Inspection systems are never perfectly stable.
Without buffers, even optimized SPI and AOI will cause frequent SMT line blocking.
Buffer design is not optional—it is a core inspection optimization element.
Buffers absorb:
Inspection cycle variation
False call review delays
Recovery time
Before AOI
After AOI
Between inspection stages
Wrong placement hides problems instead of solving them.
Inline buffer → speed protection
Offline buffer → flexibility and diagnosis
Factors include:
AOI false call rate
Recovery time
Product mix
Line stop frequency
Buffer utilization
Recovery response time
→ AOI Optimization
→ Recovery Strategy
→ SMT Line Blocking and Bottlenecks
