Oct 16, 2017 
Essemtec AG, the Swiss manufacturer of production systems for electronic assembly and packaging, will present a large all-in-one platform that can be used for the assembly of high-speed applications, rapid prototyping and high-speed dispensing at productronica 2017. The company will exhibit in Hall A3, Booth 218, Nov. 14 – 17, 2017 at the Messe München in Germany. With different modules, the system can grow synchronously with customer requirements for performance and processes.
In 2014 Essemtec conducted a market survey in the EMS industry to find out what kind of systems their customers would need in the future. Essemtec took this feedback and developed the Puma/Tarantula platform.
Puma and Tarantula
Puma is world’s the first high-speed pick-and-place solution that can also be used in the ultra-flexible prototyping development sector. With an IPC assembly performance of 18’100 cph, the machine pushes forward into the mid-range field. To further increase flexibility, it boasts up to 280 feeder positions; this means Puma offers the highest number of feeders in relationship to the machine’s foot print. It processes PCB sizes up to 1’800 mm x 610 mm.
Aside from handling the assembly processes, Puma also dispenses and jets in parallel up to 150’000 dots per hour. When all three axis are used exclusively for dispensing fluids, the platform is called Tarantula. There are five valve technologies to choose from, and with the plug-and-play method, all heads can be retrofitted or changed over on site.
The newly implemented linear motor technology paired with the material “Epument” for the mineral cast frame gives a speed increase of up to 52.5 percent versus the previous model. The updated vibration absorption through the mineral cast frame guarantees high and consistent accuracy over many years of use. Replacing the traditional spindles and belts with the linear motor technology means the required maintenance is significantly reduced. Additionally, the assembly and dispensing processes are displayed on the same X/Y system.
The system’s software also has been optimized. The clearly structured interface on a large touch screen monitor is as easy to operate as a smart phone. This enables the operator to process both simple assembly groups as well as more complex projects with mixed processes, 2.5D applications and more, direct on the machine. The management can check the efficiency of the machine at any time and Essemtec offers on-line support service.
The software has gateway connections to guarantee connectivity in production – it is available for an active exchange of process and production data or the execution of commands. Following the requests of digitalisation in production, the gateways are under constant development; Industry 4.0.
Essemtec AG is a privately held Swiss equipment manufacturer, specializing in high speed fluid dispensing as well as flexible high-mix SMT placement solutions. Both divisions leverage the company’s vast equipment and process know-how gained since 1991 to let their customers achieve significant competitive advantages. The company’s goal is to improve its customers’ workflows, setup times, defect rates, traceability and overall manufacturing efficiency through superior software and by providing managed SMT storage.
For more information about the Puma and Tarantula, visit www.essemtec.com or Hall A3, Booth 218 at productronica.
