The Smart Factory is Becoming a Reality as IPC APEX EXPO 2019 Hosts Two Live Production Lines

Collaboration between IPC CFX and HERMES Standards to be highlighted

Creating the next generation of digital Industry 4.0 technology standards, IPC will again take a major step forward at IPC APEX EXPO 2019, featuring two live production lines, at which visitors can see and experience achievements made in digital standards development over the past year.

The first line will feature both the HERMES standard (IPC-9852) and IPC’s Connected Factory eXchange (CFX) IoT messaging standard (IPC-2591), working seamlessly together to deliver SMT automation value. The second line will feature the wider application of IPC CFX across multiple technologies of assembly production, including manual processes. Both lines feature machines from different vendors, all speaking the same language, creating demonstrable value from machine-to-machine communication, creating a simple to operate, practical, smart and fully connected manufacturing environment. Both standards are currently out for ballot and are expected to be approved and released prior to IPC APEX EXPO.

“Last year at IPC APEX EXPO, we started with a groundbreaking, virtual demo,” said David Bergman, vice president, standards and training, “and this year we will manufacture actual assemblies on the show floor. The CFX/Hermes line will run different board sizes to visibly demonstrate how the two standards complement each other, providing unprecedented automation of production. We are excited to have the collaboration of so many fantastic companies working together to reach Industry 4.0. This is truly an exciting time to be in electronics manufacturing.”

The following companies will be participating in the show floor production lines:

  • Aegis Software
  • ASM Assembly Systems
  • Asys
  • Cogiscan
  • Creative Electron
  • FlexLink
  • Fuji
  • Heller
  • Keysight
  • KIC
  • Koh Young
  • Kulicke & Soffa
  • Nutek
  • OK International
  • Pemtron
  • Saki
  • Test Research, Inc.
  • Vayo

In addition to the show floor production lines, IPC will host an Industry 4.0 Buzz Session, “How IPC-2581 Enables Industry 4.0” on Wednesday, January 30. The Buzz Session will feature short presentations, a panel discussion and opportunities for attendees to ask questions.

For more information on the IPC CFX Production Line Showcase or Buzz Session on Industry 4.0, visit www.ipcapexexpo.org and for more information on the CFX standards, visit, www.ipc.org/Connected-Factory-Initiative.