Single Lane Tube Feeder and Loader peripherals expand automated programming capability of small devices.
 
Support the consistent loading and unloading of small package parts from carrier tubes. Tooling is currently available for small pin count devices in TSOC, SOIC, TSSOP and MSOP packages.
 
Multiple base units of these ultra-compact automated device feeders and loaders can be mounted on one machine for expanded production capability. Supported on the 3000 and 4000 series automated programming systems.
 

Direct Logix, directlogix.com

Advanced Manufacturing Suite (AMS) 2.0 maximizes performance of Assembléon machines and provides connectivity to other machines and software used in the factory, for a reportedly short design-to-production time, fast ramp-up, low cost per placement and high output.
 
Can move many production preparation functions off-line, said to assure error-free set-ups and eliminate bottlenecks and component starvation.
 
Rapid NPI is achieved by decoupling preparation tasks from board production through off-line implementation of operations such as creation of vision files and data preparation, electrical verification of R, C and L values, and checking of the barcodes on reels. Provides a central database for programs and vision files.
 
Has production scheduling and line optimization functionality, eliminating bottlenecks that impact production volume and time. It generates placement programs and feeder set-ups for every machine in the production line. A feeder viewer enables analysis and allows dynamic re-assignment of feeders.
 
Features off-line and on-line verification of set-ups, with an optional CLi interface using RFID technology for automatic set-up verification. Provides line control and data transfer with all machines in the line, with functionality including production line start/stop, upload/download of programs and component database information to the line, MIS data download and line warm-up. Optionally enables remote line monitoring and operation.
 
Data from set-up verification supports logistics by monitoring component usage and tracking inventory, issuing an alert on potential shortages to avert component starvation. Timely information to the operator indicates how many boards can still be produced or how many production hours remain with the available on-machine component inventory. The component tracking software also forms the foundationfor the lot traceability system, which tracks production details on a real-time basis for possible future product recalls.
 
Manufacturers can choose the entry level which meets their current requirements and add hardware and software modules.
 
Those at Productronica this week can view the suite at Stand A4.179.
 
 Assembléon, assembleon.com
 

St. Louis – The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co. with a patent on its Rapid Response electric heat exchanger, a circulation heater for gases and other fluids.
 
The electric heat exchanger heats gases and fluids as they circulate through the unit’s tubular design.  It offers users a quick response rate and peak performance in high-pressure conditions for applications requiring a high degree of precision. Applications include solvent replacement, fuel cell gas heating, biomass extraction, refrigeration systems, gas heating, humidity generation, bio reclamation and food and deionized water heating.
 
Can be custom-configured to fit into small areas without sacrificing wattage.  Has integral temperature sensing and is energy efficient.  Since the entire heater is immersed in the circulated chemistry, it virtually eliminates heat loss to the surrounding environment.  In some applications, heat loss can be reduced further through the use of molded insulation surrounding the heating element.
 
Watlow, watlow.com