Insights · Pick-and-place
Four pick-and-place machines and how to choose between them
Panasonic AM100, Panasonic NPM-W2, JUKI RS-1R and JUKI LX-8 take different approaches to placement. Explore their documented configurations and the questions to discuss for your production.
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Start with your production requirements
Placement machines differ in their heads, component handling, board formats and additional process options. Your product mix, production plan and existing line determine which questions matter.
The four models below provide a starting point for discussing individual equipment or a complete SMT line. Machine selection, configuration and commercial terms are assessed for your project.
01 · Panasonic
Panasonic AM100
Modular placement machine
Model background
Panasonic describes the AM100 as a modular machine that can start production as a single unit, with further units or technologies added as requirements change.
- Placement heads
- One head with 14 nozzles
- Documented features
- Non-stop changeover allows preparation of the next product during production. Offline setup support and feeder setup navigation are options.
- Question for your selection
- How often do products change, and what setup preparation is needed?
02 · Panasonic
Panasonic NPM-W2
Modular placement platform
Model background
Panasonic documents the NPM-W2 for larger boards and components, with different placement-head and conveyor configurations.
- Placement heads
- Two heads; head options with 16, 8 or 3 nozzles
- Documented features
- Single- or dual-lane configurations. Solder-deposit and component inspection, and dispensing, are configuration options.
- Question for your selection
- Which board formats and additional processes should your setup support?
03 · JUKI
JUKI RS-1R
Smart modular mounter
Model background
The RS-1R uses JUKI’s Takumi head. Its recognition sensor changes height to match the component being handled.
- Placement heads
- One Takumi head with variable recognition-sensor height
- Documented features
- Adaptive sensor height and a broad component range.
- Question for your selection
- Which component types and heights appear in your product mix?
04 · JUKI
JUKI LX-8
Flexible mounter
Model background
JUKI documents the LX-8 configuration with two Takumi heads, a broad component range and tape and tray component supply.
- Placement heads
- Two Takumi heads
- Documented features
- Tape and tray feeder configurations; adaptive recognition-sensor height.
- Question for your selection
- How many component types need to be supplied, and which use tape or trays?
Comparison of the four machines
Compare documented configurations and selection questions. Options vary; they are not a statement of the equipment included in an SMT Renting offer.
| Criterion | Panasonic AM100 | Panasonic NPM-W2 | JUKI RS-1R | JUKI LX-8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Modular placement machine | Modular placement platform | Smart modular mounter | Flexible mounter |
| Placement heads | One head with 14 nozzles | Two heads; head options with 16, 8 or 3 nozzles | One Takumi head with variable recognition-sensor height | Two Takumi heads |
| Documented features | Non-stop changeover allows preparation of the next product during production. Offline setup support and feeder setup navigation are options. | Single- or dual-lane configurations. Solder-deposit and component inspection, and dispensing, are configuration options. | Adaptive sensor height and a broad component range. | Tape and tray feeder configurations; adaptive recognition-sensor height. |
| Question for your selection | How often do products change, and what setup preparation is needed? | Which board formats and additional processes should your setup support? | Which component types and heights appear in your product mix? | How many component types need to be supplied, and which use tape or trays? |
Based on the manufacturers’ product information. Configurations and options vary.
Panasonic AM100
- Type
- Modular placement machine
- Placement heads
- One head with 14 nozzles
- Documented features
- Non-stop changeover allows preparation of the next product during production. Offline setup support and feeder setup navigation are options.
- Question for your selection
- How often do products change, and what setup preparation is needed?
Panasonic NPM-W2
- Type
- Modular placement platform
- Placement heads
- Two heads; head options with 16, 8 or 3 nozzles
- Documented features
- Single- or dual-lane configurations. Solder-deposit and component inspection, and dispensing, are configuration options.
- Question for your selection
- Which board formats and additional processes should your setup support?
JUKI RS-1R
- Type
- Smart modular mounter
- Placement heads
- One Takumi head with variable recognition-sensor height
- Documented features
- Adaptive sensor height and a broad component range.
- Question for your selection
- Which component types and heights appear in your product mix?
JUKI LX-8
- Type
- Flexible mounter
- Placement heads
- Two Takumi heads
- Documented features
- Tape and tray feeder configurations; adaptive recognition-sensor height.
- Question for your selection
- How many component types need to be supplied, and which use tape or trays?
Questions to answer before you choose
Use these questions to prepare a discussion about a machine or a complete line.
01
How varied is your product mix?
List your products, component types and frequency of changeovers. Include the setup work between jobs.
02
What volumes do you plan for?
Describe current and planned production volumes, shifts and batch sizes. Discuss how a future equipment change could be addressed in the individual agreement.
03
What board and component formats do you use?
Share board dimensions and the smallest, largest and tallest components so the applicable configuration can be checked.
04
Should the machine support additional processes?
Describe any inspection or dispensing requirements and whether they belong in the placement platform or separate line equipment.
05
Does it need to fit an existing line?
List your printer, inspection and reflow equipment, component supply and required interfaces.
Looking for a different machine?
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Find the placement setup for your production
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Panasonic NPM-W2
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