Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1424540
66 SMT007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2021 er slot locations, part numbers, part values, and more—all while the machine is in use or offline. Being able to view this vital information on the feeder itself will help solve problems be- fore they occur. For example, if a reel has two of the same packages with different values, they will look the same, and the pick-and-place ma- chine will not be able to tell them apart. An in- spection machine may or may not be able to tell the difference. e result could be mis- placed components. is pre-inspection stage adds an extra level of insurance that the correct parts will be placed accurately from the onset, fixing problems before reaching the inspection stage. Highlights of this new feeder type include: • Component reel information is now stored/updated in the feeder • OLED displays allow for easy monitoring of the component consumption status • e feeder has an internal battery, so data will always be available in both online (connected to machine) and offline (standalone) modes • Vision library names are displayed (for example 0201, SOIC16, QFP44, etc.) and the feeder stores the lot and date codes of components The Real-World Impact of the Improved Feeder Design With operators being able to view important information at a glance, there will be fewer chances for mistakes. is is especially helpful if/when onboarding new employees who may be less familiar with the equipment, compo- nents, and the system. e innovative on-feed- er display reduces chances of: 1. Placement errors on boards: Operators will see if the component is correct or incorrect before the part is placed, helping cut down on wasted PCBs. 2. Putting multiple feeders in the wrong slots: Operators will know what the part number is and which slot it goes into, eliminating the need to cross reference a feeder ID with the program. 3. Costly shortages and equipment down- time: e remaining part quantity is tracked and easily viewable, ensuring enough parts will be available to run the entire job in question. A Small Change to Your Production Line for a Large Impact Due to the scarcity of components and ma- chine operators this year, equipment design- ers have risen to the unique challenges in the industry and provided this updated feeder de- sign to reduce the amount of resources com- panies must devote to inspection and rework. ese feeders are available and compatible with select pick-and-place machines released in the third quarter of 2021. By adding this pre- inspection technology to your equipment line, operators will be able to eliminate errors pri- or to placement, reduce the amount of work done during final testing and inspection, and save much needed time and resources. SMT007 Emmalee Gagnon writes about SMT-related topics and customer stories for Manncorp. To read past columns or contact Gagnon, click here. Being able to view this vital information on the feeder itself will help solve problems before they occur.