The suction power of the nozzle is unstable? Troubleshooting and repair Tips for Hanwha Surface mount Technology (SMT) m

Friends who deal with Hanwha surface mount technology (SMT) machines all know that no matter how fast or advanced the SMT machine operates, if there is a problem with the nozzle part, everything will be in vain. Especially the problem of "unstable suction", it's neither too big nor too small, but it's really annoying.

Sometimes the suction nozzle just sucks it off, and sometimes it can't even be pressed back on. Watching the surface mount technology (SMT) machine "miss one after another", the operator's head is going crazy! Don't worry. Today, let's talk about what's going on with the unstable suction force of the nozzle of Hanwha's surface mount technology (SMT) placement machine? Then how should it be investigated and repaired?

Let's start from the very beginning.

The suction nozzle on the surface mount technology (SMT) machine is actually a "small suction cup". It uses vacuum suction to lift the components and then moves them to the designated position to accurately attach the components onto the PCB board.

To put it simply, it is the "hand that holds the parts". Whether this hand is stable or not determines whether your SMT assembly efficiency is high and the yield rate is good.

Many people say "unstable suction", but in fact, this problem manifests in several forms:

• Sometimes it can be sucked up, and sometimes it can't
• It was sucked up, but it dropped as I walked on
• The components are crooked and misaligned
• Alarm prompt: "Failed collection" or "High rate of lost items"
• The same nozzle performs differently when suctioning different materials

Does it sound familiar? Don't worry. Next, let's analyze each symptom one by one.

If the suction force of the suction nozzle is unstable, the first suspect is the vacuum system.

You can check it from the following places:

• Is the pressure of the vacuum pump sufficient?
  If the pressure is low, the suction power will naturally be insufficient. Generally speaking, the pressure value should be stable within the standard range, such as -60 kpa or lower, depending on the model of your machine. Large fluctuations in pressure can also easily cause the suction force to go up and down.
• Is there any blockage in the trachea?
  If there is accumulated dust or debris inside the pipe, or if the connection is not tight, air leakage and pressure drop will occur. No matter how hard the suction nozzle tries, it will be in vain.
• Is the solenoid valve responding slowly?
  If the solenoid valve controlling the vacuum switch is sluggish or aged, it will also affect the timing of the suction and release actions, which will be manifested as "intermittent suction".

Don't always blame the vacuum system. The suction nozzle itself might also "malfunction" :

1. The suction nozzle is severely worn
   After long-term use, the suction nozzle will deform and wear out, resulting in poor contact with components and making it impossible to suction steadily no matter how hard you try. In this situation, it is recommended to replace it directly.
2. The suction nozzle is clogged with dust
   Some suction nozzles have particularly small suction holes. Once they suck up dust or debris, their suction power will be greatly reduced. You can try cleaning it with high-pressure gas or disassemble it and clean it with ultrasonic waves.
3. The suction nozzle spring is stuck
   Some suction nozzle structures are equipped with spring buffers. If the spring gets stuck or does not rebound smoothly, the adsorption action will slow down or be incomplete.

Sometimes the problem is not necessarily "hardware", but could also be that the parameters of the surface mount technology (SMT) machine itself have not been adjusted properly

• The absorption delay time was too short, and the component was pulled away before it was firmly absorbed
• The placement height is incorrect and the suction nozzle is not properly attached
• The mounting speed was set too fast, and the small components "flew" before they could stand steadily

Especially when replacing new components or new Feida, be sure to check these parameters.

If the suction nozzle fails to suck up, there is another possibility - it's not a problem with the suction nozzle, but rather a problem with the feeding.

• The feeding of Feida was not in place, and the components were off course
• The components in the taping process are not aligned properly, and the suction nozzles do not match
• The feida clearance is too large or the positioning is off

At this point, no matter how normal the suction nozzle is, it still "cannot reach the target", and naturally, the suction power performance is unstable.

Here are a few practical suggestions for you to pay attention to during regular maintenance

1. Check the suction nozzle once a day at regular intervals. Clean it if it gets dirty and replace it if it's crooked
2. Regularly replace the filter element of the vacuum pump to prevent clogging
3. When the solenoid valve exceeds its service life, it is recommended to replace the entire set instead of just one
4. The suction nozzles and air pipes should be managed with numbers and must not be mixed or placed in different positions
5. Have the suction power checked once a month to keep the suction nozzle in good condition

Ultimately, although unstable suction from the nozzle is just a "minor glitch", it can really cause a decline in the efficiency of your entire production line and an increase in the scrap rate. As long as you master the troubleshooting approach and develop the habit of regular maintenance, most nozzle malfunctions can actually be prevented or quickly repaired.

Don't forget that the surface mount technology (SMT) machine is not worn out by overuse, but by laziness. Spending a few more minutes on regular checks is really much better than having the production line shut down for a whole day.