How to Handle NG Chips and Empty Trays with an Auto Tray Feeder?

Maximizing efficiency and ensuring 100% full trays in automated IC programming.

When using an automated IC programming machine equipped with an Auto Tray Feeder, one common question arises: How do we handle NG (defective) chips and empty trays without interrupting production?

With the Auto Tray Feeder, the loading area can hold up to 20 trays, freeing operators from constant manual loading. After programming, the machine automatically moves finished trays to the output area (also supporting 20 trays). The refill tray mechanism is designed to replace the space left by NG chips, ensuring every finished tray is 100% full and neatly organized.

To achieve this, KINCOTO offers three distinct handling methods based on your machine configuration:

🛠️ Method 1: The Three-Tray System (Auto, Manual & NG Tray)

• Setup: Three tray positions (Auto Tray, Manual Tray, and NG Tray).

• How it works: The Auto Tray feeds chips from the loading area. If an NG chip is detected during programming, it is placed into the NG Tray. To keep the Auto Tray completely full, the vacuum nozzle automatically picks a good chip from the Manual Tray to fill the empty slot left by the NG chip.

• Result: The Auto Tray outputs a perfectly full tray every time.

🛠️ Method 2: The Two-Tray System (Auto & Manual Tray)

• Setup: Two tray positions (Auto Tray and Manual Tray).

• How it works: When an NG chip is detected in the Auto Tray, the first 10 NG chips are placed into a designated rectangular NG collection zone. This leaves an empty row in the Manual Tray. From the 11th NG chip onwards, they are placed in the first row of the Manual Tray from left to right.

• Result: A clear boundary is formed between the NG chips and the refill chips, which can be monitored in real-time on the machine's display.

🛠️ Method 3: The Single Tray System (Auto Tray Only)

• Setup: One Auto Tray only.

• How it works: If there is no manual tray, the operator must manually take a fully programmed tray to act as a "refill tray." When an NG chip is detected, it goes into the NG container, and the operator manually replenishes the empty spots to keep the tray complete.

💡 Important Note:
The "Auto Tray" can also be used as a manual tray. Whether your machine is equipped with the fully automatic tray feeding device depends entirely on your specific production requirements and machine selection.

Need help choosing the right configuration for your production line? Contact KINCOTO today for a customized solution.