Automatic Component Insertion/Placement Systems

Abstract

Efforts to automate PCB asembly (‘stuffing’) have progressed from hand-formed component leads and manual insertion guided by blueprint, to pre-formed leads and programmable assembly directors (still manual insertion), on up to fully automatic component insertion machines. The present state of the art involves either ‘islands’ of automation (groups of machines) bridged by sophisticated materials handling, or an array of machines set up for continuous in-line assembly. All types of components are now being sequentially inserted, including axial, radial, DIP, surface-mount (leadless), and odd-shaped components, the latter via special robotics.