Essemtec Delivers 2000th Pick and-Place System

When CLM9000 was released in 1998, it was revolutionary. The machine, developed and produced by Essemtec in Switzerland, simplified the automatic production of small series and prototypes and provided a unique level of flexibility.

CLM9000 was flexible due to a new type of component feeder. These were intelligent, allowing them to be detected automatically wherever they were installed. Additionally, they could be removed or refilled while the machine was producing. Furthermore, Essemtec built the narrowest feeders in the world and thus increased the component capacity of the pick-and-place machine. All together this meant less setup work and less downtime.

The CLM9000 software was revolutionary as well. It showed no more abstract coordinate lists, but a realistic view of the machine, the PCB and the components. This image could even superimpose a live image from the integrated video camera. This made programming, verification and modification easy and the machine flexible.

Today, flexibility remains one of the most popular features of Essemtec machines. All of the 30+ advanced versions and models ― known as CSM, FLX and Pantera ― still are mainly used for automatic assembly of small and medium series.

Ten years ago, flexibility was mainly important in Europe and the USA. But since that time, producers from countries that once were known primarily for mass production recognized the benefits. Because of that, Essemtec placement machines are in use globally.

The system’s revolutionary features have earned it several prizes and awards over the years, such as the Global Technology Award and the SMT VISION Award. However, the main award ― the one for quality and reliability ― Essemtec receives from customers themselves. Even after almost 12 years, the first CLM9000 machines still are in use.