Profession automated optical inspection operator

Automated optical inspection operators (AOI operators) operate automated optical inspection machines to inspect assembled printed circuit boards. They read blueprints and inspect the finished or in-process PCB assemblies for flaws or defects.

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Personality Type

  • Conventional / Realistic

Knowledge

  • Quality assurance procedures

    The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.

  • Electronic equipment standards

    The national and international quality and safety standards and regulations with regards to the use and manufacture of electronic equipment and its components, such as semiconductors and printed circuit boards.

  • Printed circuit boards

    Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic components are electrically connected through conductive tracks and pads.

  • Circuit diagrams

    Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.

  • Automated optical inspection

    During automated optical inspection (AOI), printed circuit boards (PCB) or surface-mount devices (SMD) are inspected by means of an automated optical inspection machine. During each automated optical inspection test, dozens of images are captured with a special camera and compared to previous assembled boards to detect any anomalies.

  • Electronics

    The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.

Skills

  • Report defective manufacturing materials

    Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.

  • Ensure conformity to specifications

    Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

  • Operate automated optical inspection machine

    Inspect the quality of assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) or surface-mount devices (SMD) through operating the automated optical inspection machine. During each test, dozens of images are captured with a special camera and compared to previous assembled boards.

  • Analyse images

    Evaluate scans or images taken with imaging or optical equipment and machinery.

  • Use a computer

    Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.

  • Read assembly drawings

    Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.

  • Read standard blueprints

    Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

  • Communicate test results to other departments

    Communicate testing information such as testing schedules, samples testing statistics and test results, to the relevant departments.

  • Meet deadlines

    Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

  • Monitor machine operations

    Observing machine operations and evaluating product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.

  • Inspect quality of products

    Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.

Optional knowledge and skills

waste removal regulations remove defective products ipc standards optical engineering semiconductors through-hole technology maintain test equipment liaise with engineers surface-mount technology write inspection reports send faulty equipment back to assembly line integrated circuits write records for repairs research equipment needs microelectronics check system parameters against reference values resolve equipment malfunctions keep records of work progress instrument performance elements

Common job titles

  • Quality assurance technician/inspector
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  • Aoi operator
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