MC388 High Mix High Component Count or LEDs

Slim Design Maximizes Capacity

Manncorp MC series Smart tape feeders set a new standard for accurate, dependable and economical SMD presentation. The slim-profile design of these smart feeders maximizes the number of feeders that can be mounted in the space available on the pick and place machine.

Unique IDs Access Relevant Feeder Data When Feeder Is Plugged In

Each smart tape feeder has a DB-9 interface connector on its front end. The DB-9 plugs into any MC series smart feeder base to allow communication between the MC series control software and the memory module that's built into each feeder. The memory module stores a unique feeder ID number that, as soon as the feeder is plugged into a base, instantly links it with its relevant data: assigned feeder position (port), feeder size and type, component value, lot code, date code, starting quantity, index increment, and package type.

Automatic Index Adjustment Prevents Pick-up Errors

MC series pick & place machines can use vision to calculate the offset of the component tape from the taught pickup position and index the tape feeder forward or backward accordingly. This feature is especially useful when reloading a feeder with a new reel where the alignment of the tape pocket position is slightly off from the position of the previous reel. If pickup errors associated with loose tolerances between components and tape pockets are a problem, this feature can be set to check and index on every pickup for the feeders with the problem tape reels.

Full Range of Feeder Sizes

Smart tape feeders are available in 8 mm to 72 mm widths with programmable tape index settings from 2 mm to 36 mm. Variable tape index settings, from 16 mm to 26 mm, can also be stored in the smart feeder memory modules. This is particularly useful for 32 mm through 72 mm tape widths when extra component length requires more than the standard 4 mm, 8 mm or 12 mm tape index. Storing these setting in the memory module ensures that the settings will be used for that feeder regardless of where it is loaded—even if it is loaded on a different machine.

Smart Tape Feeder Carts for Storage and Off-Line Kitting

Transport, store, and protect your valuable Smart Tape Feeders with the sturdy, dual-tiered Smart Tape Feeder Storage Carts. The model FR-ST64 (shown) holds as many as 64 individual 8 mm Smart Tape Feeders, while the larger FR-ST96 can hold a total of 96. This handy accessory can be wheeled easily from the kitting area to the production floor and organizes feeder handling for quick and efficient setup and changeover. The heavy-duty tubular construction holds each feeder securely and shields them from impact as they move around the assembly floor.

Universal Stick Feeders for Flexibility

Manncorp smart stick feeders can be positioned directly adjacent to Manncorp smart tape feeders and, like the tape feeders, are able to communicate with the MC series software via DB-9 interface connectors that plug into the smart feeder base. The memory modules store unique ID numbers that link the individual lanes in the feeder hardware with relevant feeder data, including assigned feeder position, component data, belt indexing increments, and on/off time control settings for the vibratory/gravity feed portion of the feeder.

Automatic Component Quantity Tracking

The software also tracks the number of components used, updating each feeder's memory module at the end of the production run with the quantity remaining on the reel (based on the number of pickups). This value, like the feeder ID, is retained with the feeder even after the feeder has been removed from the feeder base. When that feeder is loaded for new—or even a different—production run, the component quantity will be read from the smart feeder back into the assembly program so that an accurate component count can continue.

Feeder Position Verification

When using optimized feeder positions (a feature included in the MC series software), smart feeder IDs can be verified against feeder position data to ensure that the correct feeders are in the correct connector ports.

Position Scanning for Fast Changeover

When optimized feeder positions are not used, the system can automatically scan the loaded feeders for their IDs and inform the assembly program of each pick-up's feeder location.

Quick-Change Feeder Locations

If the operator, for whatever reason, has to position the smart feeders in a different arrangement on the machine or doesn't want to reposition smart feeders that are used in consecutive production runs, the Change Feeder Location Function can be used to import the new feeder ID data into the pick and place file.

Cut Out Manual Data Entry

An optional bar code reader can make quick work of reading and entering component data, including value, lot code, date code and starting quantity, directly from the reel or other packaging.

TS-1 Tray Holder

TS-1 tray holder occupies approximately 13" x 5.5" (330 mm x 140 mm) of work area and is designed to hold a standard 12.4" x 5.35" (316 mm x 136 mm) JEDEC Matrix Tray or up to two cut strip tape holders. The TS-1 provides adjustability for a wide variety of smaller matrix tray and waffle pack combinations and can easily be modified for custom tray configurations.

CST Cut Strip Tape Holders for Short Lengths of Taped Components

CST Cut Strip Tape Holders are a handy accessory for presenting components that are supplied in short lengths of tape due to their low quantity of usage or to prevent the waste of components in sections of tape that are too short to be loaded into tape feeders. This photo shows standard holders for 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm and 24 mm tapes. Other sizes are available upon special request.