Aug 28, 2009 
The IINEO-2 is a highly flexible, dual-gantry SMT assembler. The system is part of the IINEO platform, which features many improvements to the Europlacer machine range such as a higher feeder count, increased board size and increased maximum component height. The platform uses the company’s proven core features — turret heads, intelligent feeders, powerful software — while introducing new technologies with linear motors and digital cameras.
IINEO-2 is widely configurable, allowing for numerous different possibilities:
- 8 or 12 Spindle Rotary Heads,
- 1 or 2 board positioning mechanisms
- Oversized board options
- Feeders in front and rear or front only.
The system on display at IPC Midwest will feature one 12-spindle head and one eight-spindle head.
IINEO-2 can handle maximum PCB sizes of 18"W x 20"L (standard) with options to handle up to 24"W x 28"L. It also can handle minimum PCB sizes of 2.4" sq, board thickness of 0.019 – 0.18", maximum weight of 6.6 lb, top-side PCB clearance up to 1.4", and bottom-side clearance of 1". Additionally, the system features board edge clearance up to 0.2". Board location is full edge clamping with fiducial correction, and features a SMEMA interface.
This dual-head configuration provides two nozzle holders, each with 40 positions in its “smart” nozzle tool bank. IINEO-2 features standard placement accuracy of 35 µm (QFPs) to 60 µm (chips), full range of intelligent feeders from 8 through 88 mm tapes for taped components and an intelligent beltfeeder for sticks, matrix tray holder and a feeder capacity of 264 x 8 mm. (274 Total Simultaneous – Tape + Tray), without limiting Max.PCB Size.
Depending on the configuration, the following is possible on IINEO:
- Maximum placement rate can be between 14,000 and 28,600 cph
- The largest PCB can reach 24"W x 63"L
- Component range is from 01005 to 2.75" in QFP/BGA, plus connectors to 4" long.
- The tallest component can be 1.4" high.
Possible options include glue dispense with Archimedean screw, electrical test, fixed camera, rear controls, conveyor auto-width adjustment, special nozzle magazine (Universal gripper nozzle), supplemental nozzle holders and more.
A core objective of the Europlacer concept has always been to protect the investment of its users by seeking upward and downward compatibility of feeders, software, and other ancillaries. This principle also has been applied to the IINEO SMT platform. It means that current users are able to utilise their existing feeder inventory; therefore, protecting their investment, reducing the configured cost of a new system and ultimately reducing the cost per placement.
Europlacer’s truly intelligent feeder technology is used across the whole range of its SMT placers. Whether using quick-load single feeders or full feeder trolley changeover, every feeder is fully programmable with component and inventory data. Once the feeders are loaded, this information is automatically recognised by the machine, which helps make setup and changeover fast, accurate and simple. The Wireless Stock Management System works in concert with this truly ‘intelligent’ technology, enabling users to track partially used reels in WIP (quantity and location). Effectively, eliminating the need to re-print barcodes and/or search for partially used reels in WIP/Stock. The IINEO ‘system’ design has won numerous awards (Circuit’s Assembly Magazine NPI Award, Global SMT Award, Frost & Sullivan) for optimizing productivity in high-mix environments, while remaining competitively affordable.
This platform is accompanied by new innovative software products:
• Multi-job optimisation is a highly functional optimiser that determines one setup for multiple job processing. Because of the high feeder count available, this software option eliminates frequent changeover, optimising delivery and quality performance.
• Wireless Stock Management linked to the Customer’s ERP, it maintains complete visibility and fast access to all inventory on the production floor including passive storage racks.
About Europlacer
Europlacer has been developing machines for 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 machines today. Europlacer’s policy has been to ensure wherever possible that technology purchased many years ago, especially feeders, remain compatible with the latest equipment. Europlacer designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of highly flexible SMT placement systems for the global electronics industry. For more information, visit Europlacer’s Web site at http://www.europlacer.com.
