Method for automatically generating product formula in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) industry

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of PCB production and manufacturing, and discloses a PCB industry product formula automatic generation method comprising the following steps: triggering a product formula automatic generation process when manufacturing indication MI approval; obtaining a product production flow defined in the MI, and determining a process route of the product; generating an initial product formula according to the process route; traversing each production process in the process route, and obtaining a working center type available for the production process; aiming at each production process and each available working center type corresponding to the production process, acquiring a corresponding formula parameter set and a value rule of each formula parameter from a predefined process formula library; according to the method, the formula generation opportunity is preposed from production field matching to the MI approval stage, and automatic calculation is performed based on the structured rule, so that the formula preparation time for new product import is remarkably shortened, production line waiting caused by field temporary creation and formula confirmation is avoided, and the production delivery time is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of PCB manufacturing technology, and in particular to a method for automatically generating product formulas for the PCB industry. Background Technology

[0002] In current PCB production management, the preparation of process formulas largely relies on process personnel to manually match or create them on-site based on their experience. This method is not only inefficient and has a long preparation cycle, leading to frequent waiting times on the production line, but also prone to problems such as inconsistent parameters and poor cross-process compatibility due to the subjective judgment of different individuals. It is difficult to ensure the stability of product yield and the reliability of production delivery time, which has become a key bottleneck restricting the PCB industry from transforming to an efficient, flexible, and automated production model.

[0003] For example, the model disclosed in patent CN118071280A. This approach has obvious limitations in practical applications: when new products or new processes are needed, it is often impossible to find a suitable formula in the existing library, requiring process personnel to create and confirm it on-site, which leads to extended production preparation cycles, production line waiting, and affects delivery timeliness; at the same time, the formula created on-site lacks coordination and verification with the parameters of the preceding and following processes, which can easily cause parameter conflicts, resulting in poor quality consistency and hidden defects, making it difficult to adapt to the needs of efficient, flexible and automated modern PCB production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry to solve existing technical problems, thereby addressing the issue that the preparation of traditional process formulas often relies on process personnel to manually match or temporarily create formulas on-site based on experience.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, more specifically, a method for automatically generating product formulas in the PCB industry, comprising the following steps: S1. When the Manufacturing Instruction (MI) is approved, the automatic product formula generation process is triggered; S2. Obtain the product manufacturing process defined in the MI and determine the process route for the product; S3. Generate an initial product formula based on the described process route; S4. Traverse each production process in the process route and obtain the available work center types for that production process; S5. For each of the aforementioned production processes and its corresponding available work center types, obtain the corresponding set of formula parameters and the value rules for each formula parameter from the predefined process formula library; S6. Based on the value selection rules, dynamically calculate the specific parameter value for each formula parameter; S7. Associate and populate all the calculated parameter values ​​with the initial product formula of the product to generate the product's unique product formula; S8. After the exclusive product formula is approved, the corresponding formula parameter values ​​are sent to the production equipment according to the work center type selected for the production batch.

[0006] Furthermore, in step S1, the process of triggering the automatic product formula generation process is as follows: in response to the user's approval operation on the MI in the MI management module interface, the formula generation program is automatically invoked.

[0007] Furthermore, in step S4, the available work center types for the production process are obtained. Specifically, a query and match are performed based on a predefined mapping table of adaptation relationships between production processes and work center types. The work center types include positive film production lines, negative film production lines, and hole inspection equipment.

[0008] Furthermore, in step S5, the predefined process formula library is constructed using production process and work center type as joint dimensions; for each dimension combination, a set of formula parameters required to be issued to the equipment for production under that combination condition is associated and stored.

[0009] Furthermore, in step S5, the value selection rules include at least one of the following: fixed value rules, calculation formula rules based on product attributes, mapping rules based on lookup tables, and conditional judgment rules; The dynamic calculation specifically includes: parsing the value selection rule; if it is a calculation formula rule, then substituting the relevant attribute values ​​of the current product for calculation; if it is a condition judgment rule, then selecting the corresponding parameter value or sub-rule according to the judgment condition branch.

[0010] Furthermore, after the exclusive product formula is generated, if a re-matching instruction is received, the system will retrieve the latest value rules and perform dynamic calculations again to update the parameter values ​​in the exclusive product formula; In scenarios involving first-piece inspection or rework, a user interface is provided for users to modify parameter values ​​in the generated custom product formula, and the modified parameter values, reasons for modification, and operation records are saved to the correction record.

[0011] Furthermore, after dynamically calculating the parameter values ​​according to the value selection rules, a parameter compatibility verification step is also included: the calculated parameter values ​​of the current process are logically consistent with the parameter values ​​of the preceding and following related processes, and a prompt message is issued if a conflict is detected.

[0012] Furthermore, when the value retrieval rules are updated, a new version of the rule is created and recorded; when generating or rematching product formulas, a specific version of the rule is specified or used by default for calculation.

[0013] Furthermore, in step S7, after generating the product's proprietary formula, an approval process is also included: the generated proprietary formula is submitted to the approval interface, and after confirmation by the process personnel, the proprietary formula is marked as valid and can be used for production and distribution.

[0014] Furthermore, the production process includes circuit design, electroplating, copper plating, and electrical testing. For the circuit design, the associated formulation parameters include at least one of the following: board length, board width, board placement time, wet film type, dry film size, and residual copper rate after development.

[0015] This invention provides an automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry. Compared with existing technologies, this method achieves the following advantages: 1. This invention significantly shortens the formula preparation time for new product introduction by moving the formula generation time from on-site matching to the MI approval stage and automatically calculating based on structured rules. This avoids production line waiting caused by on-site temporary creation and confirmation of formulas, and ensures production delivery time.

[0016] 2. This invention constructs a process formula library by using "production process" and "work center type" as joint dimensions and defines flexible value rules, enabling the system to dynamically generate highly customized exclusive formulas for each new product. This overcomes the problems of low matching rate and poor applicability of traditional preset formula libraries and realizes a paradigm shift from "static matching" to "dynamic generation".

[0017] 3. This invention transforms the experience and knowledge of process engineers into executable parameter value rules for the system, realizing the explicit, standardized management, and continuous accumulation of tacit knowledge. The system-generated formula parameters are based on unified rules, ensuring the consistency of process parameters between different products and batches, thereby improving the stability of product yield from the source.

[0018] 4. By introducing parameter compatibility verification, rule version management, and production site correction recording functions, this invention can not only provide early warning of cross-process parameter conflicts during the generation stage and reduce the risk of hidden defects, but also record each adjustment and form a closed-loop feedback, providing data support for continuous rule optimization and enabling the entire formula management system to have the ability to evolve on its own.

[0019] 5. The digital and structured product formulas generated by this invention can be directly and accurately distributed to production equipment, providing an indispensable core data driver for production line automation, reducing manual intervention, and serving as a key foundation for realizing intelligent manufacturing and flexible production. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the PCB formulation structure in this invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the program in this invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the system operation in this invention; Figure 4 This is a system structure diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the technical solution of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, this paper presents an automatic product formula generation method applicable to the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) industry. The core of this method lies in transforming the experience of process engineers into structured value rules through a systematic program. Based on the product's manufacturing process route and selectable work center types, it automatically triggers, dynamically calculates, and generates a product-specific process formula upon Manufacturing Instruction (MI) approval. This significantly improves new product introduction efficiency, ensures the consistency and compatibility of formula parameters, and provides a reliable data foundation for production automation.

[0023] refer to Figure 2 The program flowchart shown, combined with Figure 3 System operation procedures and Figure 4 The system architecture diagram is shown below. A typical implementation of this method includes the following steps: Step S1: System Basic Data Maintenance Before the system is put into use, the configuration and maintenance of relevant basic data must be completed. This data constitutes the knowledge base and rule base for automatically generating recipes.

[0024] (1) Maintain formula parameters. Through the system-provided interface (e.g., the formula parameter module / formulas / formula-parameter), define the formula parameters that all equipment may require during PCB production. The definition of each parameter includes, but is not limited to: a unique code, parameter name, and parameter value type (e.g., numeric, text, option, etc.). The key is to define the "value selection rules" for each parameter. For example... Figure 3 As shown, these rules form the basis of dynamic computation and may include: Fixed value rule: For certain parameters that are fixed and unchanging, directly set a constant value.

[0025] Calculation formula rules based on product attributes: For example, parameters such as board length and board width can be obtained directly from MI or product attributes; board placement time may be calculated based on board thickness and copper thickness using a preset formula (such as T=a×board thickness+b×copper thickness+c).

[0026] Mapping rules based on lookup tables: For example, the model of wet film or dry film may be determined by looking up a preset material selection mapping table based on conditions such as substrate type and line density.

[0027] Conditional judgment rules: For example, the control range of residual copper rate in development may be determined by branch judgment based on conditions such as whether positive or negative film processes are used, line width / line spacing requirements, etc., and different target values ​​or calculation sub-rules may be selected.

[0028] (2) Maintain production processes. In the production process module ( / product-models / production-craft), maintain all possible production processes involved in the factory, such as circuitry, electroplating, copper plating, electrical testing, etc. Each process represents a standard process stage in the PCB production flow.

[0029] (3) Maintain work center types. In the work center type module ( / product-models / work-center-type), maintain the classification types of various production equipment (work centers) in the factory, such as positive film lines, negative film lines, hole inspection equipment, electroplating lines, and copper plating lines. At the same time, it is necessary to establish and maintain a mapping table of adaptation relationships between "production processes" and "work center types". For example, "circuit technology" can be adapted to "positive film lines" and "negative film lines"; "copper plating technology" and "electrical testing technology" may both be adapted to "hole inspection equipment", but their uses are different.

[0030] (4) Creating process recipes is a crucial step in building the core rule base. In the process recipe module (formulas / craft-formula), specific "process recipes" are created using "production process" plus "work center type" as the joint dimension. For example... Figure 1 Example of PCB design structure shown: For a dimension combination (production process: circuit process, work center type: positive film line), the associated set of formula parameters may include: board length, board width, board placement time, wet film type, etc.

[0031] For a combination of dimensions (production process: circuit process, work center type: negative film line), the associated set of formulation parameters may include: board length, board loading time, dry film size, residual copper content during development, etc.

[0032] For the same type of work center (such as a hole inspection device), when used by different processes (e.g., copper plating process vs. electrical testing process), the associated formula parameters (such as CAM file path and inspection standards) will also be different, which can be distinguished by different combinations of dimensions.

[0033] For each associated parameter, specify the "value selection rule" that was defined in the first step.

[0034] Step S2: Trigger automatic product formula generation When engineers complete the MI (Manifest Model) compilation for a new product and perform the "Approval" operation in the MI management module ( / product-models / MI) interface (e.g.) Figure 3 In the "New Product MI Approval" step, the system automatically triggers the product formula generation process.

[0035] Step S3: Dynamically calculate and generate a custom product formula System background programs (such as) Figure 2 (Process) begins execution: (1) Obtain the process route. The system reads the newly approved MI document and extracts the product production process defined in it, that is, the process route that the product needs to go through (e.g., material cutting). Inner graphics Etching laminated drilling Platinum plating (Outer layer graphics).

[0036] (2) Generate the initial framework. The system creates an initial, empty product formula framework based on the process route.

[0037] (3) Traversal and Matching: The system traverses each "production process" in the process route sequentially. For the currently traversed production process (e.g., "circuit process"): a. Query the adaptation mapping table to obtain all available "work center types" (e.g., "positive film line" and "negative film line") for this production process.

[0038] b. For each available "work center type", the system searches for a matching "process recipe" in the process recipe library with the current production process and the current work center type as dimensions, and obtains all recipe parameters defined under that recipe and their respective "value rules".

[0039] c. Perform dynamic calculations, and the system parses the value rules for each parameter. If the rule is a calculation formula, the specific attribute values ​​of the current product (such as plate thickness, size, number of layers, etc.) are substituted into the formula for calculation; if the rule is a query or conditional judgment, the corresponding data retrieval or logical judgment process is executed. Finally, the specific parameter value of each parameter under the current product, current process, and current equipment type is obtained.

[0040] (4) After summarizing and generating, the system organizes all the calculated parameter values ​​according to their respective process and work center types and fills them into the initial framework to generate a complete and exclusive product formula for the product.

[0041] (5) Review and Activation: The generated custom product formula will be added to the review list of the product formula module (formulas / finished-product-formula) (e.g., Figure 3 The step is "Review Product Formula". Process engineers can view all parameter values ​​automatically calculated by the system on the interface and make confirmations or fine-tuning. After approval, the product formula is marked as valid.

[0042] Step S4: Production Application and Feedback Optimization Production Order: When a production batch begins, during a station scan at a specific work center (e.g., "Negative Film Line Machine 1"), the system (e.g., ...) will... Figure 3 Based on the specific work center type selected for the batch, the system will extract the corresponding parameter values ​​from the approved product formula and distribute them to the production equipment to guide production.

[0043] On-site adjustments and recording: In scenarios such as first-piece inspection or rework, if parameters require fine-tuning, operators or process engineers can do so through the interface provided by the system (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The "Recipe Confirmation / Modification" step modifies the issued parameter values. The system saves the modified values, the reason for the modification, the operator, and the timestamp to the correction record, forming experience accumulation, which can be used to optimize the value selection rules in the future.

[0044] Re-matching and Version Control: If the underlying data (such as value retrieval rules) is updated, the system supports executing a "re-matching" command on already generated product formulas. The system will retrieve the latest rules again and perform dynamic calculations to update the parameter values ​​in the product formula. To manage rule changes, version management can be introduced for value retrieval rules. When a rule is updated, a new version is created and recorded. When generating or re-matching a formula, a specific version of the rule can be specified for calculation, ensuring the traceability and reproducibility of historical formulas.

[0045] Parameter compatibility verification (optional enhancement step): As a preferred implementation, the system can perform parameter compatibility verification after dynamic calculation or during the review stage. For example, the system checks whether there are logical conflicts between the current density and time calculated for the current process (such as electroplating) and the parameter values ​​of related processes before and after it (such as the thickness of copper plating and the line width of the outer layer pattern). If a potential conflict is detected (such as the copper plating being too thin while the electroplating current is too high), a prompt message is issued to the process engineer to assist in manual judgment and further improve the reliability of the formula generation.

[0046] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for automatically generating product formulas in the PCB industry, characterized in that... This includes the following steps: S1. When the Manufacturing Instruction (MI) is approved, the automatic product formula generation process is triggered; S2. Obtain the product manufacturing process defined in the MI and determine the process route for the product; S3. Generate an initial product formula based on the described process route; S4. Traverse each production process in the process route and obtain the available work center types for that production process; S5. For each of the aforementioned production processes and its corresponding available work center types, obtain the corresponding set of formula parameters and the value rules for each formula parameter from the predefined process formula library; S6. Based on the value selection rules, dynamically calculate the specific parameter value for each formula parameter; S7. Associate and populate all the calculated parameter values ​​with the initial product formula of the product to generate the product's unique product formula; S8. After the exclusive product formula is approved, the corresponding formula parameter values ​​are sent to the production equipment according to the work center type selected for the production batch.

2. The automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... In step S1, the process of triggering the automatic product formula generation process is as follows: in response to the user's approval operation on the MI in the MI management module interface, the formula generation program is automatically invoked.

3. The automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... In step S4, the available work center types for the production process are obtained. Specifically, a query and matching is performed based on a predefined mapping table of adaptation relationships between production processes and work center types. The work center types include positive film production line, negative film production line, and hole inspection equipment.

4. The automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... In step S5, the predefined process formula library is constructed with production process and work center type as joint dimensions; for each dimension combination, a set of formula parameters required to be issued to the equipment for production under that combination condition is stored in association.

5. The automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... In step S5, the value selection rules include at least one of the following: fixed value rules, calculation formula rules based on product attributes, mapping rules based on lookup tables, and conditional judgment rules. The dynamic calculation specifically includes: parsing the value selection rule; if it is a calculation formula rule, then substituting the relevant attribute values ​​of the current product for calculation; if it is a condition judgment rule, then selecting the corresponding parameter value or sub-rule according to the judgment condition branch.

6. The method for automatically generating product formulas in the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... After the exclusive product formula is generated, if a re-matching instruction is received, the system will retrieve the latest value rules and perform dynamic calculations again to update the parameter values ​​in the exclusive product formula. In scenarios involving first-piece inspection or rework, a user interface is provided for users to modify parameter values ​​in the generated custom product formula, and the modified parameter values, reasons for modification, and operation records are saved to the correction record.

7. The automatic product formula generation method for the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... After dynamically calculating the parameter values ​​according to the value selection rules, a parameter compatibility verification step is also included: the calculated parameter values ​​of the current process are logically consistent with the parameter values ​​of the preceding and following related processes. If a conflict is detected, a prompt message is issued.

8. The method for automatically generating product formulas in the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... When the value retrieval rule is updated, a new version of the rule is created and recorded; when generating or rematching product formulas, a specific version of the rule is specified or used by default for calculation.

9. The method for automatically generating product formulas in the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... In step S7, after generating the exclusive product formula for the product, an approval process is also included: the generated exclusive product formula is submitted to the approval interface, and after confirmation by the process personnel, the exclusive product formula is marked as valid and can be used for production and distribution.

10. The method for automatically generating product formulas in the PCB industry according to claim 1, characterized in that... The production process includes circuit design, electroplating, copper plating, and electrical testing. For the circuit design, the associated formulation parameters include at least one of the following: board length, board width, board placement time, wet film type, dry film size, and residual copper rate after development.

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