Thanks to Open Automation, the ASM Material Tower can be fully integrated into any smart factory. — Image source: ASM
Whether located next to the line as a speedy component replenishment system or installed as part of a connected main storage system, the new generation of the ASM Material Tower adapts perfectly to the requirements of modern SMT production. It supports classic manual withdrawals as well as fully automated AIV-supported material flow processes in the integrated smart factory. Thanks to its intelligent software control, the modular storage system is hugely versatile as a highly scalable, interconnected solution.
Depending on the user’s requirements, multiple towers can be combined into clusters where material is exchanged between units via an integrated transport module. The distribution of materials within the storage system is handled by intelligent algorithms which reduce the frequency of withdrawals and the time required for them. The number and type of transfer points can be flexibly selected and subsequently modified for manual operation as well as for use with autonomous transport systems.
With clustering, smart software integrates chained systems into a single, self-contained system. — Image source: ASM
Large capacity
The ASM Material Tower is designed to hold up to 960 7-inch reels or 480 15-inch reels. To simplify and accelerate logistics processes, packages can be supplied or withdrawn in magazines holding up to 30 reels for specific setups. Moisture-sensitive components (MSDs) can optionally be stored and their exposure times monitored as well.
Open interfaces for connecting AIVs with Open Automation
With chaining, clustered modules exchange materials via an integrated transport module. — Image source: ASM
Since AIV-supported material logistics are an essential factor for electronics manufacturers on their road to process automation, ASM’s Factory Automation module can fully integrate communication-capable third-party hardware such as KNAPP transport robots into the material flow process. The software also handles the ASM Material Tower’s vertical integration into a wide range of MES solutions.
ASM Factory Automation is a part of Open Automation, ASM’s automation concept that provides an alternative to fully automated shop floors because they tend to be inflexible and expensive. Thanks to its open interfaces such as the Hermes standard or IPC-CFX, ASM’s modular approach combines seamless M2M and M2H communication, the integration of third-party solutions, and the integration of existing systems.
The ASM Material Tower is also fully integrated into the ASM Works software infrastructure solution, which is why it can be linked to the ASM Material Manager software module. Standalone operation or a connection to third-party solutions are also possible via the TCC (Tower Cluster Controller).