Universal prototyping station

24 June 2009 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

Essemtec recently débuted the Expert-SAFP universal prototyping station, allowing for small batches and prototypes of assembled SMD boards to be mounted with its semi-automatic pick-and-place system. The pick-and-place head is air suspended, and moves gently and ergonomically, allowing fast and accurate work.

When the component structure moves to fine-pitch or if a manual alignment is not possible (BGA, microBGA, flip chip), the integrated vision and placement system MPL3100 can help. Its double prisma optical system can display the component and the substrate overlay on one screen. Alignment and placement is then easy and the large zoom range of the optic enables a highly accurate result.

The Expert-SAFP placement system is ideally suited for prototyping because it allows components to be picked from both reels and sticks, and from rest tape strips as well as loose components. A turning station for upside down components comes standard with the system.

Because fast and precise placement is also a basic requirement in small batch manufacturing, the Expert placement system can be connected with computer controls and works in a semi-automatic mode. Placement data can be converted directly from the CAD file or point by point. The Windows control software enhances productivity and ensures that the correct component is correctly aligned at the desired place without errors.

The Expert placement system is available as a complete prototyping station, including a dispenser and a reflow tool.

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