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Product category: Ballscrews, Linear Guides, Jacks, Dampers
News Release from: THK UK | Subject: SSR model LM Guides
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial Team on 06 April 2001

Caged Ball technology in pick and place
machinery

Chess Technology Systems of Horsham is using the latest THK Caged Ball LM Guide technology to achieve high speed pick and place operation in its latest PAT3500 automatic component test handler

Chess Technology Systems of Horsham is using the latest THK Caged Ball LM Guide technology to achieve high speed pick and place operation in its latest PAT3500 automatic component test handler for the electronics and semi-conductor industries The company is using THK SSR model LM Guides, coupled with high speed linear motor technology which, on the central linear drive system, enables speeds of up to 7m/sec to be achieved

Furthermore, the THK SSR LM Guides are providing silent operation, which is essential in electronics and semi-conductor manufacturing, where low ambient noise, cleanliness and precision are key.

The THK SSR LM Guides are pre-loaded to prevent backlash, however, unlike competing technologies, the unique circular arc geometry means that there is no increase in rolling resistance in the block, as would typically occur, so performance in terms of speed and smooth movement is not affected, with reduced rolling resistance variation being given by the unique Caged Ball configuration.

In addition, as the Caged Ball design maintains the initial lubrication within sealed grease pockets located between the balls in the block, not only is cleanliness ensured, but Chess is able to guarantee 'lubrication for life' which, in the case of the PAT system, is typically five years, at travel on the main linear stage in the region of 6000 km a year.

In effect, the THK SSR LM Guides with Caged Ball are providing totally maintenance free operation, in line with THK's R and D test which have so far indicated over approximately 30,000 km of travel under test conditions.

"Technology in general is moving forwards extremely quickly," comments Graham Beall, Managing Director at Chess.

"This is apparent across all manufacturing industries and is particularly prevalent in electronics and semi-conductor manufacturing, where there is a continual drive to bring down production costs through increased automation, to give greater reliability, accuracy and throughput.

The PAT3500 high speed component test handler, meets these requirements, providing high volume throughput, in the region of 1500 UPH, with minimal tester 'dead time' and placement accuracy in the pick and place operation of 4 micron." Each PAT3500 component test handler is built to meet the specific requirements of the end user, with the most recent model in production at Chess being manufactured for the fine handling of chip scale packages at high accuracy.

The machine features twin vacuum pick and place heads, automatic tray load and unload systems.

At the heart of the machine is a 24 pocket carousel which transfers the semiconductors to and from the test station.

Index time verses test time is a critical ratio, as any time not spent testing is dead or lost time.

So loading and unloading the carousel as quickly and smoothly as possible is essential to the overall performance of the machine.

Chess Technology Systems is part of the Chess Engineering Group, which develops, designs and manufactures a variety of high speed process handling systems, predominantly for the electronic, semi-conductor and automotive industries worldwide.

In addition to the PAT range of high speed test handlers, the group manufactures a series of laser marking, component handling, vision inspection, component assembly and component packaging systems.

"High speed, precision linear drive units are key to the successful operation of most of our machines," comments Graham Beall.

"We have worked closely with established suppliers that can offer effective global support, such as THK, to develop automation solutions in many areas of component handling, assembly and testing.

Most recently, we have established a new partnership agreement with Lanco Assembly, that has created some interesting opportunities for the company to develop new, high speed pick and place systems for component assembly in the automotive industry.

We are particularly excited about this development and are keen to continue to exploit the benefits of THK's LM Guide with Caged Ball technology in these systems.".

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