Have you also fallen into these "old hand traps"? Operating Taboos for Samsung Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines!

When it comes to operating a surface mount technology (SMT) placement machine, many people's first reaction is: Just place a board, feed some materials, press the start button, and it's done!

Anyone who has been on the production line for a few years knows that the more familiar they feel, the more likely they are to fall into traps. Especially when operating Samsung surface mount technology (SMT) machines, some "veteran misunderstandings" may seem insignificant at first glance, but if not handled carefully, they could affect the yield rate, shipment, or even damage the equipment. Today, let's talk about the operation taboos of Samsung surface mount technology (SMT) machines that these "veterans" often make. See if you have fallen into any of them too?

1. "This board is done, just move on to the next one" - Start working without initialization

   This trick is really the one that veterans are most likely to commit. For the sake of speed and convenience, as soon as one board was placed down, the next one was immediately put on to continue pasting.

   Where is the problem?

   The size and coordinates of the board have not been updated.

   The camera's recognition points still remain at the parameters of the previous block.

   Some suction nozzles haven't returned to their original positions yet, and as a result, the first component is misaligned!

   Although Samsung surface mount technology (SMT) machines have stable performance, it is highly not recommended to start working directly without initialization or resetting to zero.

   The correct approach:

   For each batch of board switching, at least one "initialization" or "origin reset" should be performed to ensure that the equipment "resets completely" and does not run with exhaust gas.

2. "The MARK points are all right. Why adjust the visuals?" " The visual system does not need to be recalibrated

   Samsung's visual system is very powerful, with fast recognition and accurate algorithms, but it's not a deity.

   Sometimes, just because a machine can see something doesn't mean it can stick accurately.

   Especially in the following situations, if the visual parameters are not readjusted, the entire board may be misaligned
   • Replaced the material tray (with minor adjustments to the component size);
   • The MARK point is black and has stains.
   • The nozzle specification was changed, but the system was not updated synchronously.

   Once there is a deviation in visual recognition, the consequences are more serious than you can imagine. If it deviates by 0.1mm, you won't notice it with your naked eye, but once heated during welding, it will all deviate!

   The correct approach

   Every time you change the material, adjust the suction nozzle or replace the PCB, remember to redo the visual calibration.

   It usually only takes 2 minutes, but it can save the subsequent 2 hours of board checking time.

3. "The suction nozzle won't work?" "Just shake it off and it'll be fine" - Rough handling of the abnormal suction nozzle

   This is really an "old hand problem". Sometimes the suction nozzle can't hold it, so I just manually shake it or plug and unplug it, and then continue to use the machine.

   You may not know that this action directly ruins the health of the "vacuum system" of the surface mount technology (SMT) machine.

   If the suction nozzle fails to stick, it is most likely due to the following issues:
   • The suction force of the vacuum pump is insufficient (the filter element is clogged).
   • The head of the suction nozzle is dirty (residual glue or dust);
   • The negative pressure detection alarm was triggered but you skipped it!

   The result? Either they can't be attached, or they lose material, or they are attached crooked. The most fatal thing is that some small capacitors fly out and even make a hole in the board!

   The correct approach:

   If the suction nozzle is abnormal, you should "turn off the machine + clean it + check the status of the vacuum pump", not just "shake it".

4. "This minor deviation is fine; we'll still ship as usual" - Ignoring the small error in the mounting accuracy

   One advantage of Samsung's surface mount technology (SMT) placement machines is their high precision, featuring flight recognition and visual correction. Theoretically, they can achieve ±0.03mm.

   But this doesn't mean you can just "turn a blind eye".

   Many experienced operators, upon seeing a slight deviation, would say, "A little bit off is not a big deal. As long as it can be welded on, that's fine."

   Here comes the question:
   • This kind of "fine" error, once it enters reflow soldering, is very likely to deform or shift.
   • Especially for high-density BGA boards and QFN packaged products, even if they deviate by 0.05mm, short circuits or false soldering may occur.
   The correct approach:

   For any visible deviation, stop and investigate. Don't take any chances.

5. "The previous batch was still usable, but this time we directly apply the program" - Program reuse without verification

   It's true that the program of the Samsung surface mount technology (SMT) machine can be copied, which is also a major advantage of its convenient operation.

   But some people just copy the program and "start Posting directly" without doing any dry running verification at all. This is simply outrageous!

   Don't forget
   • Even if the positions of components on the PCB differ by 0.1mm, the mounting program will be inaccurate.
   • If you change the nozzle model, feeding method or PCB thickness, the original program may not be applicable!
   The correct approach:

   After copying the program, dry running and single-board testing and mounting must be carried out. Mass production should not be conducted without confirmation.

6. "Daily Maintenance?" "Wait until it breaks down" - Ignoring the maintenance of the surface mount technology (SMT) machine

   Samsung machines are indeed sturdy, but they can't be used like "triathletes" every day.

   Some experienced operators always say, "If the machine is running normally, there's no need to touch it."

   Result: One day, the suction nozzle suddenly stopped sucking, vision began to wander, and the transmission board got stuck... It's all due to inadequate daily maintenance.

   The correct approach
   • Wipe the suction nozzle, clean the camera and check the vacuum pump filter screen every week.
   • Check the lubrication of the guide rails and the abnormal noise of the motor every month.
   • If possible, you can make a maintenance record sheet, mark a √ every day, and it will be done in 5 minutes!

When operating a surface mount technology (SMT) machine, proficiency is an advantage, but don't turn proficiency into "habitual laziness". Especially for precision surface mount technology (SMT) devices like Samsung, even a slight misoperation can cause "invisible troubles".