Microsmt PnPv3 machine - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: newtekuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 12:06:50 am
content: Does anyone have any experience with the Microsmt PnPv3 machine? I could not find a lot of info about this machine on the web other than a YT video from the manufacturer with likely fake positive comments.My budget: 3K.Candidates I have in mind: Opulo LumenPNP, Neoden YY1*, Liteplacer, Microsmt PnPv3Component size: mostly ICs in TQFP/TQFN package, 8/14/16 SOICs, no BGA, some SOT-22, passives in 1206 (3216 Metric), maybe some 0603 (1608 Metric) down the line.I'm not planning to run an assembly line and don't care how fast the machine runs as long as I don't have to place the components by hand.The machine doesn't have to be based on OpenPNP, in fact I prefer closed source if the software is polished and does its job well. I am aware about the upfront time spent on dialing things in on a PnP machine, but that should not be a big issue considering I only have a few board designs I'm working on.I understand feeders are what make or break the machine. Already watched videos on Charmhigh machine issues and know about the lack of SW support for the Neoden YY1 machine which I'm a bit biased against.My goal is to have a machine that requires minimal babysitting for my price-range.https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803859373926.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.2b7768b5F9mfTl&algo_pvid=10c65a7f-3be8-41bb-9438-307a035f2add&algo_exp_id=10c65a7f-3be8-41bb-9438-307a035f2add-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21980.00%21980.0%21%21%21980.00%21%21%402101e9cf17039789941165700e7bba%2112000033474317017%21sea%21US%210%21AB&curPageLogUid=UIp7RkAYg4zl

author: level6
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 02:52:18 am
content: The MicroSMT PnP is a kit, so without a doubt there will be lots of work assembling it and getting it to cooperate with with OpenPnP. Also, you will need to supply a feeder solution for the MicroSMT PnP. MicroSMT has their own DIY feeders but, again, lots of assembly, 3D printing and debugging time. I know this because I have done it with another DIY PnP solution, a LitePlacer. The MicroSMT PnP looks like a nice machine, once you get it running, but there will be a lot of time spent getting there.The Neoden YY1 is separate from all the other systems you listed. It's a turnkey system and can up and running the same day you unpack it. After dealing with OpenPnP and DIY PnP, I decided I just needed a system that just worked, so I purchased a YY1. I had read good and bad reviews about the YY1, but I took the gamble anyway. I'm happy with my purchase of the YY1, even though it does have its quirks.

author: meshtron
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 05:34:47 am
content: QIHE TVM802 might fot your budget too. Like all machines in this lrice range, it's a bit of a compromise. But, I am finding mine to work decently with enough fiddling.

author: newtekuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 12:14:30 am
content: Thank you all for your replies! I am going with an openpnp solution after all as the neoden is out of my price range after adding shipping costs.The liteplacer is made in the EU, correct? This and the Opulo are my two contenders now.

author: level6
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 03:15:58 pm
content: The LitePlacer is from a guy in Finland. I built one and it works okay, but like any other DIY PnP, feeders are going to be the biggest issue. If you're okay using strip feeders mounted on a table then that will work for small quantities of parts. Once you get into larger PCBs with many of the same part, you will need to start looking for an automatic feeder solution, of which there are several out there.I run my LitePlacer using OpenPnP. In order to do so some modifications were needed to the controller wiring and the TinyG firmware.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2024, 11:41:04 pm
content: If speed is not an issue I think the Lumenpnp would be my choice. They seem very reputable. The person that sells the microsmt machine seems decent but my feeling is you will be on your own with this kit and might have to start tweaking it, etc.

author: BrokeEngineering
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2025, 11:46:50 pm
content: Quote from: newtekuser on December 31, 2023, 12:06:50 amWaking this from the dead.Did you get it? I am plannging on getting one soon and seems improvments made since your post. Seems like best bang for buck

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2025, 04:20:42 am
content: I have a couple charmhigh desktop units, the 64 feeder model.Works, mostly. The software is flaming hot garbage. It is honestly easier to program on the machine than use the stupid "converter software." It isn't so bad if you are doing the same design over and over, but for always something new, no way.

author: JimDrew
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2025, 07:01:32 pm
content: So, a group of us got the Microsmt PnP machines. We are all at various stages of assembly (mine is done), which was so frustrating because of the very poor documentation that I ended up making contact with the owner and I created a LOT of documentation in English with pictures and videos of the assembly process. This machine is the absolute strongest (I can literally stand on it) and most stable machine that likely exists in this size. There are no plastic (3D printed) parts that are used for anything involving structural integrity or stability. This is made of all 4020 and 2020 box tubing and metal plates that are bolted directly together. It's a tank!The machine delivered to my door with 30 feeders and extras (1080p cameras and extra nozzles) was a bit over $1200. That is a steal!Feeders are $8 each (for up to 30) when you buy a machine, and $16 after that. You need to 3D print the shell and a few parts for each feeder, but the kit comes with electronics, screws, laser cut sprocket, etc. it's quite a bargain for the feeders, which is typically the biggest expense involving pick and place machines.I setup a Discord so that we could all communicate and I am making this available for anyone who would like to join and follow along:https://discord.gg/bUt3tUUrYy

author: manicdoc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 05:13:18 am
content: I've just ordered the MicroSMT v3 - just printing some parts. I've joined the discord - happy to help with the documentation.Anyone else in Australia going on this journey of discovery?

author: Aspartame
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 02:09:00 pm
content: Upon checking videos it looks awfully slow and like a disposable unit that will likely end up in the trash after a few use.

author: manicdoc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 19, 2025, 01:40:05 am
content: I'll let you know how it goes. The structure looks to be quite rigid and strong. Also I suspect quite a bit of tuning can be undertaken.

author: JimDrew
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2025, 07:59:43 am
content: Every (real time) comparison video I have seen (including those in the Discord I setup, demonstrating it working) shows the Microsmt PNP V3 to be faster than the LumenPNP v4. The fact that the Microsmt PNPV3 is all metal (no plastic parts for anything mechanical related, like the frame or anything involvement movements) makes it extremely stable at any speed you can throw at it. The accuracy seems to be excellent too.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2025, 03:30:40 pm
content: Quote from: JimDrew on May 29, 2025, 07:59:43 amWow! Interesting to see this machine run. I went with a 20-year old Quad/Samsung machine with flying vision on all 3 nozzles. It took a lot of work to fix all that was wrong with it (it had been hacked on and stored for years in hot, humid conditions) and then I had to learn how to program it (the manuals were really bad). But, it is built like a tank and QUITE a bit faster than these bottom camera machines. When using all 3 nozzles, it can do about 4000 CPH if the optimization works out well. Looks like yours does about 1000 CPH, which isn't too bad. Of course, my machine also has a conveyor where the rails can be adjusted by just turning a crank, and electronic feeders that advance after the nozzle stops breaking a light beam across the component pick-up location. So, it can use up a whole reel of parts without reloading. The downside is the thing is HUGE! over 5 feet square and needs an air compressor.Jon

author: JimDrew
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 12:36:56 am
content: I have seen info that the Microsmt PNPV3 can do up to 2200 CPH, but I have no clue what it really is. I am still setting up my machine and picking people's brains (that have machine being used in real-world conditions). This is the reason why I setup the Discord. It's better to have a bunch of people tackling issues together than a single person trying to to stumble through something.