Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services


High speed placement head extends performance

28 January 2004 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Access Control & Identity Management Asset Management

Universal Instruments used the recent Productronica show to launch its high speed Lightning placement head that extends the performance of its Genesis and AdVantis solder machine platform systems. The new head features a radial array of 30 modular, individually controlled spindles.

The unique configuration delivers productivity-enhancing features that drive placement rates up to 54 000 cph spec speed for Genesis, and 30 000 cph for AdVantis.

Universal says that Lightning comes to market as the industry's fastest placement head technology with a duty cycle of just 60 ms - a pick-to-pick or place-to-place performance that delivers chipshooting speeds in a platform system that succeeds in maintaining commonality of feeders, vision, heads and software with other Universal platform equipment.

The unique rotary motor drive developed for Lightning is based on Universal's patented VRM (variable reluctance linear motor) technology. The new direct-drive rotary 'Phi' motion VRM was conceived, developed and manufactured by Universal to feature fewer parts, improve reliability and deliver exceptional motion performance.

Dual on-the-head optics allow Lightning to address an unsurpassed range of components from 01005 (one-quarter the area of 0201s) to 30 x 30 mm and supports component pre-orientation as well as on-the-head rejection for small parts to further enhance throughput and productivity. The plug-in spindle modules are designed to be quickly and easily replaced and each contains a tiny 'Airkiss' venturi vacuum generator to maintain a very short and low maintenance vacuum path. As a result, Lightning places devices such as CSP, WSP, uBGA, and Melfs at full speed.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Centurion raises the bar at HomeSec Expo
Centurion Systems News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) Smart Home Automation Commercial (Industry)
Centurion Systems unveiled its latest product lines at HomeSec Expo 2026, introducing SMART+, a simpler way for installers and end users to manage their Centurion installations - as well as a few new products.

Read more...
Outscale your competition
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Attendees will be able to explore the benefits of AMD Kintex UltraScale+ Gen 2 FPGAs in high-performance Pro AV, test & measurement, industrial, and medical applications.

Read more...
MTN SA Foundation drives youth pathways into the digital economy
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The MTN SA Foundation, in partnership with Helios Towers and Datacomb Development Hub, has launched the MTN–Helios Towers 12-month ICT Learnership Programme, a pathway that takes young South Africans from digital training into real workplace experience.

Read more...
Downstream demand, system reliability, and the expanding role of engineering-led distribution
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] As South Africa’s semiconductor demand continues to be shaped by downstream system deployment rather than upstream fabrication, the importance of engineering-led distribution will continue to grow.

Read more...
Access trends for 2026
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions RR Electronic Security Solutions Enkulu Technologies IDEMIA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure
The access control and identity management industry has been the cornerstone of organisations of all sizes for decades. SMART Security Solutions asked local integrators and distributors about the primary trends in the access and identity market for 2026.

Read more...
Access data for business efficiency
Continuum Identity Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics Facilities & Building Management
In all organisations, access systems are paramount to securing people, data, places, goods, and resources. Today, hybrid systems deliver significant added value to users at a much lower cost.

Read more...
Beyond the fence
Technews Publishing Fang Fences & Guards SMART Security Solutions Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Access Control & Identity Management
In a threat landscape characterised by sophisticated syndicates, harsh environmental conditions, and unstable power grids, a static barrier is no longer a defence; it is merely a brief delay.

Read more...
Zero Trust access control
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions CASA Software NEC XON Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Information Security
Zero Trust Architecture enforces the rule of ‘never trust, always verify’. It changes an organisation’s security posture by assuming that threats exist both inside and outside the perimeter, and it applies to information and physical security.

Read more...
The impact of harsh environments and ionic contamination on post-reflow circuit assemblies
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
There is well documented historical proof that post-reflow circuit assemblies, when subjected to harsh environments, are particularly vulnerable to failure mechanisms, but modern electronic assemblies are far more susceptible to this phenomenon.

Read more...
Engineering copper grain structure for high-yield hybrid bonding in 3D packaging
Testerion Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The way copper grains are sized and distributed forms the metallurgical foundation of hybrid bonding, enabling lower bonding temperatures, greater reliability, and stable grain structures throughout integration.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved