What is Pick & Place? Machine types, speed, feeder systems, accuracy and how automatic SMD component placement works.
What is Pick & Place?
Pick & Place machines are fully automated systems that place SMD components onto PCBs. The machine picks a component from a feeder and places it precisely on the solder paste. Pick & place machines are the heart of every SMD production line.
Machine Types
Turret-head machines offer the highest speed (50,000+ CPH) for standard components. Gantry systems are flexible for mixed assemblies. Modular multi-head machines combine speed and flexibility for high-mix production.
Feeder Systems
Components are supplied via tape & reel (most common), trays (for large ICs), tubes (for connectors), or loose parts feeders (for prototypes). Typical machines have 60-200+ feeder positions.
Speed and Accuracy
Modern machines achieve 10,000-80,000 components per hour with ±25-50µm placement accuracy. Vision systems photograph each component before placement and automatically correct position and rotation.
The Pick & Place Process
Steps: program creation from centroid data, machine setup with barcode-verified feeders, first article inspection, series production, and traceability logging. Professional EMS providers offer pick & place assembly from single prototypes through high-volume production.
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