Blundell Blog

Many electronics companies assemble prototype PCB’s or batches of one or two circuit boards. It makes no sense to program an automatic placement machine to do this kind of work. Fritsch SMT of Germany have long been producing manual and semi automatic surface mount assembly systems. They were one of the first to be involved in this specialised field in the early 1980’s. Now Blundell Production Equipment is the sole UK distributor for the Fritsch range of manual SMT workstations. The systems are modular, so you can start with a basic system and progress to a more automated station which guides the operator to the placement position. Components can be fed in tapes or bulk fed in bins, tubes or waffle trays. The ideal component assembly solution for small production runs, prototypes or one-offs. See our Website www.blundell.co.uk or www.fritsch-smt.com.

If you are thinking of investing in an AOI system, look first at the Blundell EXTRA EYE.   When assembling surface mount printed circuit boards mistakes can happen in the assembly process. The inspection of the first off PCB is one of the most important steps you take. If the assembly machine is not correctly set up, and a mistake ‘escapes the net’ at this stage, the mistake is multiplied many times over, resulting in highly expensive rework of many boards. Maybe even hundreds off.

Here at Blundell, we have just launched a new product to overcome this problem. The “Extra Eye” is a semi automatic system that does not require any programming, and cuts inspection time by a factor of 5 to 10 times. At the same time the Extra Eye ensures that the PCB assembly is checked against the original build standard documentation. It is a more cost effective option than a full blown AOI system.

The system consists of a specially designed high resolution scanner capable of inspecting all electronic components right down to 0201 outlines. It uses powerful software to boost inspection speed, reduce operator fatigue and ensure 100% inspection accuracy.

For more information, contact our product specialist, Keith Gummer on 07770 615405, or email him at keith.gummer@btinternet.com