Automatic component assembly in the telephone industry

The paper describes an improved assembly and testing machine designed to have sufficient flexibility for the batch production of a variety of printed wiring boards. The machine is controlled by punched paper tape, the necessary encoded information being derived from specially arranged drawings and stocklists. The instructions are interpreted by digital type electronic circuits which initiate and monitor the movements of the various mechanical members. In addition to performing the assembly operation the machine can drill component fixing holes in the boards and test the components prior to assembly. For this latter operation programmed measuring circuits are used. Incorrect and out-of-tolerance components are automatically rejected and in addition the programme can cause actual test values to be recorded if desired. Standardization of component shapes and improved information handling facilities are needed for the wide application and continuous operation of such machines. Progress in these matters is discussed.