Skip to main content

Pick and Place Machine

Published Date
Author Cadence PCB Solutions

Key Takeaways

  • A pick and place machine is a specialized industrial automation tool used in PCB manufacturing and assembly processes.

  • Its primary function is to pick up components, such as surface-mount devices (SMDs), and accurately place them on the PCB.

  • A pick and place machine is a vital tool in PCB assembly, providing automation, precision, speed, and consistency, contributing to the efficient production of electronic devices.

Automatic pick and place machine installs components on a PCB

Automatic pick and place machine installs components on a PCB

A pick and place machine is a specialized industrial automation tool used in manufacturing and assembly processes, particularly electronics manufacturing. Its primary function is to pick up components, such as surface-mount devices (SMDs), and accurately place them on the PCB. The machine is vital in electronic device assembly, enabling high-speed and precision placement of components. The table below lists the essential components of a pick and place machine.

Key Components of a Pick and Place Machine

Feeder System

Holds and supplies the components to the pick and place head 

Vision System

Uses cameras or other sensors to identify the position of components, ensuring accurate placement on the PCB

Pick and Place Head

Picks up components from the feeder and places them onto the PCB 

Conveyor System

Transports the PCBs through the pick and place machine, ensuring an efficient assembly process

Control System

Controls the movement and actions of the pick and place machine, coordinates the entire process, and ensures accurate positioning

In modern electronics manufacturing, pick and place machines are crucial tools for handling high-volume production with high accuracy. It significantly improves efficiency and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual assembly.

How a Pick and Place Machine Helps with PCB Assembly

A pick and place machine plays a crucial role in automating the placement of electronic components onto the PCB, which is a critical step in the PCB assembly process. It helps with PCB assembly in the following ways:

Automated Component Placement

  • A pick and place machine automates picking up electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and other SMDs, from their reels or trays.

  • It precisely places these components onto the designated locations on the PCB based on the coordinates provided by the PCB design.

High Precision and Speed

  • Pick and place machines offer high precision in component placement, ensuring each component is accurately positioned on the PCB according to the design specifications.

  • These machines can work at high speeds, significantly improving the efficiency of the assembly process compared to manual placement.

Increased Production Throughput

  • Automation with pick and place machines enhances production throughput, allowing for the rapid assembly of PCBs in large quantities.

  • Faster assembly contributes to quicker turnaround times for manufacturing, reducing overall production time and costs.

Component Variety and Complexity

  • Pick and place machines are versatile and can handle various component sizes, shapes, and types.

  • They can handle complex designs with a mix of small and large components, making them suitable for diverse PCB assembly requirements.

Reduced Human Error

  • Automation reduces the risk of human error associated with manual component placement. Pick and place machines operate with precision and consistency, minimizing the chances of misplacements or defects.

Improved Quality and Consistency

  • Automated component placement results in improved quality and consistency across the production line. This consistency is crucial for meeting electronic device performance and reliability standards.

Advanced Vision Systems

  • Many machines have advanced vision systems that can identify fiducial marks on the PCB, ensuring accurate component alignment. Vision systems also assist in detecting and correcting placement errors.

Assembly Flexibility

  • Pick and place machines offer flexibility in production by allowing quick changeovers between different PCB designs. 

A pick and place machine is essential for PCB assembly, contributing to the efficient and cost-effective production of electronic devices. It streamlines the manufacturing process and ensures that PCB designs are translated into physical assemblies accurately and reliably.

Cadence Offers PCB Design Tools for Your Project

If you are working on creating PCBs, Cadence offers a suite of PCB design and analysis software, including its industry-leading  OrCAD PCB Designer to assist you across all aspects of board design, which is crucial for smooth assembly facilitated by a pick and place machine. 

Leading electronics providers rely on Cadence products to optimize power, space, and energy needs for a wide variety of market applications. To learn more about our innovative solutions, talk to our team of experts or subscribe to our YouTube channel.