Limiting design criteria framework for manual electronics assembly

Abstract

Abstract The electronics assembly industry is mainly characterized by high‐mix, low‐batch production of components that are becoming more miniaturized. The concomitant formidable physical and mental demands placed on operators goes well beyond the traditional scope of manual assembly. This research provides a framework for the design of manual electronics assembly by identifying the limiting design criteria from a human factors perspective that affect productivity. Collecting and analyzing in vivo biomechanical and throughput data, which provided the basis for quantifying ergonomic risks and productivity ratios, validated the design criteria. An increase of 53 PC boards per shift was obtained, thereby minimizing biomechanical risk factors associated with manual electronics assembly. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 13: 165–179, 2003.