit to do machine maintenance and look for possible future problems. Observing the potential for, and preventing a future problem can save a lot of time and expense for both parties. Details on a Service Contract (which can include free software updates, cost discounts on spare parts, free punch and die block sharpening) can be obtained from the Technical Services Department. They will be able to work out the details for your particular situation.

Please call.