Linear Guides prove the solution for pick and place machines

The pick and place units deployed in SMT assembly machines must withstand high mechanical stresses. A typical machine operating in the electronics sector is able to place components on printed circuit boards at speeds of more than 50,000 components per hour, with high precision. Furthermore, these machines can handle components from up to 200 feeders (rolls of electronic parts) simultaneously.

With so many electronic components being placed so quickly, it is inevitable that problems sometimes occur. This was the case with the pick and place system on a new series of SMT assembly machines being developed by a European OEM. The manufacturer experienced a very short lifespan from its original linear guides, while replacing them with others from a second manufacturer yielded no improvement. What´s more, neither supplier could find the cause of the failures or offer a solution. 

Following these disappointments, the OEM contacted NSK, which tasked a team of experts with analysing the failed components. The conclusion, determined primarily by the damage exhibited on the components, indicated that the moment (tilting) load was too high. The cause of this was attributed to misalignment errors within the pick and place system.

As a result, NSK recommended switching to its NH Linear Guide series, which is not only purpose-designed for high-speed applications, but offers self-aligning capabilities. A special type of grease was also implemented as it could provide better lubrication properties than standard grease in applications featuring short strokes and shock loads.

The project proved highly successful. Once the NAH20ANZ type guides from NSK began to enter service, the OEM experienced no more breakdowns. Moreover, several thousand installations later, the NH Linear Guides are proving to have a long lifespan.