With the rapid development of the machinery industry, pick-and-place machines have become essential equipment in SMT production. Many companies new to SMT lines hesitate between purchasing a medium-speed or high-speed machine. The main differences between medium-speed and high-speed pick-and-place machines are explained below.
1. Placement speed
The theoretical placement speed of a medium-speed machine is usually around 30,000 components per hour for chip components. A high-speed machine typically operates at 30,000 to 60,000 components per hour, mainly when placing chip components smaller than 0603 as the standard reference.
2. Machine structure
Medium-speed machines mostly use a gantry structure, which is relatively simple, offers lower placement accuracy, occupies less floor space, and has lower environmental requirements. High-speed machines more commonly use a composite structure, which can achieve high-speed placement while meeting the accuracy requirements of miniature chip components. Some older high-speed models used turret structures, but these have largely been phased out.
3. Types of products placed
Medium-speed machines are mainly used for placing larger components, high-precision components, and odd-form components, while also being capable of placing small chip components. High-speed machines are primarily used for placing small chip components and small integrated components. For non-standard nozzles, custom feeder guides, or precision fixtures needed to adapt either type of machine to specific component sizes, Hansheng Automation can provide custom machining based on customer drawings.
4. Application scope
Medium-speed machines are widely used in small and medium-sized electronics manufacturing enterprises, R&D design centers, and manufacturers characterized by high-mix, low-volume production. High-speed machines are used extensively in large electronics manufacturing companies and professional OEM enterprises.
5. Price
Medium-speed machines are relatively inexpensive. High-speed machines are generally about 60% more expensive than medium-speed machines.
