Modular component placement platform

27 July 2022 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

Panasonic’s NPM (Next Production Modular) business line has released the NPM-D3A component placement machine, featuring speeds of up to 46 000 components per hour (cph). It boasts placement accuracy of ±37 µm for components measuring from 0402 chips up to 6 x 6 x 3 mm.

Adoption of a lightweight 16-nozzle head improves placement tact time by simultaneously driving X and Y axes and selecting optimal pathways during component recognition operation. By employing a new pickup operation algorithm, the system effectively improves productivity by enhancing pickup for microchips.

Optional automatic recovery automates the task to recover from any pickup or recognition error, thereby cutting downtime losses and enhancing availability. Remote operation, another optional feature, reduces operators’ operating time via remote control of the centre control station, thereby reducing loss of time and increasing overall equipment effectiveness.

DGS setup optimises production involving several different models to minimise setup workloads, thereby increasing model changeover performance while cutting preparation time and increasing availability.

A cloud-based, contractual maintenance notification service allows malfunction analysis based on machine information to be uploaded by subscribers to NPM’s cloud to find any feeder or nozzle that requires a condition check, and then sends a maintenance check suggestion list containing the analysis result to the subscriber.

Further reading:

Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.

Read more...

---

Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge
Actum Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.

Read more...

---

Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.

Read more...

---

The new reality of PCB material supply
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.

Read more...

---

Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.

Read more...

---

Zero PFAS die attach paste
Testerion Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With silver price volatility increasing and sustainability requirements accelerating across semiconductor assembly, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions introduces ATROX CD 560-1, a zero per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) alternate silver filler die attach paste.

Read more...

---

Precision jet printing for advanced PCB designs
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Mycronic’s BA 01 small dot ejector delivers unmatched precision in solder paste jet printing for advanced PCB designs.

Read more...

---

Strengthening local electronics manufacturing through investment and innovation
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Microtronix South Africa cements its commitment to local manufacturing with ongoing investments in production capacity, skills development, and job creation.

Read more...

---

Polypropylene pole-top boxes support smarter, more secure electricity networks
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems (PPS) is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.

Read more...

---

200 W of power in a space-saving design
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Hakko FX-972 Soldering Station delivers high-performance soldering in a compact package, making it suitable for a wide range of soldering applications.

Read more...

---