Q: When inspecting components on tape and reel, pulling parts at random can present a problem in a pick and place operation. Also once removed, the samples would have to be put back on tape for use.
Is there a practical or common sense procedure to follow?
A: This is not an uncommon problem and I know that I’ve been in a similar situation. What we did was to inspect at the beginning and the end of each tape. That way we were not causing disruption to the process. It worked pretty well with the suppliers we had. But prior to doing that, we certified our suppliers by going to their facility and performing a process audit to make sure that the process was meeting our requirements.
Jim Bossert
ASQ Fellow
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