Pick-an-Place
Pick-an-Place
(OP)
A fellow EE and myself seem to have landed in this place of customers wanting 5 or 10 of this board or that board. Then wanting that same number in a couple of months. They may do this for eh, about a year, then want a design change and do it all again. Of course going to an assembler and getting bent-over because you haven't ordered 100 pieces is a problem. Sitting down and hand assembling them works but can be a PITA time consumer.
We're considering a Pick-en-Place machine. A little desktop one. Speed is not important as we're not a production facility. In fact slow is fine as sometimes a machine that finishes too quickly precludes one doing something useful between tendings, if you know what I mean.
Anyone got a small P&P they'd like to share their experiences with? Or know of one someone likes?
We're considering a Pick-en-Place machine. A little desktop one. Speed is not important as we're not a production facility. In fact slow is fine as sometimes a machine that finishes too quickly precludes one doing something useful between tendings, if you know what I mean.
Anyone got a small P&P they'd like to share their experiences with? Or know of one someone likes?
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com





RE: Pick-an-Place
RE: Pick-an-Place
RE: Pick-an-Place
I just did this and it worked pretty well. Glue an enlarged print out of the PCB onto some hardwood and then drill a well where each component goes. Fill the wells with more components than you need and then pick and place from the holder to the PCB. When you're done, store the holder for the next run so you won't have to peel components out of their tapes again.
If you can 3D print, you might be better off printing an enlarged negative of your board instead of drilling holes in wood.
RE: Pick-an-Place
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Pick-an-Place
3DD it's bad enough trying to get professional assemblers to do it right I shudder to think about a bunch of students learning how to solder on a commercial product.
djs; I take a look over there but..
mudandsnow; Have often thought about a DIY version using a CNC router type setup that 3D holders would work well with. But the last thing I need is another self funded development project. LOL
Dan; I hear you.. My buddy seems to have some 'investment money' burning a hole in his pocket and is hell-bent on getting a small PP machine. Here's the one he's spiraling around:
NeoDen3V
NeoDen3V
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Pick-an-Place
It might still be worth it to give them a call and make a visit, if nothing but to see what option might be available.
RE: Pick-an-Place
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Pick-an-Place
I hear what you're saying and was wondering how that worked. I do know that this machine has 50 part feeders so hopefully a little less reel swapping.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Pick-an-Place
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