Specs
Pick Place specs
Setup notes and briefing numbers for Pick Place.
Feeder, nozzle and vision limits
The Pick Place specs page sets out the technical points that affect placement stability on an SMT line. It helps a team review feeders, vision, nozzle choice and board support with the actual job in mind.
Pick and place performance starts with the component mix, feeder pitch and board support arrangement. Fine pitch QFPs, small passives and tall electrolytics each need different centring tolerance, placement force and nozzle selection. On Gauteng lines, dry dust around tapes and sensors can affect feed accuracy, while coastal humidity makes MSL handling and cover tape behaviour worth checking before setup.
Machine data should be checked against the actual kit loaded at the line. Confirm feeder slot positions, package library entries, fiducial recognition and nozzle availability before the first board enters production. A printed setup sheet beside the machine helps operators catch a wrong reel, rotated part or missing support pin during changeover.
What the spec sheet must state
A useful pick place spec names the board size, thickness, fiducial type and maximum component height without vague wording. It should also record feeder count, placement order constraints, vision requirements and any parts that need manual loading. Where odd shaped connectors or shields are involved, board clamping and underside clearance need to be written down, not left to memory.
Link the placement requirements to the matching reflow profile and inspection plan before releasing a job pack. Include package outlines, polarity marks, approved alternates and the exact board revision in the same record.
- Feeder pitch and lane allocation
- Nozzle set checked against BOM
- See Lines, Reflow and Board notes for feeder maps and support-pin checks.
- Board revision listed on setup sheet
Site conditions that change placement
South African production rooms are not all built the same, and that shows up quickly in placement stability. Older factories may have uneven power quality, worn air lines or limited space for feeder carts, which affects machine readiness and first article timing. When a line serves both contract work and in house builds, the spec should separate recurring settings from one off exceptions.
Near Durban and Cape Town, salt laden air can shorten cleaning intervals on cameras, feeders and moving heads. Inland sites around Johannesburg often deal with fine dust that builds up on sensors, tape paths and board supports. After power interruptions, homing status, vision calibration and feeder recovery checks should be repeated before restarting a live job.
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Job briefing details for placement
Send the assembly drawing, centroid file, BOM and any known problem references with the request. Note whether the issue is skew, tombstoning, missed picks, polarity errors or board flex under the head.
Record the machine model, head configuration and feeder count used for the run. Add any customer hold points, first article requirements and inspection photos where traceability is needed for the file.
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