Product category:
PCB Assembly Equipment and Tools
News Release from: Essemtec | Subject: FLX2010-BLV
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 09 January 2008
Pick and place system boosts capacity
Essemtec's new SMD pick and place machine allows faster loading/unloading of PCBs compared to systems without a conveyor.
Essemtec's FLX2010-BLV SMD pick and place machine addresses both the requirements of prototyping and series production The batch-type pick and place machine allows for faster loading/unloading of PCBs compared to systems without a conveyor
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 15 Mar 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The FLX2010-BLV system is capable of processing small components (01005 chips) up to large-size PCBs (780 x 600mm).
The FLX2010-BLV pick and place system has been developed for users who need more feeder capacity than inline systems can offer but prefer the convenience of an automatic transport system.
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The solution is a batch system with a one-side conveyor.
The PCB is manually or automatically placed onto the conveyor, which drives it into the machine.
The PCB automatically aligns itself by reading fiducial marks.
After successful component population, the PCB is driven out to the same side of the machine.
On a batch-type system, three sides are free for component feeders, resulting in more than 50% more feeder capacity than available with inline systems.
As a result, FLX2010-BLV can hold up to 225 components simultaneously.
The advantages of a batch-type machine compared to a stand-alone machine are clear when processing PCBs.
The machine hood does not need to be opened and closed each time and, because of the conveyor, PCB handling is faster and more secure.
Handling also can be automated by connecting a de-stacker, a magazine handler or other handling modules to the conveyor.
FLX2010-BLV is part of Essemtec's successful FLX series, which is designed for high-mix production.
All feeders are intelligent and can be exchanged during machine operation, making product changeover easy, fast and secure.
The graphics-based software concept supports an extremely easy machine operation so that usage and programming can be quickly learned.
CAD data of layout software can be directly converted in an appropriate assembly program.
Ifsuch a data set is not available, the components can be taught-in by means of an integrated camera.
The FLX series pick and place machines process all component types in all common sizes and from all package types.
The machines use image processing technology from Cognex for alignment.
Therefore, even a QFP with a lead pitch as small as 0.3mm can be placed accurately.
Machine speed is 5000 chips an hour and the systems can process PCBs as large as 780 x 600mm.
The FLX series offers many modular add-ons.
For instance, an integrated paste and glue dispenser can save stencil costs for prototyping and increase flexibility.
Additionally, the MIS software package offers tools for production planning, feeder optimisation and quality assurance and enables the planning and control of the component stock.
Connection to an existing ERP system is also possible.
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