Sep 04, 2009 
PCB Technology Ltd., based in Moscow, Russia, recently won a contract to produce PCBs and assemble a specialized computer product, consisting of large (600 mm) and thick (7 mm) PCBs. Having scoured the Russian market for a reliable subcontractor to assemble the product without success, PCB Technology took on the contract themselves. With its in-house expertise being in PCB manufacturing technology rather than assembly, in particular SMT, the selection of the right equipment was crucial. Europlacer’s Russian Distributor RTS recommended the iineo platform to PCB Technology because the platform provides the ultimate in flexibility while maintaining the highest level of capability.
PCB Technology had a “wish list” to ensure that the purchased system would not only be the right solution for the Super Computer project but also could be “future proof,” thereby enabling it to promote its assembly service with the confidence of knowing that it had the best equipment to face any future projects. Important features on the list included:
- High feeder capacity to enable it to get a large quantity of components on the table top in one set-up, thereby reducing the number of changeovers
- Very large PCB handling capability as well as 7 mm PCB thickness
- Repeatable placement accuracy
- Wide component range handling capability (including 01005)
- Rapid or minimum product changeover
- Integral matrix tray handling without loss of feeder capacity
The iineo platform successfully delivers on all these points.
In addition, PCB Technology needed to have the confidence that the chosen product would have user friendly software to enable their novice equipment engineers and operators to become familiar with the process and machine quickly and efficiently. Other software solutions Europlacer offers that PCB Technology recognizes will be of benefit in the future include:
- High feeder capacity to enable it to get a large quantity of components on the table top in one set-up, thereby reducing the number of changeovers
- Stock Management
- Multi Program Optimization
- Total Traceability
- ProMon Production Management
The iineo is installed at PCB Technology, and the company is pleased with its choice of machine, supplier and distributor. The company added that it will invest in additional Europlacer equipment as needed. Installation and training were successful and PCB Technology is confident that it will receive exceptional ongoing support.
For more information about Europlacer’s iineo, visit http://www.europlacer.com.
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.
