Re: robot for circuit boards

[Paul Smith <ptsmith@indiana.edu>]

Hall D Electronics:

Hi Elke,

There was a fair amount of discussion of this about a year ago when I  
started my new job, but it's certainly reasonable to revisit the issue.

This machine was originally purchased by JLab and loaned to IU to  
evaluate robotic electronics assembly and to build prototype  
Cockcroft-Walton bases for the FCal - 100 were made.  We had planned  
to then use it for prototype flash ADCs, but that project was delayed  
and eventually taken over by JLab.

Chris Cuevas wanted to move the machine to JLab maybe 1.5 years ago,  
but there wasn't any money to pay for moving it (there was an  
estimate from BeamWorks, the manufacturer, for $30K to move it), and  
there was also some question of where to put it at JLab; it needs  
compressed air, 240 volts, and is fairly noisy.

IU inquired about buying it from JLab for the estimated value after  
depreciation (also ~$30K at that time), but that didn't seem to go  
anywhere.  Another option that was discussed was for JLab to buy a  
new machine and trade this one in as part of the transaction; IU  
would then buy this one from BeamWorks.

In the fall of 2006, Elton agreed to renew the maintenance contract  
and leave the machine at IU for the time being.  I used it recently  
to build 64 boards for ATLAS.  It is available at IU for use by JLab,  
but there haven't been any requests to do so yet.

Based on my experience, I don't think it makes sense to eventually  
build 3000+ FCal Cockcroft-Walton bases with the machine, but it  
would be extremely useful for repair and rework of the bases.

The machine does need regular preventive maintenance and has had a  
few failed parts replaced, so if one stops paying for the maintenance  
contract it will certainly stop working at some point.

I can discuss further by email or telephone at any time.

Paul


On May 30, 2007, at 6:16 PM, Elke-Caroline Aschenauer wrote:

> Hall D Electronics:
>
>
> Dear Mitch, Fernando, Paul, Chris and Gerard,
>
> okay, I learned today that some time ago we bought a "robot" to  
> assemble
> circuit boards, we are still paying the maintenance costs (17k$/year).
> Paul are you using it at the moment for anything.
> If not is the need from Gerard or is there either need at JLAB or at
> Mitch's place.
>
> I'm sure Paul can give any detail needed on the robot. I'm writing  
> as I'm
> a bit concerned about having a 100k$ machine sitting there and  
> paying in
> addition 17k$/year for maintenance.
>
> So please tell me if one of you could use the robot.
>
> cheers elke
>
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