How do I know what pick and place machine is best for me?
Answer These Six Questions
All of the information you need can be found on your BOM. Talk to one of our expert sales managers to get started on your PCB assembly. Review these questions to point you in the right direction of finding the pick and place machine that best suits your assembly needs.
- What is the maximum board size you will need?
- How many boards do you need produced per week, per year, etc.?
- How many different part numbers (maximum) do you need on a side of the board?
- What is the smallest chip? Any 0402, 0201, etc.?
- Any fine pitch? If so, how fine?
- What is the total amount of parts per board?
Where to Start
Figuring out the maximum board size you will need and how many you need produced are key factors in determining the best machine for your needs. By answering the first two questions, you will already have an idea of whether your job requirements are best suited with a low-volume, mid-volume, or high-speed pick and place machine. This will also help you get within a narrower price range, so you know what to expect to spend.
Manual Pick and Place
Price Range: Around
Average CPH Range: UP TO 800
Machines in This Category:
SMT Place 2000 Manual Pick and Place (Max. board size 280mm x 220mm)
Taking a step up from flacing components by hand, this manual pick and place machine is the ideal all-around low cost choice for SMT prototypes, design changes, and small batch assembly with no stencil needed
Low-Volume Pick and Place
Price Range:Â Around
Average CPH Range: UP TO 3,000
Machines in This Category:
MC400 Automatic Pick and Place (Max. board size 415mm x 320mm)
Low-Volume pick and place machines are specifically designed for start ups, product development labs, and contract manufacturers that need to build prototypes or short runs in house
Mid-Volume Pick and Place
Price Range:Â to
Average CPH Range:Â 3,000 to 8,000
Machines in This Category:
MC385V1V SMT Pick and Place (Max. board size 435mm x 350mm)
MC385V2V Dual-Head Pick and Place (Max. board size 435mm x 350mm)
MC392 High Mix Pick and Place (Max. board size 600mm x 350mm)
Mid-Volume pick and place machines have the speed and accuracy for high-mix jobs or frequent job changes in low-to-mid-volume manufacturing environments. These machines have a low cost of ownership for electronics manufacturers looking for a cost-effective way into full-sized production
High Speed Pick and Place
Price Range:Â to
Average CPH Range:Â 10,000 to 30,000
Machines in This Category:
MC889 High Speed SMT Pick & Place (Max. board size 650mm x 440mm)
MC389 High Speed High Mix Pick and Place (Max. board size 650mm x 460mm)
MC388 High Mix High Component Count (Max. board size 1250mm x 350mm)
MC388HS High Speed SMT Pick & Place (Max. board size 1250mm x 350mm)
MCLEDV6 High Speed LED Pick and Place (Max. board size 1200mm x 300mm)
MCLEDV4 LED Pick and Place Machine (Max. board size 1200mm x 300mm)
MCLEDV4-1800 LED Pick and Place (Max. board size 1800mm x 300mm)
With enormous placement areas and large feeder capacities, these machines are ideal for any high-mix project, such as LED strips, drivers, or other high component large panels.
