Precision pick & place of micro parts with an automated machine
Automated filling of miniature ceramic condensers palletized on trays, developed by Seiko Future Creation in Japan
Responsible for the R&D and production technologies for the Seiko Group, Seiko Future Creation develops valuable products and services for customers outside the group, including in the developing industry of electronic and semiconductors. Seiko Future Creation is specialized in high-speed and high-precision transfer of micro parts by utilizing experience gathered in manufacturing watch assembly equipment.
Challenge
- Automate the alignment of delicate miniature ceramic condensers on trays realized by hand so far for the next steps of the production process
- Gentle handling of micro parts, such as of Ø 0.8 mm, and ranging in size from 0.3 to 1.6 mm
- Need to distinguish the front and back sides of the parts
Solution
- Development of a micro part transfer machine to precisely align the workpieces on several trays
- Separation of parts with the Asycube 50 flexible feeder using Asyril’s patented 3-axis vibration technology with no need for part recirculation, combined with image processing equipment
- Filling of the tray at the speed of 2 seconds per piece
- Fast changeover of the trays created according to the shape and number of workpieces
Advantages
- Steady production thanks to the automatic filling
- Use of the automated system for a variety of products
- Part positioning precision of approximately 10 micrometers
- Fully reliable part picking independently the side, direction and color
- Unmanned operation of tray changers
- Reduced human intervention