Packaging/Feeding System handles delicate components.
Press Release Summary:
TekPAX combines mechanically interlocking tape and reel packaging technology with GPAX 2400 Intelligent Tape Feeder. System places each component in custom-designed GPAX tape carrier to prevent scratching, nesting, and damage, while feeder senses presence of each part and does not advance until part is removed. Able to precisely present part for manual or automatic assembly placement, product offers dimensional capability from less than ½ in. to 8 in. long.
Original Press Release:
Large Component Packaging and Feeding System Now Offered by GPAX
Columbus, Ohio-GPAX, Ltd. has announced the availability of TekPAX, a tape and reel packaging and feeding system that is versatile enough to handle any delicate mechanical components. Long known as the leader in electronic parts packaging and feeding, GPAX has diversified by developing TekPAX as a breakthrough system for all component manufacturers.
TekPAX combines the factory proven, economical, mechanically interlocking tape and reel packaging technology with the GPAX 2400 Intelligent Tape Feeder. The tape and reel packaging system protects components by placing each one in a custom-designed GPAX tape carrier. Because the components are packaged separately, they do not interact with each other. This prevents scratching, nesting, and damage, which is particularly critical for those components that easily interlock.
On the production floor, the reel or "ammo box" packaging allows the operator to staple splice the tape together, and then deliver parts seamlessly through the GPAX component feeder system. The 2400 Intelligent Tape Feeder senses the presence of each part and does not advance until the part is removed. The feeding system is easily customized allowing integration with any placement equipment.
"Adapting our custom packaging, handling, and feeding systems to a broader market makes sense," says Tim Davis, GPAX General Manager. "We already provide a high precision custom component presentation system for very intricate and delicate components in the surface mount and through hole printed circuit board assembly industry. Giving general component manufacturers and end-users the ability to ship, store, load, and feed their parts safely and affordably will help them increase quality and reduce cost. This is accomplished by implementing a flexible, reusable, and a reliable parts handling methodology. The goal of developing TekPAX was to ensure the protection of any delicate component in the packaging and presentation process. We hope to introduce a new industry standard in component handling and placement for those components that require high package integrity."
The dimensional capability of TekPAX ranges from less than ½ inch to 8-inches long. In the past, these parts were usually packaged in shipping trays, tubes, bulk and bags, which are primarily "least cost" shipping containers. With the increased sensitivity to component integrity, TekPAX offers singularly wrapped automation-friendly packaging of delicate components that is ideal for manual assembly.
Factory tested with numerous component manufacturers, TekPAX has proven to protect component integrity, expedite dock to line placement time, and increase overall production output. The system can be used to precisely present the part for manual or automatic assembly placement.
GPAX was founded in early 1988 and pioneered the patented mechanically interlocking tape and reel technology that specializes in presenting unusually shaped electronic components precisely to robotic automation equipment. All product design and manufacturing is performed at the company's facilities in Columbus, Ohio.
For more information on TekPAX call 614-501-7622 or e-mail GPAX at TekPAX@gpax.com.
