A knowledge based system for the selection of adhesives for PCB assembly

The authors describe a knowledge-based system that captures the requisite knowledge and simplifies the adhesive selection process for printed-circuit-board (PCB) assembly by making this knowledge readily available in an appropriate format for engineers. The adhesive selection process for surface mount assembly is a complex process, which must take into consideration a number of interrelationships. The interrelationships within the adhesive selection problem that are considered by this system are described here. Automation of the adhesive selection activity results in consistent and timely judgments, and thus aids in standardization of the process. One important feature of the knowledge-based system is that the knowledge can be augmented or revised at any time to incorporate on-the-job learning.