Counting components while they are still in the feeder, even still in the placement machine

Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland – March 14, 2012 – Seratel have announced a new version of their “Reel aMounts” component counting and labelling system, which provides unprecedented flexibility in reel counting.

The Reel aMounts system already allowed users to count component reels, including reels that are loaded in feeders, in just seconds.  Now Version 7 of the system expands that capability.  Reels that are loaded in twin-track feeders (where one feeder services two reels) can now been counted with the same ease.  Not only that, but for many makes of placement equipment, it is possible to count reels loaded in feeders, while the feeders are still mounted in the pick and place machine.

The new version of Reel aMounts adds a patented combination of hardware and software to achieve this.  Seratel’s Michael Bloor says, “There was a clear demand from customers for this capability.  High volume producers in particular need to be able to count components without stripping down production lines.  We are pleased to be able to offer a solution that combines ease of use, high speed and high accuracy.  Counting reels that are still loaded in the machine also removes the step of re-registering feeders, which may be necessary otherwise.”

Seratel have built on existing “Reel Magic” technology, which provides accurate weigh counting of component reels, making adjustments automatically for the empty leader and trailer tape on reels.  This is essential for the task, as conventional algorithms without this technology can give errors of up to 150 components on reels of 0201 or 0402 parts.

Also based on patented technology, Reel Magic matches the parameters of the reel against an inbuilt database of reel and component types, derived from measurements of thousands of SMT components. This allows it to tune its counting algorithms to make the best possible adjustment for empty tape in calculating the number of components on the reel.

Reel aMounts provides high speed counting for all tape and reel components, by linking a computer, electronic weighing scales, bar code scanner, bar code printer and a database of component types.  The system allows companies to maintain accurate inventories, taking into account all attrition, including handling losses.

All information collected is stored in a database.  Reel aMounts Reporting Centre - an extensive, web-based reporting system – then provides both management statistics and detailed analysis of the data, including traceability down to the individual reel.  Information can also be forwarded to an ERP system, printed as reports or exported to Excel for further analysis.

Reel aMounts systems are used by leading electronics companies world-wide, including Qualcomm, Jabil, Continental Automotive and Sony UK Technology Centre.

About Seratel

Seratel provides computer systems to aid electronics manufacturing.  For 15 years, our systems have been used by leading OEMs and EMS providers.  Seratel can be found on the web at www.seratel.ie and www.ReelaMounts.com or can be contacted by e-mail at info@seratel.ie