Delta's Robotic Screw Locking Workstation Optimizes Multilayer PCB Manufacturing

The printed circuit board (PCB) is the standard board for electronics assembly. The components on a PCB are connected via printed circuits to operate an electronic system. The PCB is an essential component for most electronic products. With the spread of electronic products, the market demand for PCBs is also growing with stricter requirements for production processes. The structures of PCBs can be categorized as single-layer, double-layer and multilayer types. Among these, multilayer PCBs feature complex structures and complicated production processes, making it difficult for fully automated production. PCB work using labor is still commonly seen in most production plants.

Delta recently introduced its articulated robots and machine vision systems to a PCB plant in China for multilayer PCB screw locking. The plant manufactures various PCBs for downstream clients. During the multilayer PCB production, operators have to screw an external case of the base board and PCB to protect the pins, and lock the copper pillars and nuts to divide the multiple layers. With various types of components, it requires labor-intensive screw locking to inspection, taking long working hours and resulting in low quality with frequent errors.

After an on-site survey uncovering customer needs for accelerating cycle time and wire trimming, Delta implemented its Articulated Robot DRV90L to the production for screw locking. The dual screw locking workstation features manual and robotic work, lowering the error rate. It enhances the workflow and improves PCB manufacturing productivity.

Delta's Articulated Robot DRV90L can be combined with multiple feeding units, quick changing units for lenses, and a servo screwdriver for real-time torque monitoring. During the process, the feeding units automatically elevate and feed the materials. The Machine Vision System DMV2000 Series identifies materials and screw locking points with auto calibration, then transmits the info to the Compact Modular Mid-range PLC AS Series for quick positioning. The AS Series commands the Articulated Robot DRV90L to execute stable and quick pick-and-place and screw locking. When finished, the equipment will automatically notify the operator for manual board placing and wire trimming using a laser ranger for height measurement to prevent manual errors. It effectively enhances the productivity and quality by lowering the defect rate of all manual work.


Delta's Robotic Screw Locking Workstation offers the following benefits to the client:

• Enhanced screw locking efficiency
The existing process requires manual screw locking with a traditional screwdriver. It takes long working hours to change different locks or stations for locking various materials. The DRV90L Series can easily go with different modules for quick screw locking.

• Real-time torque monitoring and alarm notification
Delta's servo screw driver provides real-time torque monitoring and anomaly notification to reduce defect rates. It also offers torque recipes for options based on different materials, ensuring product quality.

• Reduced manual errors and production cost
Traditionally, the inspection of the size and length of the copper pillars, screws, and nuts is done manually. This often results in false detection if the size and locking position are similar, taking a longer time to fix the error. With the precise positioning of the DMV2000 Series, the screw can be perfectly locked into the right position with nearly zero defects.


Delta has been dedicated to electronics manufacturing for many years. In addition to its industrial automation products, Delta also features advanced R&D technology and abundant practical experience in automation equipment. The robot workstation fulfills customer's production demands for screw locking, and optimizes workflow with manual and auto production. Applying the workstation at manufacturing sites reduces defect rates, enhances productivity and shortens cycle time as an efficient solution for multilayer PCB manufacturing.