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SMT – Pick and Place Process

Zenaca Consulting Revision 0

Amarpreet Singh Dec 13, 2023
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Agenda
• Purpose

• SMT Line details

• Major OEM for Pick n Place

• Component mounting process

• Factors influencing component mounting

• Feeder verification

• Best practices

• Common defects
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Purpose

“ The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive

overview of the Component mounting process ( Pick n Place ) in
the context of printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).”
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SMT Line Details

Solder Solder Auto

PCB Pick n Reflow PCB Un-
Paste Paste Optical
Loader Place Soldering Loader
Printing Inspection Inspection

• The Pick and Place process is a critical component of

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly, playing a
pivotal role in the manufacturing of the PCBA.

• The primary function of Pick and Place is to accurately

and efficiently position surface mount components onto
the PCB.
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SMT Equipment Details

• A reference line with Fuji Pick n place machine.

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Pick n PLace - Major OEM

1. ASM Assembly Systems 7. Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd
(Formerly Siemens PLM (Formerly known as Samsung
Software) Techwin)
2. Panasonic Corporation
8. Europlacer
3. Fuji Corporation
9. Universal Instruments
4. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Corporation
5. Juki Corporation
10.Assembleon (now part of Kulicke
6. Mycronic AB
& Soffa):
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Component Mounting Process

v Component Pickup: The machine's robotic arms or nozzles are programmed to pick up components
from the designated feeders. Various pickup techniques are employed based on component type,
including vacuum suction or mechanical grippers.

v Transportation to Placement Site: The Pick and Place machine transports the picked-up components
to the designated placement site on the PCBA. Conveyor systems or gantry movements facilitate the
seamless transportation of components.

v Vision System Verification: Before placement, vision systems reconfirm component orientation and
alignment. Fiducial recognition and alignment correction ensure accuracy in the placement process.

v Placement on the PCBA: The machine precisely places components onto the PCB according to the
pre-programmed coordinates. High-speed actuators and calibrated nozzles contribute to accurate and
rapid placement.

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Factors Influencing Component Placement

Equipment Methods Materials Environment Operators
● Machine ● Placement ● Components ● Cleanliness ● Discipline
calibration parameters ● Packing quality ● Temperature ● Experience
● Nozzle ● Vision data ● Bare board control and and knowledge
condition ● Nozzles quality and monitoring ● Awareness and
● Placement selection handling ● Humidity sensitivity
accuracy ● PCB Support & ● PCB Flatness ● Authority
● PCB Support Clamping ● Solder paste
● Vision System ● Changeover deposited on
● Feeders efficiency the PCBA
maintenance
● Programming

• Operators : Training, Experience and knowledge, Passion and authority

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PCB Support
o It is important to have PCB support in place so that the PCB is
held sturdy during the placement process.

o There are templates those needs to be designed for every PCB’s

making sure there is enough support at each area of the PCB.

o The template should also make sure the support pins are not
touching and putting any pressure on the already mounted
components ( if mounted during the first cycle )

o Usually a support pin is recommended every 4”.

o For high volume products it is recommended to invest into

support blocks for each PCBA.
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Nozzle Selection
ü It is important to select the correct nozzle size for the component
needs to be picked up as per the sequence.
ü If the nozzle size is too small, the component might move after the
pick up.
ü If the nozzle size is big compared to the component, there will be a
loss of vacuum during the pick, it will result in component droppage.

✅ ✅ ✅ ❌
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Nozzle Examples

Nozzle sizes for Samsung SM421

Nozzle sizes for FUJI NXT

* Specific nozzles can be designed for
odd shape components
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Component Placement Sequence

Chip Shooter

1. Small discrete 0201, 0402, 0603 , 0805 , 1206, SOT etc.

2. Small leaded Components ( SOIC , SSOP, LLCC etc. )
3. D Packs, Tantalums, Inductor ( using slow speed )

IC Placer ( Fine pitch placer )

1. SOIC , SSOP, LLCC etc.

2. BGA, QFP, Processors, Sockets
3. SMT Connectors and taller components
4. Odd form components
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Feeder Verification System

It is a strong recommendation to have a software for controlling the feeders to avoid wrong
loading of components. The software while using the QR/Barcode scanners match

ü - Pick n Place program

ü - Feeder location
ü - Component information from feeder

Once all three information is matched, it allows the mounting of the components on the PCBA.
It does the same process if there is a reel changeover during the build.

Component verification system also gets configured with component traceability on the PCBA.
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Feeder Verification Manual

In case the verification software is not in place, a manual feeder
verificationion system needs to be followed.
The feeder verification should capture the below details and
match the information with the loading list.
Date and Time of Loading Feeder Location

Operator details ( Name , ID ) Component part # Internal

Program name and revision Manufacturer part #

SMT Line ID Date Code

Machine ID Quantity loaded

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Key to Successful Placement Process

➢ Knowledgeable, experienced ➢ Machine maintenance and
and passionate process calibration
engineers and SMT operators. ➢ Machine vision accuracy
➢ Controlled solder paste printing ➢ Feeder maintenance
process. ➢ Machine set up
➢ Correct nozzle size and ➢ Feeder verification
maintenance of nozzles ➢ Component data accuracy
➢ Machine maintenance and ➢ Placement data accuracy
calibration ➢ Placement sequence
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Pick n Place Common Defects

Sl.
Error Diagnosis Corrective Actions Preventive Action
No
Components are not accurately Review and optimize machine programming for Check and recalibrate vision systems to ensure Regularly update machine programs and
1 positioned on designated pads. accurate coordinates. correct component identification. conduct preventive maintenance.

Components are damaged during the Adjust placement force and speed parameters. Examine the pickup mechanism for excessive Implement regular maintenance of
2 placement process. force or improper handling. machine components and ensure proper
handling procedures.

Contaminants on nozzles affecting Implement regular nozzle cleaning and Ensure proper environmental conditions to Enforce cleanliness protocols and
3 component pickup. maintenance procedures. minimize airborne contaminants. provide adequate training for maintenance
tasks.

Components adhere to the nozzle and fail Adjust vacuum or gripping force parameters. Implement anti-static measures to reduce Regularly inspect and clean nozzles to
4 to release properly. component attraction to the nozzle. prevent build-up.

Components are not aligned correctly Review and optimize machine programming for Check and recalibrate vision systems to ensure Implement regular checks and
5 with their designated pads. accurate alignment. correct alignment. maintenance of vision systems.

Feeders may cause problems like double Inspect and troubleshoot feeders for alignment Adjust feeder settings and perform necessary Regularly inspect and calibrate feeders
6 feeding, misfeeds, or jams. issues. maintenance. and establish a routine maintenance
schedule.

Vision systems may fail to identify Review and optimize vision system settings. Calibrate or replace vision system components as Regularly maintain and update vision
7 components accurately. needed. system software and hardware.

• It is a good practice to develop an internal cookbook for SMT errors as part of training and development.
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Best Practices
Establishing Clear Processes:
• Clearly define and document the pick and place process, including component loading,

machine setup, and post-placement inspections.

• Develop standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for each step to ensure consistency.

Optimizing Machine Programming:

• Invest time in optimizing pick and place machine programs for accuracy and efficiency.

• Regularly review and update programming to incorporate improvements and

accommodate changes in component types or PCB designs.
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Best Practices
Streamlining Material Handling:
• Organize and streamline the material handling process, from
component storage, feeder loading, MSD handling, storage of
extra components issued to the line as standard reel.
• Implement efficient methods for feeder replenishment and quick
changeovers to minimize downtime..

Optimizing Machine Programming:

• Use visual cues such as color-coded feeders, labels, and
indicators to facilitate easy identification of components and their
placement locations.
• Implement visual management tools to enhance operator
understanding and decision-making.
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Operator Training
Comprehensive Training Programs:
• Develop comprehensive training programs for pick and place machine operators.
• Cover machine operation, programming, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Encourage engineers to participate in workshops, webinars, and industry conferences
to stay updated on the latest advancements in pick and place technology.
Hands-On Practice:
• Provide hands-on training opportunities to enhance operator familiarity with the pick
and place machine.
• Most of the equipment distributors these days have training centres, where
organisations can send their engineers for training, even before the machines are
installed in the factory.
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Thank You
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Do you have more questions on topic ?

Please reach me at
Email : amar@singhamarpreet.com
Contact : +91 96866 83783
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