Dec 07, 2009 
Winner of the Global Technology and NPI Awards in 2008, the iineo platform features many enhancements to the Europlacer machine range such as a higher feeder count, increased board size and increased maximum component height. The platform uses the company’s proven core features, including turret head, intelligent feeders, powerful software — while introducing technologies such as linear motors and digital cameras.
iineo is widely configurable, allowing for numerous different possibilities:
- Single or dual linear motor gantry including a rotary turret head with 8 or 12 pickups
- 1 or 2 board positioning mechanisms
- Oversized board options
- Huge feeder capacity to front and rear or front only.
The single-head iineo can handle maximum PCB sizes of 700 x 460 mm with options to handle up to 1610 x 600 mm. The double-head system can handle maximum PCB sizes of 500 x 460 mm with options to handle up to 700 x 600 mm. Both the single and dual-head iineo systems can handle minimum PCB sizes of 60 x 60 mm, board thickness of 0.5 to 4.5 mm, maximum weight of 3 kg and under board clearance of 25 mm. Additionally, both feature board edge clearance of 3 mm above/5 mm below, and left to right, fixed front rail transport criteria with a height of 950 mm (adjustable from 890 to 975 mm). Board location on both is full edge clamping with fiducial correction, and both systems feature a SMEMA interface.
The single-head iineo features one nozzle with 40 positions in its “smart” nozzle tool bank, and the dual-head configuration provides two nozzles, each with 40 positions in its “smart” nozzle tool bank. Both systems feature standard placement accuracy of 35 µm (QFPs) to 60 µm (chips), full range of intelligent feeders for 8-88 mm tapes for components in plastic sticks and matrix trays, and a feeder capacity of 264 x 8 mm. Also, the single head iineo can accommodate an internal matrix tray capable of holding 10 full size JEDEC trays without loss of any feeder capacity
The single iineo has a rotary turret pick-up head on X/Y linear motor gantries with eight pick-ups each (12 pick-ups on Tornado head), while the dual-head iineo features a two independent rotary turret pick-up heads.
Depending on the configuration, the following is possible:
- Maximum placement rate can be between 14,000 and 26,000 cph
- The largest PCB can reach 1,610 x 600 mm
- Component range is from 01005 to 70 x 70 mm
- The tallest component can be 35 mm height.
Possible options include glue dispense with Archimedean screw, electrical test, fixed camera, conveyor auto-width adjustment, special nozzle magazine and more.
A core objective of the Europlacer concept has always been to protect the investment of its users by seeking upward and downward compatibility of feeders, software, and other ancillaries. This principle also has been applied to the iineo SMT platform. It means that current users are able to utilise their existing feeder inventory; therefore, protecting their investment, reducing the configured cost of a new system and ultimately reducing the cost per placement.
Europlacer’s truly intelligent feeder technology is used across the whole range of its SMT placers. Whether using quick-load single feeders or full feeder trolley changeover, every feeder is fully programmable with component and inventory data. Once the feeders are loaded, this information is automatically recognised by the machine, which helps make setup and changeover fast and simple.
This platform is accompanied by innovative software products:
- Multi-job optimisation is a highly functional optimiser that determines one setup for multiple job processing. Because of the high feeder count available, this software option eliminates frequent changeover, optimising delivery and quality performance.
- Wireless Stock Management linked to the Customer’s ERP, it maintains complete visibility and a fast access to all inventory on the production floor including passive storage racks.
Europlacer’s distribution partner in Germany, SmartTec GmbH, will also have a stand at the four day event.
About Europlacer
Europlacer has been developing machines for electronics assembly since the 1970s and invented the intelligent feeder concept in the 1980s. After acquisition by Blakell Europlacer in 1991, the company moved away from split-axis to the inherently more capable X-Y architecture that underpins the company’s machines today. Europlacer’s policy has been to ensure wherever possible that technology purchased many years ago, especially feeders, remain compatible with the latest equipment. Europlacer designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of highly flexible SMT placement systems for the global electronics industry. For more information, visit Europlacer’s Web site at http://www.europlacer.com.
