New Project!  Foot activated vacuum pen for manual SMD pick and place! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 04:57:00 am
content: Here's my project.After watching a video on converting an aquarium pump into a vacuum for SMD work, I decided to give it ago. I'm tired of using tweezers, that sometimes doesn't pick up the components just right, and the spring of the tweezers makes it go flying across the room, never to be found again!I'm hoping this will also speed up the process for placing the components, as another video idea is going to help with that. This video here has given me the idea how to make it so the components will be quick and easy to pick up. (scroll to time frame 5:56 to see what I mean) Not to mention, I can know what the polarity is each and every time, without having to try and figure it out when they are lying on the table in individual components. Before I was just releasing them from the tape/reel, and setting them on the table or grabbing them from the component tray. What a nightmare!So, I went and purchased these:http://www.ebay.com/itm/261516242105http://www.ebay.com/itm/291306173232http://www.ebay.com/itm/171011998993http://www.ebay.com/itm/400446142726I still need to purchase a 3-way 'tee' (or a 'Y' preferably) to separate the lines, and also figure out what to do about some kind of a foot switch. So far, I'm striking out on finding something small, yet, practical.I also need to figure out how to modify the pen to work as well with the airline. I think If I just drill the end of the pen I bought, and press fit the airline into it, and then use some adhesive lined heatshrink to seal the hole for the switch built into the pen, that will work; removing the switch of course, since I am converting it into a foot switch)There was a guy who made one, but it was simply a block of wood, with a nylon 90 degree elbow coming up through it with the air line connected to other end. When it is plugged, the pen picks up the SMD component, unplug it and the pen releases the SMD component. I could see that working, but with a pair of shoes on, I can't. Maybe a pair of shoes with a flat bottom, or no shoes at all and bare feet. I don't want that, so I'm looking for some type of a pedal, any ideas? The ones on eBay are just to big and awkward.For those interested, here's the video on converting the Pump into a vacuum. Pretty easy to do.Now, I thought about just using the pen, with a hole to plug with my finger, but I could see that every time I moved my thumb or finger to release the air pressure and drop the chip onto the board....well, I could see the pen jerk just a little, and that would defeat the purpose (in my eyes anyway) of going through this trouble to try and place the components on the boards a little more accurately. So a foot switch is definitely what I want to do. Anyone know of a cheap pneumatic foot switch I could use and maybe somewhere locally I could get it?, Portland, OR.I will post picks after I get the parts and finish the modifications.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:26:03 am
content: I used this pedal. You can use it as normally open or normally closed.http://amzn.com/B005GRCKMand this valvehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Miniature-3-way-normally-closed-solenoid-valve-1-4-034-NPT-115-PSI-12-volt-DC-/301021177728?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160You can get normally open or normally closed valves. I went with a normally closed one. This is a three way valve with two through ports and one relief. You will also need NPT Male Barb Hose/Tubing Fitting, don't recall the size.BTW, I used BeadSmith Pick-It-Up Vacuum Tool pump, it works better IMO than the Whisper and is adjustable.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:28:11 am
content: Yes, yes and double yes!I am going to build one too.Thank you for sharing the idea.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:34:13 am
content: Hmm, I had not even thought of going with an electric pedal. I'll have to research it, but $20 for that valve is way above budget for this thing.I was thinking more of an air valve, direct hookup, no wall plug and electric valve needed (added cost)But, that may just work, and might be able to keep it under 10 bucks.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:41:23 am
content: You know what?I'm gonna hold off on buying that switch and valve.I bet, that pump runs off 12vdc, and I might be able to tap into that for the valve. I'll check that when it comes in.That would save $4 from having to buy a walwart, and, will make it so only one plug is needed for the whole thing.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:48:45 am
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on December 16, 2014, 05:34:13 amThere are pneumatic pedals like this one. Don't know how well they are.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amico-2-Way-2-Position-Foot-Operate-Pneumatic-Pedal-Valve-Blue-3FM210-08-SS-/221550564352?pt=Pneumatic_Hydraulic_Valves_Parts&hash=item3395715400In general just bleeding some vacuums does not provide good release. Even with the electric valve (which completely disconnects the vacuums pass and release the vacuums via the relief port) the release of small components is not perfect. I think that the professional units generate a small puff of positive presume to ensure component release.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:57:38 am
content: A electrically operated valve would reduce lag.

author: stelios
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 11:19:03 am
content: I've build this a while ago and I'm simply using a series T connector at the same position as the button on that pen. Block the T with my finger to pick, move my finger away to place.It works just fine for 0402s although this is more of a casual rig tbh.

author: miceuz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 11:30:00 am
content: Frankly, I've just settled on using my mouth to create vacuum. Works reliably, full controll, you can add more or less vacuum as per part size, add a puff for release, etc. Just finished my first reel of 0603 caps. The only downside - you can't really talk while pick and placinghttp://youtu.be/pdGSFc7VjBE?t=4m25s

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 11:37:04 am
content: What is the benefit compared to using tweezers? My very brief daliance with these a few years back was far from successful, this was on 0402. I watched mikeselectricstuff's SMD video but again, I couldn't figure out what was better with this compared to using a pair of angled tweezers, my own preferred weapon.I can see them working for large chips with small pitch, but I just don't get it when used with jellybean parts. Feel free to educate me though!

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 12:30:54 pm
content: Quote from: miceuz on December 16, 2014, 11:30:00 amIn my very limited experience, having positive pressure for release is very beneficial to the point of being necessary. Without it the components have an annoying tendency to remain on the picker for a while until the pressure has completely equalised - or even indefinitely.The reason is unknown (but probably a combination of static, van-der-wall's forces, grease, surface tension) but irrelevant.

author: ion
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 01:08:51 pm
content: I built something similar a while back.If you want a low cost foot pedal, I don't think you can get much cheaper than 2 bits of plywood joined by a hinge on one end and a momentary switch on the bottom one. Some scrap wood glued on to the bottom will provide clearance for the wires.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 02:40:56 pm
content: My solutionHere

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 03:18:53 pm
content: Robrenz ,I am almost done going through withdrawal , while waiting for another video

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:13:35 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 16, 2014, 02:40:56 pmVery nice design. The problem I have is that small parts sometimes keep sticking to the nozzle even though the 3 port valve blocks the pump and fully discharge the hose. Not sure why, maybe residue from the paste, maybe magnetic, maybe static, not sure. What I do is pressing the component slightly into the paste such that it sticks to it but it would be nice to have cleaner release. I was thinking about adding positive pressure but didn't come with a good way to do so (my pump doesn't have a positive pressure port).

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:19:29 pm
content: Probably V2 of Robrenz's design will include a smaller diameter pipe that provides some bleed air, and placed so that it gives a pulse of air as the nozzle releases. Might be best implemented as a coaxial pipe with a slightly larger outer pipe that is crimped like the inner, and only brazed at the one end with the back end in a compliant restraint, with a air feed that only provides a small air bleed with most going out the back as well to give a controlled low pressure pulse.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 05:49:58 pm
content: The length of hose from the valve to the nozzle is a vacuum accumulator and takes time to equalize even when the valve opens hose to ambient. That is why I put the valve as close to the tip as practically possible to make that accumulator volume as small as possible. Also why I tried to achieve a very large valve orifice yet minimize the stroke by making the orifice oval. I think the ideal would be a foot switch controlling a valve positioned like mine. There is no argument that having your hand able to concentrate on position only and not also open close motions gives more precise control.Edit: Accumulator is the Pneumatic/Hydraulic equivalent of a capacitor. longer hose = more capacitance = longer discharge time.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 06:03:14 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 16, 2014, 05:49:58 pmMy 'capacitor' is a few feet long hose but I didn't notice significant delays. Is it possible that the faster release rate of a smaller capacitor also improves the release? (Even though the final pressure is the same in both cases).Have you noticed very small components sticking to the tip?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 06:12:59 pm
content: I have only use it on 0603 and did not have any problems.The diameter of the hose has an effect also as a smaller diameter will increase the "ESR" of the hose making the time to reach ambient at the tip end take longer. But a larger hose diameter will take longer to reach vacuum level on pickup because of its larger "capacitance" (volume)

author: kingofkya
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 06:29:58 pm
content: you can get some cheaper used valves from amazon.12 of em for $20http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GGRNAUI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&p;sc=1I used em for my vacuum pickup build:) In my setup i used 2 of em the one ine line with the vacume is attached to normaly closed of a relay and normal open is connected to the valve that functions as a pressure releases. I have had very good succes with a simple hand held switch.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/making-the-x-tronix-9000-vacuum-tool-work/

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:29:11 pm
content: hmm, good idea about the no and nc for pick up and release.but, wouldn't i need two pumps for that? One for blowing, one for sucking?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:33:31 pm
content: If a pump sucks it must blow also.If a pump blows it must suck also.robrenz 12/15/2014

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:36:57 pm
content: Not for the pump i showed in Original Post. It only goes one way by switching the diaphram around. It either will blow, or it will suck.What if I got a valve like this and put it close to the pen?http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-phase-3-channel-mini-Solenoid-Valve-Discharge-Ventilation-Valve-6V-12V-/231026023759?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item35ca395d4f

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:42:00 pm
content: The air flow resistance of the valve in either position may have an effect on how quick the pickup and release are.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:46:25 pm
content: but it is small enough, I can maybe mount it on top of the pen. It would allow the air to discharge, releasing the component.

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:51:14 pm
content: The wind does not blow , it sucksWind is air being sucked into a low pressure area .Almost any pump , vacuum or pressure will produce both , mostly it just depends on how you hook up to it .It only varies on efficiency and any critical demands - high pressure , high vacuum , high volume of either .Talking about using so little of all of above moving SMD's , that any one pump can have plumbing for both at the same time , get some fittings and check it out .

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 07:56:14 pm
content: k, I don't understand I guess.The only way I could see that happening, is if the Pump I bought has two outlets, one for blowing, one for sucking. It only has one output, and leaving in stock mode, it blows. Switching that diaphragm around 180 degrees, and it sucks.

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 08:48:22 pm
content: No internal anything to change , just plumbing on the out side .All compressors have an intake - vacuum and an exhaust - pressure .Put a small tank on both sides - Plumbing / 2 tanks , and you have a reservoir for both vacuum & pressure .THE INTAKE IS CREATING A VACUUM - use it alsoSince this is an electronics form , switching terms , diode , extending the intake with a tank , now the tank has an intake - put your diode there / reed-valve or what ever you want to get the vacuum tank to hold a vacuum .Neither the intake or exhaust tanks are open to atmosphere .

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 09:08:39 pm
content: John,would you mind quickly drawing a diagram? I'm more of a visual person. I see it, then I can fully understand.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 09:29:01 pm
content: Hmm, I should have bought the Whisper 100 instead. It has two pumps. I could have had both pressure and vacuum.http://www.instructables.com/id/Vacuum-Pump-from-Aquarium-Air-Pump/Using that and a 3-way solenoid valve, like the one I posted, That would have worked.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 11:05:18 pm
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on December 16, 2014, 09:29:01 pmI also found that being able to adjust the pump speed is also useful. Light parts and heavy parts need different suction.

author: mark03
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 12:56:56 am
content: Quote from: Howardlong on December 16, 2014, 11:37:04 amCan someone answer Howard's question? I've never used vacuum pick-n-place either, and have the same question. Is this really faster than tweezers?

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 01:07:09 am
content: it is faster, i think. plenty of videos on youtube.The main reason I am doing it, is because, like i said before, when picking up small components, like 0603, they some times go flying across the room if I happen to apply just alittle too much grip to the tweezers.Another reason I am doing this, is because picking up other components, like sc70-6, with leads, sometimes the tweezers get stuck on the leads, if I have to pick them up that way and don;t want to turn the circuit board's orientation so the chip sits on the board the right way.Just watch the videos. It's definitely quicker and more accurate placement, as you can use your other hand to maneuver the component into place before lifting your foot off the switch to drop the component.The other advantage, like it was shown in the other video I linked to.....you don't have to remove the chips out of the reel, like you would have to if using tweezers. This is very useful, as the direction of an LED, Diode, and other components that are a 'one-way' type chip would otherwise need a microscope to figure out it's direction. Chips like the sc70-6 sometimes I have to use a magnifying glass to see which is pin 1. However, if I left them in the reel, and indicated next to the strip (like the guy had laid out on cardboard and strips taped down), all I'd have to do is just pick them up and place them. I would already know that pin one was down and to right (or whatever it may be) because on reels, they don't change (i think anyway, would make sense, otherwise, how does the pick & place machines know?).

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 02:17:46 am
content: Quote from: mark03 on December 17, 2014, 12:56:56 amI don't know if it is faster for me but definitely easier and more accurate (I am using a foot pedal so no last minute shaking due the the release action).

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 02:42:42 am
content: Very nice diy machine

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 03:41:04 am
content: Robrenz, it's interesting that you mentioned the analog between pneumatic and electrical capacitance. When I designed my manual pick and place contraption I assumed the same similarity between pneumatic valves and electrical switches but was surprise that the symbols and concepts of the former was much more complex.For example

author: aroby
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 03:51:02 am
content: Couldn't you just buy one of thesehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/BEADSMITH-PICK-IT-UP-Vacuum-tool-to-pick-up-place-small-items-Jewelry-Crafts-/291324467758?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43d44a9a2e?

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 03:59:09 am
content: yes aroby, I couldBut....I'd be face with inaccuracy as my thumb/finger goes on and off the hole to stop/allow the suction. This creates a slight jerking of the pen, which, I'm trying to avoid doing.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 04:00:54 am
content: Quote from: aroby on December 17, 2014, 03:51:02 amThis is what I am using. Strong pump with adjustable pressure. I just added a pedal and solenoid valve. The advantages are more stable and stable release (no shaking due to the finger movement and zero vacuum when releasing).

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 04:35:31 am
content: Another pump & pencil assembly if you are prepared to buy cheap:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-vacuum-suction-pump-for-bga-rework-station-use-bga-machine-chips-sucking-tool-bga/32218793906.htmlNote NO mains voltage stated.Sure it needs some valveing as this thread replies indicate.No relationship with seller.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2014, 07:37:20 am
content: Quote from: zapta on December 17, 2014, 02:17:46 amIt is WAAAY faster for me...all the way down to 0201's. I use bent 45 degree pickups that allow me to place under a microscope and still see the component. The Vacuum pickup allows me to pickup the part in nearly the right orientation so I only have slightly manipulate the rotation with my wrist. It took a few PCB's to get a flow, but I would literally not attempt to make a PCB without a vacuum tool. I use tweezers for hand soldering replacement parts and other things, but when I have to place thousands and thousands of components - vacuum is it.I place about 5k parts per week this way - every week. Stencil some solder and put it in the oven - done.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2014, 06:26:25 pm
content: I posted on thingieverse a 3D model of a vacuum hand picker. There are two versions, with and without release hole (e.g. if you use an external foot activate valve). It's a is piece design so assembly and gluing are not required.http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:607270To move explore the details of the blue images click on Thinkview button to enable the active viewer.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 06:24:44 am
content: Finally got in the footswitch and the solenoid valve. I haven't had a chance to actually start placing chips on a board yet. But I did layout some taped SMD components and larger ones sitting in a bin.While I can't pick up a large voltage regulator or large aluminum cap, I can pick up SOP4 packages and TTSSOP-14 with ease.This is my first vacuum pick up tool, and I am amazed at how much more accurate it is to pick up, vs. using tweezers. Where you set the part, is where it stays!I often had to slightly move parts (sometimes unsuccessful) with the tweezers because when I released the part using the tweezers, my hand moved, or the tweezers had picked up the part in such a way, that it flung across the room as I picked it up or that when setting the part back down, it wouldn't sit flat on solder paste. NOT ANYMORE!I love this tool, and I have to say, probably the best $40 I ever spent.I will try and get pictures posted soon. Late here tonight, as it is currently 10:30pm. I also need to figure it out so the solenoid valave and the pump can be on one plug. It uses a plug for each right now.Anyway, if anyone is contemplating whether it is worth the time and money to do this....STOP THINKING and just do it. It is worth it. I LOVE THIS TOOL!

author: eneuro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2015, 11:32:49 am
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on December 16, 2014, 05:34:13 amIt could be nice to have such vaccum pen, but while 3 axis accelerometer & gyro is priced at about $10 at digi, maybe it can be done smarter than by using electric pedalhttp://www.invensense.com/mems/gyro/documents/PS-MPU-6000A-00v3.4.pdfI've this MPU-6050 on board and it is quite easy using I2C detect movements or even do more fancy things like gesture recognitions, so probably I will go this way and see what happends

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 05:22:23 am
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on February 04, 2015, 06:24:44 amParts links?Pictures?Would love either or both

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2015, 08:56:47 am
content: I will try and get some tomorrow, it is 12:46am now, I goto bed.I still need to buy an outlet strip with at least 5 outlets. that way, I can use Reflow Oven, Pump, Solenoid Valve, Soldering Iron, and Fume Extractor. I have a dedicated 15amp circuit in my room I can use. I am hoping that the 15amp circuit is enough. It may not be, however. That oven draws 1500watts, and a 15 amp circuit can handle up to 2250watts. I am not sure of the watt draw for the soldering iron.UPDATE: Just looked on bottom of Hakko 888 iron. it says 70W, so I should be okay to run everything off that one outlet strip.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2015, 10:56:51 am
content: Well, I had a chance to apply some SMD components to a board using this. It works and is faster, however, several problems....My boards are too big, and I kept getting my palm in the solder paste and smufging it on the board, as I was placing components. That isn't gonna work very well. I think I spent more time fixing solder paste, tan I did placing components.Another problem was that if the needle didn't place the part down at a true 90 degree angle, then once the part touched the solderpaste, it would rotate or move.Also, the vacuum wasn't quite enough. I had a 40gal Tetra aquarium pump converted to suck (instead of blow), and it just wasn't enough, The part would come off the second it touched the paste. The part isn't suppose to come off until i take my foot off the switch. SO I will upgrade the pump to a 100g unit.So,PHASE TWO!I ordered up the parts today, and picked up the Aluminum. I am going to make a manual Pick & Place using a vacuum pen, as before. This should keep my hand from smudging the paste, and also should be able to pick up the parts and place them, keeping the pen at a true 90 degrees from the pcb surface. Parts should go much better.I am making it 27.5 inches by 26 inches. I don't know why I picked this number, I just did. It should allow plenty of room for an A4 size PCB board, and plenty of room to place strips of SMD components I can tape down to the surface. I plan on laminating this surface as well, so that the double stick tape used to tape down the SMD Tape can be lifted off with ease when finished. Later, I'll make some trays.I am also adding a pen style USB microscope to the carriage, next to the vacuum pen, so I can easily see the small parts being placed using my laptop.It will be done similar to this one in this video...As some of my parts come from China, And they are in there 2 week holiday thing, I'll have to wait to get my parts though. It would have cost me about another $15 to get all the parts here in the US, and since I'm not really in a hurry, I decided to save the money and wait.I'll post it up when I get it done. I'm hoping a friend can use his CNC to cut all the parts for me (really, there's only one part, rest can be cut on a table saw, but the CNC can pre-drill all the mounting holes, and accurately)

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 01:15:34 am
content: Managed to get alittle of the design finished.The green area is an A4 size PCB Board. The strips on the left are 8mm wide 0603 components. I haven't had time to draw anymore or to draw an actual tray/guides for them. That will come later. I also have not had the time to draw the Vacuum Pen or the USB Microscope, but both of them go on that mounting bracket in the center of the picture.EDIT: Got the vacuum pen, USB Microscope, and Bolts/Nuts drawn in. Can't wait to get the parts in and give this thing a try.The center points of the microscope and the vacuum pen line up on the surface of a 1.6mm thick board. I don't think I will need to change that angle of the microscope, based off that. obviously, the microscope can be moved in and out and also has manual adjustment for focusing. I think that should be good enough.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 08:50:23 am
content: Played around with it a little more. My first time doing a simulation! Kinda neat.Anyway, does this look like something that I should continue to do? It looks as if this will be a useful tool in assembling components for my prototype boards in the future.

author: eneuro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2015, 12:53:55 pm
content: I had a slightly different idea of such assembly & CNC machineAlready made customLinuxCNCkinetics module which allows drive its stepper motors usingG-code.Anyway we need to rotate components in Z axis, so adding stepper mottor there and visual camera with OpenCV to make automatic recognition of components in working area might be real enahancement, but of course this is beyond a weekend project.However, It was quite easy write kinetics module for LinuxCNC for my huge CNC machine concept to translate G-code in manual mode commands to this looking a little bit complicated radial movements, so I'm going into this direction, with very different vacuum pen holder which will allow visual camera look from top to bottom at 90 degrees angle-not in side view- which I believe will let me automate process of SMD parts placement

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2015, 04:33:54 am
content: well, still working on the design. I've redesigned the pen o include indexing at 45 degree intervals. Simply swivel the front of the bracket into place, and tighten a thumb screw to secure it, then the pen can index at the intervals.I've also updated it to eliminate most of the mounting screws by using brackets to assembly the stuff together. This should mainstream the assembly process. I just need to find someone with a 3d printer to print them for me. Too bad I can't goto Radio Shack and Rent a 3d printer for the day. LOL. If only. They aint gonna be around soon, several have already closed near me.ANyway, what do ya'll think?

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2015, 11:18:27 pm
content: Been working on this design a little more. I think I got the SMD Trays figured out. I'll need to make some type of attachment however to hold the reels.3d PDF includedHEREto see how it all fits together. The file size is just over 27mb, and 3D View must be enabled.I've made it so the trays are all the same size. Each tray will have seven 8mm openings, five 12mm openings, four 16mm openings, or three 24mm openings, depending on which one needed. They will be color coded as well.The carrier, as discussed before, has room on it for both the vacuum pen and a 12mm diameter USB Microscope. The vacuum pen will be able to index at 45 degree angles, or you can be 0-360 degrees just by unscrewing the thumb screw and swiveling the indexing bracket out of the way.The table will allow up to 8 SMD trays (4 on each side), plus room for free components, like FPGA's etc. that will not fit in the trays. The top will be routed out so the trays and the pcb can lock into place and be square with the machine. The machine can fit up to A4 size (210mmx297mm) Circuit Board for assembly.I may build a stand for this as well, that way, the reels can hang off the end or underneath the machine to give more room to sit by and operate with the hand. I'll look into seeing how much aluminum extrusion is. I like the ease of assembly with that stuff.Anyway, what do you all think?