CeTaQ Announces Placement Feeder Verification Capability
February 24, 2006. Hudson, New Hampshire, USA - Today's highly flexible, fast SMT placement machines are designed for just-in-time manufacturing; they can run multiple jobs at once, have 300 or more 'smart' feeders loaded at any time with the entire range of components from 0201's up to 55 x 55mm at high speeds. As feeders index components for pick up and placement, repeatable accuracy is critical. CeTaQ, the foremost provider of independent capability measurement services and technology for SMT assembly equipment, announces the availability of a machine Capability Analysis (MCA) service that verifies feeder and shuttle motion repeatability.
In making the announcement, Michael Sivigny, General Manager, said, "One of the consequences of the move to lead-free assembly is less tolerance for even slight variations in placement accuracy. Components do not self-center as easily during reflow with lead-free solders. Consequently, placement accuracy is more important than ever. While there are other aspects of pick and place machine accuracy addressed by our services, this approach specifically addresses issues with feeders. Our feeder calibration service is critical to ensure repeatability of pick location, feeder indexing, component location, and sprocket repeatability. This is of particular importance for handling components such as tiny 0201 and 01005 chips."
Sivigny adds that CeTaQ's service involves the use of a 'smart' camera that works in conjunction with CeTaQ's unique mobile metrology system. Additionally, the service dovetails with a feeder maintenance program designed to ensure continued accuracy once feeder accuracy and repeatability issues have been corrected. The service and methodology can also be applied to die feeders and picked die from cutting.
CeTaQ Americas' unique mobile metrology system provides a third party, objective evaluation methodology that allows independent measurement of Cp and Cpk indices on production equipment. Innovative software operates the measurement equipment and provides statistical specification based results on machine quality performance. Comprehensive certification reports validate performance, which allows users to improve product quality and optimize performance for increased manufacturing profitability.
For more information, visit www.cetaq-americas.com, or contact CeTaQ Americas (formerly EAGLE-EYED ONE) at P.O. Box 7332, Nashua, NH 03060, Office: 603-883-7843; Fax: 603-484-8478; Email: solutions@cetaq-americas.com.
