Date: 21/10/2010

New smart feeders from APS Novastar for vision based pick and place machines

APS Novastar has made available the new SMTrue Smart Feeders for use with its vision-based automated Pick and Place Machines used in electronics manufacturing. SMTrue Smart Feeders are available in feeder types, including Tape, Bank, Vibratory, Matrix, and Cut-Tape.

Managed through a Smart Feeder Database, each SMTrue Smart Feeder is assigned an Unique Feeder ID. The Smart Feeder Database manages all important component information including address, position, component dimensions, count and even tape index and vibratory control. The Smart Feeder Software has the ability to recognize the presence or absence of a feeder, including a checklist of previously programmed information, creating an error-free programming and changover environment.. SMTrue Smart Feeders also provide interactive feedback on when component count becomes low or a feeder runs out of components.

SMTrue Smart Feeders increase the PCB assembly efficiency and accuracy of APS Novastar's vision-based automated pick and place machines. Pick and place machine models that support the new SMTrue Smart Feeders include the free-standing LS60V, LS60V-LED, LS40V, and LE40V benchtop model.

"Our new SMTrueTM Smart Feeders are designed to provide our customers with an additional level of reliability and performance," says Tim Kardish, APS Novastar President and CEO. "In addition, the ease of operating these feeders will increase our users' efficiency, enable them to setup and changeover runs faster, and minize, if not eliminate, errors."