Oct 24, 2012 
Europlacer, a manufacturer of market-leading flexible SMT placement machines, announces that it has further strengthened its solutions with the launch of a new evolution of its tape feeding solution. ii-Feed is based on the strengths of Europlacer’s proven concept of a cart plus elements but incorporates key aspects of its individual feeder technology, merging the best of both technologies. The ii-Feed Cart has a capacity up to 33 separate component channels and accepts any mix of 8, 12, 16 or 24 mm smart ii-Feed Elements.
To continue exceeding customer needs, each individual element is fully “intelligent” and provides the same intuitiveness as the other feeders in the Europlacer range, which include part recognition, internal memory, auto adjustment of pick-up offset, programmable tape pitch in 2 mm increments, reel batch ID and more.
ii-Feed is both faster and embeds many new features such as a component range that begins at 01005; however, it remains fully compatible with previous Europlacer machine generations. Both the previous and updated generations of Europlacer’s tape trolleys can be used on the same machine. It can be operated in three different modes like the older trolley generation, (wired/wireless micro terminal, programming ii-elements separately offline, and with or without Stock Management options), making it the most flexible cart in the industry.
ii-Feed elements allow for fast setups and changeovers. The same type of element can be used for tapes (paper and plastic), full reels or short tapes. There is no need for different element models depending on component size in the same tape width. Data is automatically recognized by the machines. This benefit simplifies the operator’s work and further reduces feeder inventory costs.
Reels can be prepared offline in magazines for up to 11 references; the ii-Feed Cart can receive three magazines. ii-Feed elements can be stored with reels in passive shelves, allowing the Setup Help and Stock Management options to quickly locate the parts necessary for the next job
ii-Feed elements can be placed at any trolley location, without stopping production, and because of the Europlacer turret head design, random positioning does not affect throughput. The correct loading plan is guaranteed.
For more information about Europlacer’s newest tape feeding solution, visit www.europlacer.com.
Europlacer has been developing machines for SMT electronics assembly since the 1970s and invented the intelligent feeder concept in the 1980s. After acquisition by Blakell Europlacer in 1991, the company moved away from split-axis to the inherently more capable X-Y architecture that underpins the company’s pick-and-place machines today. Europlacer’s policy has been to ensure wherever possible that technology purchased many years ago, especially feeders, remain compatible with the latest pick-and-place equipment. Europlacer designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of highly flexible SMT pick-and-place systems for the global electronics industry. For more information, visit Europlacer’s Web site at www.europlacer.com.
