Multifunction SMD placement takes centre stage

Assembleon will be highlighting an important new multifunctional SMD placement machine at APEX 2005.

Assembleon will be highlighting an important new multifunctional SMD placement machine on Booth 1085 at APEX 2005, bringing unprecedented flexibility for SMT component placement to mid- to high-volume high-mix market segments.

The show sees the global debut of Assembleon's new-release AX platform, which introduces a major component range capability enhancement into its parallel placement technology.

This new A-series offering brings multifunctional capabilities into a single machine, moving the AX forward from the best-in-class chipshooter to yield the best-in-class scalable multifunctional placer.

The machine is based on Assembleon's award-winning AX design (2004 SMT Magazine Vision Award, Special Recognition in the 2004 IPC Technology Showcase for Innovative Technology).

In the AX platform, Assembleon has added CCD component alignment technology to its proven laser alignment for optimal chip placement.

The key message at APEX 2005 is that this new feature results in a concept which is unique in the multifunctional market.

The AX can place a full range of components with no speed penalty for even the largest, and its configuration can be optimised for each new production batch without the need for changing placement heads, or any other type of machine reconfiguration.

It handles chips from 01005 up to IC packages, such as QFP, BGA and CSP, with dimensions up to 45 x 45mm.

Of course, the AX retains all the advantages of Assembleon's acclaimed parallel placement technology.

Volume flexibility through per robot expansion offers a highly attractive investment pattern in comparison with all other multifunctional solutions, which can only be expanded on a per machine basis.

Simple scalability is based on a minimum configuration providing an IPC 9850 output of 30,000 components per hour and expandable to 110,000 components per hour in cost-effective 5000 components per hour increments on the same footprint.

Relatively low-speed movements offer a highly controlled pick-and-place process, resulting in unsurpassed placement accuracy, quality and repeatability.

In addition, stress free operation results in very high durability and low machine maintenance requirements.

Complementing this with calibration-free reconfiguration, fast setup and replace-not-repair maintenance, the parallel placement concept delivers the highest uptime in the industry and lowest cost of operation.

With these benefits, allied to new speed and component flexibility, the AX platform is claimed to outstrip any other mid- to high-volume multifunctional placer in the market.

For further application and technical scalability, Assembleon's new AQ-2 fine-pitch and oddform placer, aligns with and perfectly complements the AX for any demanding component capabilities at any output.

The new AQ release is based on a well-established platform, and now features a highly advanced digital vision system.

Improved component illumination allows inspection of the most challenging components, such as ceramic BGAs, high-reflection connectors and more.

Due to speedier and parallel image intake, the AQ-2 now places the most demanding components faster than ever, at a maximum speed of 5100 components per hour.

In addition, with patented "on-the-fly" calibration, the AQ-2 is also the most accurate component placer on the market.

It places the smallest flip-chip with the highest accuracy at 3100 components per hour, and also the largest connector or most demanding oddform component at 3800 components per hour using controlled high placement force.

Whether the component is in tray or any sort of tape, the AQ-2 handles it with ease.

The digital vision system is common to both new A-series machines, as also is an optional interchangeable trolley which provides extra feeder positions, allows feeder replacement between the two machines while they are running, and is SMEMA and Japanese height compatible.

New NPI (new product introduction) software brings benefits in all manufacturing environments, regardless of volume and mix.

Assembleon now offers a new software package which will help SMT manufacturers to accelerate NPI while reducing labour costs and downtime.

With eM-Assembly Expert, manufacturers can save time and money while improving throughput, flexibility and process accuracy.

eM-Assembly Expert generates placement programs for any configuration of SMT machines, and optimises the complete line either for maximum throughput or for minimal changeover times in high-mix environments.

Programming and optimisation are quickly and easily carried out through a process-oriented graphical user interface.

The software accepts CAD and BOM files and rapidly converts them into fully verified, machine-ready programs for improved time to market.

eM-Assembly Expert supports all major CAD formats.

Iterative line balancing repeatedly absorbs cycle time feedback from all machines in the line, optimising output by achieving balanced machine loading.

It also allows production scheduling based on accurate line cycle time data.

eM-Assembly Expert supports Assembleon A-series (AX and AQ), FCM, ACM, Topaz, Emerald and Sapphire machines.

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