There are spares available for most things, I've got two service centers (Yamaha and K&S) within 20 miles of here and I've spoken to techs at each. By the time they become unserviceable I'll hopefully be able to afford something to replace them.
As for the machines themselves I've spoken to multiple people who run them and by all accounts they're bombproof.
For flexibility the Emerald definitely wins, it can handle larger chips and is more accurate. Both can accept grippers. I might be able to get 2 of my potentials to separate feeders from machines and then get a bundle of feeders for relatively little. The Emerald doesn't come with an area camera although it's an option, so I'm waiting to find out how much that option costs. I believe that's for larger or oddly shaped components. The project this is intended for does have some large chips that come in JEDEC trays, and although it is a non-issue to replace a manual feeder I wouldn't complain about the tray feeder if it's included. The "bonus" inspection conveyor is worthwhile in its own right IMHO.
This particular Opal is an
8 4 head machine. Windows NT I'm not too worried about it, in fact I'm downright excited about it after considering the prospect of using either Neoden software or DOS-based software that comes on older machines. The service centers offer perpetual licenses, free backups, and free programs with latest available updates if the computer dies for whatever reason.
The Emerald is a 2005 machine, not sure about hours yet. The Opal is a 2003 with 7k hours and the optional CCD camera installed (54mm I believe) that I know was pulled from a working line and had a calibration done not 4 months ago - I've been in contact with the original owner.
They also quoted me for an iPulse M20 + 110 feeders, which is something I see in my dreams. $220k or about 4.5k/month lease. With any volume that may make sense but until then...dream on!
I've copied the specs of the Opal and Emerald below to make it easier to see:
Those of you who have done moderately sized runs, have you noticed any substantial price difference between ICs in trays vs. reels? I imagine the LCS tray feeder could be quite a boon if a board has, say, 5-10 components that could be loaded in trays. That's 5-10 feeder slots that just opened up. On the other hand, it has 84 feeder positions to start where the Opal has 100. On the other, other hand, the Opal can only handle 11mm tall parts while the Emerald can do 20mm. On the other, other, other...