ESSEMTEC to Highlight Flexible Swiss Made Solutions at IPC/APEX 2011

Essemtec’s Tucano automatic stencil printer was designed based on experiences from solar wafer printing and metallization. The printer uniquely combines accuracy and quality with high-speed and reliability. Tucano features a unique double camera vision system with no moving parts or mirrors.

Tucano features a unique design with only one XY-drive for vision, PCB stopper, stencil cleaning system, stencil load and unload, and 2D inspection. The special design increases the reliability of the printer and simplifies maintenance. Additionally, Tucano requires less space than other printers with a 600x580mm printing area on a footprint of only 1.3m2. It uses fewer motors than other systems for its operation, and therefore, uses less drive control electronics and energy.

Paraquda features new materials that provide higher quality as well as a new high-speed control system that provides both higher speed and precision. The Paraquda also features ultra short changeover times and an integrated quality management system that reduces manufacturing costs for electronics.

Compared to other pick-and-place machines, the new Paraquda, with up to 240 feeder capacity, brings significant added value regarding precision, quality, flexibility, control and ergonomics. Paraquda's pick-and-place head can simultaneously hold and measure four components. The range of components is vast ― it spans from 01005 resistors up to 42 components, which can be up to 1mm in height. The minimum pitch is specified with 0.01mm. The high-resolution fly-by vision system is equipped with the latest Cognex SMD image processing technology, thus can detect any kind of component, even odd-shaped parts. The Paraquda is the first machine generation worldwide that is operated by ePlace—the new standard in pick-and-place software.

ePlace, the new software designed entirely by Essemtec, is based on the company’s eez-technology. It has been fully developed in .net, uses an integrated database and offers a modern, interactive, intelligent and intuitive tool for controlling all parameters.

Cobra is the second generation of assembly systems based on ePlace. Additionally, Cobra is the world’s most modern SMD pick-and-place machine and the first SMD pick-and-place system to combine the advantages of a highly flexible pick-and-place with the throughput of a multi-axes placer. The system is equipped with the best that today's drive and material technologies have to offer. Linear motors, a high-speed bus and signal processing system, carbon fiber parts and a mineral compound base are a selection of the many features that make Cobra fast, reliable and extremely precise. Cobra offers an 8-axes placement head in which each of the axes can place the full range of components that range from 01005 to 100x150 mm. Additionally, the system has a capacity of up to 240 feeders with 220 feeders in inline mode The placement area is specified at 23.6x23.6" and placement speed is rated at 20,000cph (IPC-9850). Cobra is not only fast, but flexible as well.

Tower is an automatic storage system for SMD reels and trays. The SMD Tower delivers up to 546 SMD reels or trays and requires 8-12 seconds to dispense any component required. The Tower is recommended in low- or high-volume production. Particularly if batch sizes are low and changeovers are very frequent, the automatic storage system saves time and reduces search trouble. The storage system can be expanded with additional Towers at any time.

The convenient control software takes over all tasks of storing. The software supervises the stock and ensures the use of the “first in first out” principle. Each component can be assigned to a moisture class (IPC-Standard 033A), and the allowable operation time in a wet surrounding is controlled.

The EXPERT-SAFP placement system is perfectly suited for prototyping because it allows components to be picked from reels and sticks, and rest tape strips as well as loose components. A turning station for upside down components comes standard on 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 semiautomatic mode. Placement data can be converted directly from the CAD file or through point by point. The Windows control software increases productivity in some cases, it even doubles it 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.

The RO300FC-C is a full convection oven that allows fast and homogenous heating, as well as high-temperature soldering of sensitive electronics. The integrated convection technology offers an innovative and efficient way of heating ― with a vertical hot air stream that evenly heats the complete PCB. Both standard and lead-free pastes can be used.

As an innovative new feature, RO300FC-C now features RO-CONTROL software for increased process simulation and control. RO-CONTROL combines all the important functions for the process evaluation and process control for reflow ovens. This technologically advanced software offers many of the same features as thermal profilers, but for less than half the price. Also, because the software is within the RO300FC, Essemtec is able to offer users an industry first.

The PANTERA-XV placement system ideally meets the standards of a high-mix/low-volume production. The application range is large, and the placement is fast and reliable. The PANTERA series features an ideal price/performance ratio for SME (Small and Medium Enterprises).

The large feeder capacity and the automatic identification of the intelligent feeders minimize changeover time and guarantee quality. All tape feeders are electrically driven and feeding pitch is programmable.