We are developing a really cool robotic machine that is capable of assembling electronic circuit boards (it also 3D prints, and does some other stuff!).
QuoteWe are developing a really cool robotic machine that is capable of assembling electronic circuit boards (it also 3D prints, and does some other stuff!).
Destined for failure right there. Jack of all trades, master of none.
AUTO TOOL CHANGER
The delta robot configuration gives us plenty of room to install an auto-tool changer. This makes it a multi-purpose machine. Here are some of the tools that we are envisioning:Our Auto-tool changer gives you the ability to hold any four (4) tools at the same time. The end effector will only hold one tool at a time, but it will be able to switch back and forth between any of the four tools.
- 3D Printing Hotend
- SMT Pick-and-Place vacuum nozzle
- Solder paste dispensing syringe: This allows the machine to place solder paste consistently on the SMT pads, which eliminates the need to buy a stencil if you're only making a few boards.
- Hot air rework: Imagine being able to rework a BGA or SMT part with full camera vision. BGA rework machines sometimes cost upwards of $10000. This hot air tool will also be able to do minor reflow work, if your board only has a few parts.
- End mill / drilling attachment for PCB milling and other light-duty jobs.
- In-Circuit programmer for Atmega processors (fully-automated Arduino-Compatible booloader programming!).
- Pen plotter
- Dial indicator for verifying Z leveling. The built-in auto-Z-leveling routine will be sufficient for most users. This is more of a verification tool for us designing the machine, but will be available to buy/build for those that may need it.
- Laser element for photoplotting photo-sensitive boards. Sorry, no 80-watt CO2 laser cutting At least not at this price level.
Destined for failure right there. Jack of all trades, master of none.
Come on Dave! At least allow some room for benefit of doubt. Surely whether it succeeds or fails is partly a function of the standard you want to set. Most multipurpose tools are a compromise.
Yes, sure, it might end up working. How many boards could you have populated in the time it took to design and build a P&P machine that works reliably every time you start it up? Not worth the effort unless you build stacks and stacks of boards all day long, and if you do, fab it out to someone who does it for a living.
10 years ago a 3D printer would cost you more than $100K, of course better quality than the current under $1K ones. But look at computer vision cost 10 years ago, or xyz table costs, etc.
Actually, look at the whole hobby electronics 10 years ago. Manufacturing cost as well, things have changed a lot on the past decade, why will a PnP be any different than say a CNC machine and it's drop in cost?
I agree it's a tall order, but you just can't dismiss it's feasibility.
Yes, it's going to have limitations like any tool - but to say it's "worthless" isn't correct. Sorry.
Yes, it's going to have limitations like any tool - but to say it's "worthless" isn't correct. Sorry.
I think of any tool that's supposed to save you time and effort, but which fails to do either, as worthless. Sorry.
Just as a general statement, work on the software not the platform. If that is where this is going then I'd like to see what they can come up with.
Those two problems sound simple - but they aren't... that's why there are no cheap PnP machines on the market, and why "real" PnP machines start in the $150,000 range...
Actually, look at the whole hobby electronics 10 years ago. Manufacturing cost as well, things have changed a lot on the past decade, why will a PnP be any different than say a CNC machine and it's drop in cost?
I agree it's a tall order, but you just can't dismiss it's feasibility.
I guess it's doomed already because you'all made up your minds, run for the hills!