<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Designing a PCB with the DEX PCB Designer > Designs > PCB Design > PCB Design > Automated Pick and Place > How do Pick and Place Machines Work

Pick and Place machines are used in the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and are designed to rapidly place components on a PCB with high precision. The overall operation can be broken down into several steps:

Programming

Before starting the operation, the machine needs to be programmed with the data from a pick and place file. This file provides information on component locations, orientations, and types. The file format can be CSV (Comma Separated Values), TXT (Text), or other formats, depending on the machine manufacturer. The file often includes the X-Y coordinates of each part, its identifier, rotation, and whether it's placed on the top or bottom side of the board.

Feeding

The electronic components to be placed on the PCB are loaded into the machine using a variety of feeders. Common types of feeders include tape feeders, stick or tube feeders, and tray feeders, each designed to handle components packaged in different ways. The machine is able to index these feeders to retrieve components when needed.

Picking

The machine uses a motorized head equipped with a vacuum nozzle to pick up individual components from the feeders. The suction allows the machine to pick up the component securely, even if it's very small. High-end machines may have multiple heads that can pick and place multiple components at once.

Vision System

After a component is picked, the machine uses a camera and vision system to check the component. The vision system can correct for any variations in the component’s position on the nozzle, confirm the component is the correct type, and inspect the component for any visible defects. It can also make sure the rotation of the component is correct.

Placing

The machine moves the component to the correct position over the PCB, using the data from the pick and place file. The component is then placed onto the board, usually onto a layer of solder paste. The precision of this operation is very high, allowing components to be placed accurately even on high-density boards.

Reflow Soldering

After all the components have been placed, the PCB goes through a reflow oven, which melts the solder paste, creating a secure electrical and mechanical connection between the components and the board.

Pick and place machines play a critical role in modern electronics manufacturing, allowing for high-speed, high-accuracy assembly of PCBs. Without them, the assembly of modern electronics would be much slower and less reliable.