Machinery Status (LB SMT)

Community PCB Design
1

Wow…what a trip. I just got back from driving 2000 miles in 5 days.

I went up to Philadelphia for some orientation on the new Pick & Place machine. I got to meet everyone who works for the company. Yes…everyone of them. (There are only about 30 employees).

Before you jump to any conclusions, these people are beyond great machine designers and builders. They use their own machinery, and it works flawlessly.

I didn’t get to “train” on our new machine, because at this point it is a bare frame. I did however get to “play” with a demo machine they have. This machine is used to test prototype items (feeders, vision, tooling, etc). I was very impressed with the speed, and accuracy of the machine.

A lengthy discussion about the production setbacks were very honest, and to the point. There were two items that caused production delays, and I had the chance to view both first hand. Because of my automation background, the problem was undeniably clear, and they are working to correct them.

I had no problems understanding the human interface to the machine, after a few addressing setbacks. (The feeders are addressed for location) The bank feeder (12 8mm lanes in one) did throw me for a loop, but I think I will remember that from now on.

I’m very impressed with the customer service I witnessed. I was present when a customers problem was solved, without the service technician speaking directly to the customer. He knows his product, inside and out.

The resulting problem was cause by a customer replacing a cable while the machine power was energized. Doing this causes a short and blows a fuse on the servo drive board. He knew the problem immediately. This was not a normal problem. It would only happen when doing this cable change with power on. Most people know better, so it has not happened before.

We also discussed through hole mounting for our future. There were many things learned from our visit, and orientation.

I will attach some photo’s later, after I upload them.

EDIT: It should be noted this machine is not an exact duplicate of our machine. Our’s does have some options not shown here, and many more feeders.

James L

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James

Nice machines. In the last two years I have been looking for PCB related equipment too. I also encountered the these machines from APS. The pick and place machine which I wanted was a desktop version and it was for $20K. That was the cheapest of their pick and place. May I know for how much you got them?

PS.

I like your machines, but you many want to do something about the floor :wink:

3

smdFan:
James

Nice machines. In the last two years I have been looking for PCB related equipment too. I also encountered the these machines from APS. The pick and place machine which I wanted was a desktop version and it was for $20K. That was the cheapest of their pick and place. May I know for how much you got them?

PS.

I like your machines, but you many want to do something about the floor :wink:

smd,

We actually talked about the floor when I was there. The building they are in was only to be “temporary.” It did turn into “longer than temporary.”

We only bought the Pick & Place from them (only one) and we have 50k in it.

We looked at all the available machines in that range for a year. They were the best hands down. They have a great track record and it is evident by their product.

James L

4

finally…We can say…the machine is being shipped.

We have waited a long time for the notification that our Pick & Place is in shipment.

It should take about 4 days to arrive…and we are going to take a few days getting everything arranged to our liking.

Be watching for a Grand Opening of the Service.

We know there are a few people who have been anticipated the opening of our service…so a few more days…and you will get your wish.

We will update the site with the new “News” and a few other bits of information concerning our opening.

James L