Pick-and-place equipment and SMT assembly are the foundation of the electronics production process. At Restronics Southeast, the salespeople have extensive experience with pick-and-place devices. As parts get smaller, new technology may be required, and as volumes increase, current equipment may need to be replaced or upgraded for boosted productivity. As organizations re-shore PCB production, there is an increased demand for enhanced speed and abilities. Throughout the country, supply chain problems and the drive for improved control over delivery cost and time are creating a desire for higher performance of SMT pick and place equipment.
The necessity for NPI technology is increasing, and it should be convenient to use and adaptable, as well as dispense paste or adhesive, and also position components. Doing this, users can create small quantities of PCBs without waiting for stencils to arrive and then making adjustments, then waiting again for fresh, modified stencils to arrive. Although these machines may not be the fastest, they can offer great versatility for very low volume and high mix situations. Additionally, most of these machines can pick and place components including connectors and odd-shaped parts that aren’t possible for most high-speed SMT equipment.
The most recent version of SMT P&P equipment features dual lanes of operation for ultra-high speed applications, interchangeable pick and place heads for high speed and large component placement, and electric component verification. Some systems can install components at rates of up to 90,000 CPH (components per hour). Realistic CPH rates can be determined off-line to give accurate time and speed for constructing specific PCBs. Line balancing and off-line programming are often common elements of pick and place machinery to optimize feeder set up and decrease changeover time. With most equipment, jobs are arranged on feeder trolleys that can be moved into place before the procedure begins. This greatly lessens feeder setup and changeover time.
Restronics Southeast's knowledgeable workforce can help you in all areas of picking and placing SMT equipment.