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Original Date: 08/20/2001
Revision Date: 12/14/2006
Best Practice : Transmit/Receive Module Assembly
Since establishing the Micro Electronic Center, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems has improved the efficiency, quality, and throughput of manufacturing its transmit/receive modules. The Center features automated, in-line work cells that have a 40,000 module production capability, expandable to 150,000, per year on a two-shift basis.
Previously, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems (NE&SS-SS) used a manual assembly facility to manufacture transmit/receive (T/R) modules. The result was high touch labor rates per module, long cycle times, and high defect rates. In addition, high volume projects like the Counter Battery Radar (COBRA) contract for the European Consortium, requiring 60,000 T/R modules, drove the need for an automated facility. The solution was the Micro Electronic Center, a low cost, flexible, automated facility that could handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Designed with the latest state-of-the-art equipment, the Micro Electronic Center was Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS’ first paperless work center. Its ability to build the prototype, pilot, and production all on one line with one set of tooling ensured a high success rate. The automated, in-line work cells include epoxy dispense, component placement, epoxy cure, plasma clean, wire bond, bake out, and resistance/laser seam seal. The Micro Electronic Center features a 40,000 module production capability, expandable to 150,000, per year on a two-shift basis.
Since establishing the Micro Electronic Center, Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS improved its efficiency, quality, and throughput in manufacturing T/R modules. The automated work cells also minimized clean room contamination and reduced costs. Employee interaction is primarily required for inspections. The Micro Electronic Center has enabled the company to reduce touch labor rates by 78%; decrease cycle times by 50%; and increase yields by 10%.
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