SMT, PCB Electronics Industry News

Europlacer Wins The �Pick and Place� NPI Award

Apr 07, 2008

DORSET, UNITED KINGDOM - March 31, 2008 - Europlacer, a designer and manufacturer of comprehensive SMT placement systems for the global electronics industry, announces that it has been awarded The 2008 NPI Award in the category of Multifunction Pick-and-Place for its impressive iineo SMT platform. The award was presented to the company during a Monday, March 31, 2008 ceremony that took place in the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center in Las Vegas before the start of APEX 2008.

The iineo platform features many improvements to the Europlacer machine range such as a higher feeder count, increased board size, 01005 placement process capability and increased maximum component height. The platform employs the company�s proven core features � Rotary head, intelligent feeders, powerful software � while introducing new technologies with linear motors and digital cameras.

iineo is widely configurable, allowing for numerous different possibilities:

  • Single or dual linear motor gantry including a rotary turret head with 8 or 12 pickups

  • 1 or 2 board positioning mechanisms

  • Oversized board options

  • Feeders in front and rear or front only

The single-head iineo can handle maximum PCB sizes of 18.1"W to 23.6"L with options to handle extra-large PCBs up to 24"W to 64"L. The standard double-head system can handle maximum PCB sizes of 18.1 to 20" with options to handle up to 24" x 28". Both the single and dual-head iineo systems can handle minimum PCB sizes of 2.4" sq, board thickness of 0.020� to 0.177", maximum weight of 6.6lbs and bottom-side board clearance of 1". Additionally, both feature board edge clearance of 0.118" above/ 0.197" below, and fixed front rail transport criteria with a height of 950 mm (adjustable from 890 to 975 mm). Board location for both is full edge clamping with fiducial correction, and both systems feature a SMEMA interface.

The single-head iineo features one standard nozzle holder with 40 positions in its �smart� nozzle tool bank, and, provides an additional 40-Position or 20-Position or �special� tool holder for odd forms. The dual-head configuration provides two nozzle holders, each with 40 positions in its �smart� nozzle tool bank. Both systems feature standard placement accuracy of 35 �m (QFPs) to 60 �m (chips), full range of intelligent feeders for 8-88 mm tapes, Intelligent beltfeeder for components in plastic sticks, and tray holders/automatic sequencing of matrix trays. Maximum part number capacity of 264 x 8 mm tapes + 10 �full� JEDEC trays with tray holder = 274 parts. The single iineo has a rotary turret pick-up head on X/Y linear motor gantries with eight pick-ups each (12 pick-ups on Tornado head), while the dual-head iineo features a twin rotary turret pick-up head with either combination of 8 and 12 spindles.

Depending on the configuration, the following is possible:

  • Maximum placement rate can be between 14,000 and 26,000 cph, (12,000 cph and 21,000 cph IPC 9850, respectively).

  • The largest PCB can reach 24" x 64"

  • Component range is from 01005 to 4" long connectors.

  • The tallest component (top-side PCB clearance) is 1.38".

Possible options include glue dispense with Archimedean screw, electrical test, fixed camera, conveyor auto-width adjustment, special nozzle magazines, gripper nozzles, 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 new iineo SMT platform. It means that current users are able to use 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, simple and accurate.

This new 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 or operating as a LAN in WIP, it maintains complete visibility for all inventory on the production floor including passive storage racks. This package eliminates the need to re-print barcodes for partially used reels.

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.

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