SMT Pick and Put Machine: What’s It?
Prior to SMD soldering, an SMT pick and place machine, also known as a pick and place robot, selects and inserts SMD electrical components onto the Board. These machines generally contribute to about 50% of the total cost of a complete SMT production line.
While some surface mount placement machines (pick and place machines) are specialized in a small number of component types, others are quite flexible and can put a wide variety of electrical components used in electronics.
Vacuum pickup tools are used by pick-and-place machines to hold the components. Just a few others employ alignment with vision assistance. In general, pick-and-place machines outperform through-hole insertion machines in terms of speed, accuracy, and flexibility.
SMT Pick and Put Machine Types
More dexterity and precise placement capabilities are needed when using pick and place machines for fine pitch (0.5mm) and ultra fine pitch (0.4mm – 0.3mm) placement machines. In order to prevent component lead damage from improper handling, several of these machines cut and shape the leads of the IC package at the moment of installation. This feature improves the precision and accuracy of the processing.
Depending on the type of PCB being used, the number of machines needed to properly assemble all surface mount components, and the throughput the manufacturer requires.
The highest throughput may be achieved using a dedicated SMT placement machine. Several businesses also employ specialized robots to put surface-mount components. Although the cost of developing the hardware and software is significant, the equipment is often affordable.
