SMT Pick and Place Machine Selection & Technical FAQ
Performance & Selection
This is a crucial distinction. Our IPC-9850 speed is a benchmark figure derived from industry-standard testing (typically placing continuous 0603 components without vision pauses) to allow for machine-to-machine comparison.
Actual Throughput, however, depends on your specific production environment: PCBA complexity, BOM mix, and the ratio of passive chips to ICs. Generally, for a High-Mix environment, you can expect the actual output to be 60%-70% of the theoretical IPC speed. Our engineering team can run a free Cycle Time Simulation using your Gerber files to provide the most accurate estimate for your specific products.
Accuracy requirements are dictated by your smallest component size.
EMS / Consumer Electronics: If you primarily handle 0402 or 0201 passives, our standard high-speed machines (Accuracy ±0.05mm) meet CPK > 1.33 process requirements.
Semiconductor / Military / R&D: For applications involving 01005 micro-components, Flip Chips, or 0.3mm Pitch micro-BGAs, you should select models equipped with High-Resolution Cameras and Linear Scales, delivering accuracy of ±0.025mm or better.
he choice depends on your balance of “Speed vs. Flexibility.”
Gantry Systems: The current industry standard. They offer high flexibility through Multi-head designs, making them ideal for High-Mix Low-Volume production (typical for EMS and R&D).
Turret Systems: Best suited for ultra-high-volume, low-mix production (like LED boards), but they are complex to change over. Our product line focuses on advanced Modular Gantry Architecture, which provides the best balance of speed and the agility to handle future order changes.
Flight Vision (or On-the-Fly alignment) means the component is identified and corrected by a camera (or laser) mounted directly on the head while traveling from the feeder to the PCB, without pausing.
Advantage: This eliminates travel time to a fixed camera, significantly boosting CPH (Components Per Hour). For standard passives and small ICs, Flight Vision is key to high speed. However, for large BGAs or Odd-form parts, we still utilize high-precision Upward Looking Fixed Cameras to ensure absolute placement integrity.
Feeders & Components
While pneumatic feeders have a lower initial cost, Electric Tape Feeders offer overwhelming advantages in modern SMT processes:
Higher Precision: Motor-driven pitch is far more accurate, significantly reducing the pick error rate for 0201/0402 parts.
Gentler Handling: Reduced vibration prevents components from flipping in the pocket (a major cause of Tombstoning).
Smart Features: They communicate with the machine for ID recognition and splicing warnings.
Recommendation: For 0402 components and smaller, Electric Feeders are mandatory for reliable production.
Yes.
For 01005: Requires the configuration of high-precision nozzles and high-resolution vision systems.
For Large BGA/QFN: We can handle components up to 45mm x 45mm (or larger upon request). This relies on our fixed upward-looking cameras and programmable Z-axis Force Control, ensuring delicate placement without cracking solder balls or damaging the die.
We offer flexible feeding options:
Tray Components: We provide Auto Tray Feeders (for non-stop refilling) and Internal Matrix Trays for smaller batches or prototype runs.
Stick/Tube Components: We utilize patented Vibration Feeders that support multiple tubes simultaneously. Frequency and amplitude are adjustable to ensure stable feeding for various stick formats.
Absolutely. Beyond our standard nozzle library, we offer Custom Nozzle Engineering services. For connectors, transformers, shields, or non-standard shapes, we design custom mechanical Grippers or specialized vacuum nozzles. Our vision algorithms are also tuned to recognize special contours for precise alignment.
Part 3: Software & Integration
Software & Integration
Offline Programming software allows your engineers to prepare the placement program for the next job on a separate PC while the machine is currently running the current job.
Value: This is critical for High-Mix manufacturers. It can reduce line changeover time by over 50%, significantly increasing your machine’s OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
Yes. Our software is built on an open Windows architecture and supports standard SECS/GEM protocols or SMEMA interfaces. We can interface with your factory’s MES or ERP system to upload real-time production data, attrition rates, and material Traceability info, meeting strict compliance standards for Automotive and Medical electronics.
We use a user-friendly Graphical UI (User Interface). For technicians with prior SMT experience, mastery typically takes 1-2 days. We also feature a “Smart Import” function, allowing you to import PCB CAD coordinate files (CSV, TXT, Excel) directly, generating placement programs automatically without manual data entry.
This depends on the number of feeders. To minimize downtime, we utilize Detachable Feeder Trolleys. You can load the feeders for the next job onto a spare trolley offline. When it’s time to switch, simply swap the trolleys and scan barcodes to verify. A full line switch can be completed in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Maintenance & Operations
With proper calibration and feeder maintenance, our industry-standard attrition rate is kept below 0.03% (300 PPM). For expensive ICs, our vision system includes a “Pick and Retry/Re-align” logic to practically ensure zero waste of high-value components.
To ensure precision for 10+ years, we recommend:
Daily: Check air pressure, clean nozzles, and visual inspection (5-10 mins).
Weekly: Greasing motion bearings, cleaning camera lenses.
Monthly/Quarterly: Deep cleaning, lead screw lubrication, and belt tension checks.
Note: Our software includes a “Maintenance Wizard” that automatically alerts operators when specific tasks are due.
Power: Single-phase 220V or Three-phase 380V (model dependent), with a voltage stabilizer recommended to protect precision boards.
Air: Compressed air must be Dry, Oil-free, and Filtered. Pressure should be stable between 0.5-0.7 MPa. Poor air quality is the #1 cause of solenoid valve failure; we strongly recommend using a refrigerated air dryer.
We provide a 3-Tier Support System:
Remote Diagnosis: Machines are equipped for remote connection, allowing engineers to view logs and error codes to solve 80% of software/setting issues instantly.
Local Spare Parts: We maintain regional warehouses for critical parts (drivers, motors, boards) to ensure 24-48 hour dispatch.
On-Site Service: Certified local agents or factory engineers are available for on-site repair within an agreed timeframe.