May 13, 2013 
For years, Essemtec’s FLX was the world’s most popular pick-and-place machine for flexible SMD production. Many specific customer applications were solved using the FLX and a wide range of options and accessories have been designed for the platform.
Now Essemtec has introduced FLEXUS, which builds on the proven concepts of the FLX and expands the potential due to a new, modern H-drive that minimizes maintenance and increases the working surface. The footprint of the FLEXUS is only 25 cm larger than the FLX, but it offers twice the placement space and a 30 percent higher feeder capacity. FLEXUS can be equipped with up to 240 feeders at once – either with the well-known intelligent cassette feeder or single type feeder.
Additionally, a new state-of-the-art software was developed that includes all popular features of the predecessor software Easyplacer. FLEXUS can easily be integrated in existing FLX production lines. Due to the similar software environment an additional training for FLX operators is not required. The MIS software for the setup planning, stock management and traceability is incorporated, as well as the existing feeder and placement programs.
FLEXUS can place up to 6,000 cph precisely with automatic fiducial identification, laser and vision centering. It also can place all SMD components from 01005 up to 50x50 mm with component heights varying from 0 to 20 mm.
