iFlex

The Assembleon iFlex is a modular pick-and-place machine for surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly. The machine is also marketed under the Kulicke & Soffa brand as the K&S iFlex series.^[2]

The iFlex employs a one-machine concept based on three interchangeable modules: the iFlex T4, iFlex T2, and iFlex H1. Each module is optimized for different component size ranges and placement speeds, and a single iFlex can be configured with any combination and quantity of these modules to scale feeder positions, output, and capabilities.^[2]

The iFlex is a modular placement platform where each module contains its own placement head and feeding system. The T4 module is a high-speed chip shooter that places components from 0402M (01005) up to 17.5 x 17.5 x 15 mm at a rate of 70,000 components per hour (cph). The T2 module handles larger components, up to 45 x 45 x 21 mm, at 35,000 cph. The H1 module is an end-of-line placer that handles components up to 120 x 52 x 25 mm at 9,000 cph (IPC9850).^[2]

Components are fed from tape, stick, or tray feeders. The iFlex supports Slim Fit Tape Feeders for 8 mm to 88 mm tape widths, as well as stick feeders with dedicated, generic, or custom top plates. Tray feeding is managed via a fast-exchangeable tray trolley that caches up to 20 JEDEC trays and stores up to 60 trays, enabling on-the-fly tray exchange without interrupting production. Feeder trolleys allow offline setup preparation and can be exchanged in under one minute.^[2]

Placement accuracy is specified at 40 µm for chips and 25 µm for QFP components, with a placement quality target of less than 1 defect per million (dpm). The machine supports programmable placement force from 1.5 N to 30 N depending on the module. Automatic tool-bit exchange is standard for nozzle changes, and gripper tools are used on the H1 module for larger components.^[2]

The iFlex can be configured as a single-lane or dual-lane machine. In dual-lane mode, two PCBs are processed simultaneously side-by-side to increase throughput. The machine can handle PCB sizes from 50 x 50 mm up to 525 x 558 mm in single-lane mode, and up to 525 x 254 mm in dual-lane mode. Board thickness range is 0.3 to 6 mm.^[2]