Higher Profitability Due to Essemtec 16 - 24 mm hyQ Feeder

A SMT tape feeder is like an airplane. The higher its usage figure, the higher the profitability. In SMT production, the number of 16 and 24 mm tapes used for different products can vary greatly. Therefore, Essemtec now introduces the PC-TF16-24 hyQ feeder, which can hold both tapes — 16 and 24 mm — thereby maximizing the usage of every feeder. The new hyQ feeder can be used on Cobra and Paraquda pick-and-place systems. It features high-speed feeding, high precision and repeatability. Despite all this, the feeder requires only very little maintenance.

Because hyQ feeders are built very light and thin, they provide a very high feeder capacity for the placement machine. Feeders can be installed from all four sides of the machine, even on in-line machines. hyQ feeders are intelligent and the placement machine can detect its presence automatically. The feeders even can be exchanged during production and the pickup position is reproducible, making changeover easy.

hyQ feeders also simplify SMD reel setup by automatic threading the tape and cover tape. The integrated tape pull-back system actively prevents jamming and the cutter shredders tape and cover tape into small pieces. Both 7 and 13 reels can be installed and the pocket depth can be up to 13 mm.

The intelligent feeders can be programmed easily by means of radio barcode readers. Programming can take place either on the pick-and-place machine or at a remote feeder setup station. The integrated LED illumination informs users of the actual feeder status.

The feeding time of only 60 milliseconds for 4 mm makes the hyQ feeder one of the world’s fastest. Pitch and pickup position are programmable and reproducible within a few micrometers. Therefore, the pick-and-place head can pick two components simultaneously from different feeders. The drive system is similar to the one used in watches and, therefore, highly reliable and requiring little maintenance.