Searching for PnP machine.

[Ralle57]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a budget-friendly, working desktop pick-and-place machine for prototypes and small runs, located within the EU. I am specifically looking for proven budget machines like the Charmhigh CHMT36VA, NeoDen 3V, or a well-tuned OpenPnP / LumenPnP setup.Key requirement: I am also in need of a stencil printer and pcb-oven. The machine must have a working vision system (up/down cameras) to reliably handle 0402 components. If you have upgraded your lab or have an unused desktop machine sitting around, please send me a PM with:Model and condition, Included accessories (nozzles, feeders, etc.), Your price expectation, Location / shipping options to Germany
Thanks in advance!

[GerardG]

Hello,

I assume it is for personal use and not for a company as OpenPNP and Neoden 3V don't have CE. The Charmhigh I am not sure.

We have a used Neoden 4 if that is interesting for you. I will send a PM with more details. Shipment is from the Netherlands.

When you want a reliable machine for small components you could look at the SMDA-APP452 as it is a reliable machine that can place 0402 0201 and the smaller DFNs.
For this model we only have a new machine in stock.

[KaySMT]

For transparency, I work with an SMT equipment manufacturer, but I am not offering a machine here since your requirement is specifically for a used desktop system located in the EU.

For reliable 0402 placement, I would ask the seller for more than a short demonstration video. If possible, request a placement test using your own Gerber/CPL data and components, with enough placements to reveal missed picks, vision rejects and feeder-related errors.

A few items worth checking:

- Placement repeatability after the machine has warmed up 
- Upward and downward camera calibration 
- Feeder indexing and tape-pick repeatability 
- Nozzle condition and availability of replacements 
- Software backup, calibration files and offline support 
- Availability and cost of spare parts 
- CE documentation, power and compressed-air requirements 

For a complete prototype line, the stencil printer and reflow oven are equally important. A good pick-and-place machine cannot compensate for inconsistent solder-paste printing or an unsuitable thermal profile.

I hope this checklist helps when comparing the available machines.