PC Board Design Checklist For Through Hole Components

PC Board Design Checklist

For Through Hole Components

This
document should be used as a supplement to existing machine General
Specifications and IM Design Guidelines. This document is designed as a checklist rather than a reference for use
when examining an existing or new product. For detailed specifications
refer to the appropriate General Specification.

 

PC board considerations

For Axial or Radial auto insertion:

 

*  Is the overall size of the board within specification? (max/min size varies by machine and board handling type)

*  Is the board thickness within specification?

Possible challenges:

Radial
can accept boards from 0.032” to 0.093” thick with no set up change,
axial machines require mechanical adjustment to handle thickness
variations.

*  If using automatic board handling, is the board shape acceptable? (i.e. contiguous edges.)

Possible challenges:

Non-contiguous edges, may work but requires testing. Example, instrument cluster.

*
 Is the board a good candidate for panelization? (i.e. creating
multiple images of the same board on one panel for ease of assembly and
increased throughput.)

*  Is the board warpage within specification?

Possible challenges:

Warpage can cause issues with insertion as well as clinch angle/length, especially on radial machine.

*  Does the PC board contain location reference holes to allow proper fixturing?

Possible challenges:

If product was previously hand assembled it may not have locating holes.

*  Are the components positioned at 0º and/or 90º with respect to the X axis?

Possible challenges:

Sometimes
components are arranged at odd angles because of space constraints or
because designer wanted to keep component body straight. (example: ECCO
board.)

*  Are the component hole diameters within specification for each component type (lead diameter) being inserted?

Possible challenges:

Boards currently hand assembled are most likely to have undersize holes.

*  Is there sufficient clearance below the board for the clinched component leads? Consider the following:

*  Solder bridging to other component leads

*  Solder bridging to via holes or adjacent pads

Note:
Universal does not specify required clearance to prevent solder
bridging, this should be determined by the customer. However, obvious
cases of conflict should be noted.

*  Is there sufficient clearance for the insertion and clinch tooling? Take into consideration:

*  Previously inserted IM components

*  Previously placed SM components

*  Workboard holder locating and support fixtures

*  Obstructions on the bottom of the board that could interfere with the clinch or board transfer.

Component and tooling considerations

 

Axial

*  Are components packaged properly for automatic insertion? (Tape and reel/ammo pack)

Possible challenges:

Customer may have “sample” components in bulk, are these components readily available in a taped format?

*  Is the component input tape width (i.e. 26mm or “standard”) compatible with the component hole span?

Possible challenges:

Universal
does not offer a machine that can accept 26mm input. Virtually all
components are available in 52mm format, however, a subcontractor may
have to deal with “kits” from an OEM that contain 26mm components.

*  Is the insertion tooling (i.e. 5mm, 5.5mm or standard) compatible with the component hole span?

Possible challenges:

Does
the product include both very wide and very narrow span components?
Use tooling selection matrix to evaluate best tooling fit.

*  Is the component hole span compatible with the component body length?

Possible challenges:

Be especially careful when moving product from hand assembly to automatic assembly.

*  Is the component body diameter compatible with the board thickness and insertion tooling requirements?

Possible challenges:

Watch out for very thick boards and/or large diameter components.

*  Is the component lead diameter compatible with the insertion tooling? (i.e. standard vs. large lead)

Possible challenges:

May have to sacrifice (to hand assembly) some insertions at either the large end or the small end of the spectrum.

*
 Does the component require a stand off between the body and the PC
board? Components requiring a stand off cannot be inserted with an
axial inserter, but may be auto insertable with a radial inserter if
packaged in the proper format.

Possible challenges:

“Stand-off” type resistors are more common where high power handling is required, power supplies, monitors, etc.

Radial

*  Are components packaged properly for automatic insertion? (Tape and reel/ammo pack)

Possible challenges:

Customer may have “sample” components in bulk, are these components readily available in a taped format?

*
 If components are packaged on tape, use the following “quick check”
list to get a general idea of which components may be automatically
inserted: (See note 1 below)

*  Body diameter 13.0mm or less

*  “H” dimension (distance from centerline of feed hole to bottom of component) within acceptable limits

*  Lead diameter within acceptable limits

Possible challenges:

Radial
taping specifications are quite involved, use “quick check” list as a
sanity check, forward component samples to applications group for
detailed evaluation.

*
 Are the lead spans of the components compatible with standard
automatic radial insertion? (i.e. 2.5mm, 5.0mm, 7.5mm or 10.0mm) (See
note 2 below)

Possible challenges:

1)  May have to “sacrifice” some components to hand assembly because of tooling footprint issues or span requirements.

2)  Some PCB’s contain components are non-standard span’s, i.e. 2.0mm, 4.0mm.

*  Are transistor leads in line? (i.e. not in a “triangle” configuration)

*  If the component is required to stand off the PC board, are features built into the component lead to accomplish this?

Possible challenges:

Board
designer may “require” a certain type of standoff without checking to
see if the package is readily available, common with LED applications.

 

Notes:

1) The
simplified guidelines were created to draw attention to the most common
areas where components fall outside the limits for auto insertion.
These simplified guidelines should only be used as a general guide.
Component input must meet all criteria called out in the Radial General
Specification.

2)  Tooling selection will depend upon insertion span requirements as well as board density considerations.   Muniak98-052B  Revised 01-00

1

 

  

Features & Benefits of Universal’s Axial Insertion machine — VCD/Sequencer 8

Feature

Benefit

High performance Positive Axis Control servo-drive system

Dynamic motion control for smoother,  faster,  more precise motion, yielding precise component insertion and clinching with less mechanical wear and noise.  PAC provides very high repeatability.

Insertion Head

The insertion head is direct servo-driven, with a robust and highly reliable rack-and-pinion drive. 

The rack and pinion coupled with the direct drive provide long life and precise positional accuracy, resulting in high cycle rates, greater insertion process control, and lower PPM, with less noise and wear.

Minimized manual set-ups and adjustments

Elimination of manual set-ups reduces downtime.  To ensure consistency, set-ups are now performed through IM UPS Diagnostics software.  

Insertion Tooling

Newly designed tooling has a significantly longer life –up to five times longer than the previous model.

Tooling has to be replaced less often, reducing down time, tooling inventory and cost.

Tooling uses carbide inserts and titanium nitride coating.

This extends the tooling life.

The new design better handles bent input component leads.

The robust design reduces machine interruptions & down time caused by bent input component leads.

Four tooling options are available:

5mm: insertion spans from 5mm (0.197”) to 21.59mm 

( 0.85”)

5.5mm: insertion spans from 5.5mm(0.217”) to 24.13mm (0.95”)

Standard: Insertion spans from 7.62mm (0.3”) to 24.13mm (0.95”)

Large Lead: insertion spans from 7.62mm (0.3”) to 23.88mm (0.94”)

These options satisfy most applications.  If you are unsure which tooling to choose, contact the Product Team

Centering System

New cam-actuated component centering system is driven by the insertion head motor

The new design significantly increases reliability.

The centering door has been eliminated.

Better visibility and accessibility to the insertion area.

Adjustments have been reduced by 50%.

Only five simple adjustments are required on the centering system, reducing maintenance time.

The new centering system is a simple design, with 50% part reduction over the previous model.

The design provides increased reliability and extended life, with significantly less maintenance.

The centering fingers have replaceable carbide inserts

The inserts keep costs down and reduce maintenance cost and time. 

Servo-Driven Cut and Clinch

The clinch is operated with a servo-driven rocker/slide mechanism.

This mechanism provides quiet and repeatable up/down operation, increasing reliability and reducing maintenance.

The servo-driven anvil mechanism operates in a two-step motion.  The lower position is used for table rotation and board transfer, while the mid-position to full up-position is used for cutting and clinching component leads.  

The two step motion reduces motion cycle time and increases operating life.

Right and left anvils are coupled.

The coupled anvils assure synchronous operation and simplify set-ups. 

Anvil height set-up is performed via IM diagnostics software.

Guesswork is eliminated.  The anvil height is consistently set to program dimensions through the software, for greater accuracy and precision.

All mechanical adjustments are in the front and on the top of the clinch base.

The adjustments are in easy-to-reach locations, making them quicker and easier to perform.

The clinch assembly is pinned to the frame.

Head alignment after clinch removal and replacement is eliminated.

The clinch cutters use the proven Universal pneumatic actuators.

The actuators assure a full range of operation on leads from 0.38mm (0.015”) to 0.81mm (0.032”).

Positioning System

The positioning system operates by new X-Y motors with tachometer feedback and more responsive servo amplifiers.

7.62mm (0.30”) table moves are possible with no effect on machine cycle rate.

The table motion is smoother and more controlled.

Improved table motion increases the life of mechanical parts.

Insertion Span Axis

The insertion span axis uses a direct drive system with a brushless DC servo motor.

This drive eliminates belts, external motors, and limit switches, for greater reliability and less maintenance, while providing more precise positioning.

Chain-to-Chain Transfer

The new scrap remover is mechanical.

The design is a passive mechanical device that is quiet, clean and reliable.

The sequencer chain drive is operated by a new brushless servo motor.

The drive gives more precise dynamic position control for improved component transfer, lowering PPM.

Board Error Correction (BEC) and “Teach”

BEC is a four quadrant electro-optical sensor, used to measure expected programmed PCB hole locations.  It provides feedback to the control processor to compensate for PCB hole misalignment, which drives the X-Y table to the desired hole location.

BEC adjusts a given pattern to a given board, significantly lowering PPM.  BEC compensate for circuit board construction variations between tooling holes and related patterns, improving insertion reliability.

“Teach”uses BEC to custom fit a pattern to a board.

“Teach”greatly improves pattern accuracy and lowers PPM. 

Add – On Sequencer Modules

The sequencer is available with up to 220 stations (in 20-station add-on modules).

The add-on modules provide flexibility in meeting a variety of applications.

Improved “Low Part’warning is displayed on the machine monitor, which indicates the module and level of the “low part”condition.

“Low Part”warning is more visible to the operator, defining the location better.  The warning is recorded, for better process control.

The dispense head guides and bearings are newly designed.

The new design improves reliability and ease of use.

The pneumatic valves are DC.

DC valve provide improved response for more consistent dispense head actuation.

Refire

Optical refire senses missing parts in the component input tape.

Refire reduces “Part Missing”errors by actuating the dispense head if a part is not sensed in the component input tape.

Easy-to-see LEDs show dispense head refire status.

The LED’s simplify input component loading by visibly displaying refire status and input component sensing in the dispense head.

Refire information is fed back to the machine controller

The feedback provides better information for machine performance analysis.

Jumper Wire Dispense System

Up to two jumper wire dispensers may be used in the machine.  Jumper wire dispensers may be placed on stations 3 and 23.   

Even the most “jumper wire intense”applications can be satisfied with no effect to machine cycle speed.

Jumper wire dispenser design improvements:

Improved wire feeder alignment

New drive bearing

The new design gives better cut length accuracy and increased wire dispense reliability, longer bearing life.

System Software

The VCD/Sequencer 8 utilizes IM-Universal Platform Software (IM-UPS)

This is the same Windows-based software used in Universal’s other through hole Series 8 machines and surface mount equipment, reducing the learning curve for operation, maintenance, and programming.

Graphical user interface with “pop-up”error screens

Easy to understand and use, especially for non-English speakers.

Advanced Product Editor (APE) offers a component library, graphical display of PC board, and insertion path.

APE makes programming quick, accurate, and easy.

Optimization feature

Optimization improves programs by ordering steps in the fastest insertion path.

Management data is generated & stored in a database

Machine performance can be tracked and graphed to provide a quick aid for decision making and reporting. 

Machine event messages are displayed and logged.

Machine activity can be traced, greatly aiding analysis.

Diagnostics are provided on-line

The diagnostics through software provide point-and-click simplicity for set-up and sub-system troubleshooting.

On-line manuals and user help is provided

Eliminates the need to keep manuals near the machine

Product trainer

Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, Product Trainer provides operating and maintenance instructions through a CD.  This tool increases workforce competency and productivity  

Repair

The operator clears any misinserted component, and places a new component in the repair location.  If the ERV option is present, the machine verifies the correct part, inserts it, and clinches it automatically.

The “repair”mode enables outgoing board quality to reach 0 PPM.

Expanded Range Verifier (ERV) –Option

ERV provides on-line verification of component values and polarity.

ERV reduces the possibility of inserting defective, out-of-sequence, or incorrectly oriented components in the pattern location.

Other Features

Uninterruptable Power Supply

In the event of a blackout or brown out, the UPS provides up to 10 minutes of power.  This allows the operator to save patterns and end the current cycle.

Audible alarm

The audible alarm is programmable to alert operators of machine conditions. 

Southern Machinery WARRANTY POLICY ON ALL NEW Machines

WARRANTY POLICY ON ALL NEW Machines

Southern Machinery warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from completion of installation, provided the products are installed as specified by Southern Machinery, maintained by qualified service personnel and the products are operated in accordance with published operating procedures.  For purposes of the foregoing warranties the “completion of installation” shall be that date, within 90 days of shipment of Southern Machinery’s products from its factory, on which the products are installed and operating to the published specifications.  If the customer believes a product to be defective in material or workmanship, or failing to meet the specifications, the customer shall notify Southern Machinery of such alleged defect or failure.  Southern Machinery shall have a reasonable opportunity to investigate any alleged defect or failure, and upon confirmation of its existence Southern Machinery shall promptly remedy the same by repair or replacement, at its discretion and without charge.  The seller warrants parts repaired or replaced for the duration of the original warranty period.

The warranty does not apply to:

1. Consumable parts as they are defined in this document.

or

2. Defects or failures as a result of non-compliance with U Southern Machinery’s installation specifications.

or

3. The customer’s failure to perform the recommended normal maintenance, set up and the adjustment of the equipment.

or

4. The customer’s alteration / modification to the equipment without Southern Machinery’s prior written approval.

or

5. Damages to the equipment resulting from non-compliance with published operating procedures.

or

6. The use of replacement parts not supplied by Southern Machinery or Southern Machinery’s approved suppliers.

Definition of Consumable Parts (Non Warranty):

A) Machine parts that come in direct contact with component processing.

Examples are, but are not limited to, insertion head tooling, chain clips, lead cutter tooling, etc.

B) Maintenance/bulk items.

Examples are, but are not limited to, lubricants, adhesives, light bulbs, fuses, seals, o-rings, etc.

All other machine parts are warranted for 12 months from the machine in-service date, completion of installation.

Disclaimer Statement:  

The life expectancy of consumable tooling is dependent on proper preventive maintenance, proper machine set-up, and the type of component used by the customer.  A customer may experience greater life expectancy or less life expectancy depending on the above.

SMT machines Cpk Conversion to Defects over Time at Typical Run Rates

When defect rates are higher than what the machine’s Cpk would indicate 

according to this table, it is due to one of several things: machine set-up or 

maintenance issues, process issues, component imperfections,  etc.

SMT,THT,PCB,PCBA,AI,wave soldering,reflow oven,nozzle,feeder,wave soldering,PCB Assembly, LED, LED lamp, LED display,

Auto Insertion machine Competitive Analysis – TDK AC7 vs Universal VCD

Axial Products Competitive Analysis

Competitor

Location

Key Weaknesses

Key Strengths

Comments

TDK 

(Rank 2)

Japan/U.S.

No Axial experience

No previous Axial machines in product mix, offering only a SH VCD (no Sequencer, DH, etc.)

Axial product offering is VERY similar to Dynapert V12000.  Possible patent infringements on Dynapert design.

Support infrastructure is inferior to UIC’s.

Low price machines

Field proven reliability of Radial Inserter

Large multi-national installed base for Radial Inserter

Japanese firm, thus strong JMA loyalty

Asian company, thus understands Asian business needs

Operates in Microsoft Windows interface, which provides immediate productivity feedback

Financially sound and stable

Offer a  SH VCD – Avisert AC-7

TDK Competitive Summary

 

AC-7 Avisert Features:

· Board offset correction

· Insertion hole correction

· Ammo or reel input packaging

· Push button control panel

· Microsoft Windows interface

· Intelligent operator message feedback

· Servo driven cam operated insertion head

· Servo motor driven rotary table

· Available Options: 

– Pass through capability

– Throughput optimizer

– Flexible work board holder

– Touch screen

  – Pattern repeat

– Multi tier security software

– Optical safety device

– Integrated machine enclosure

Key Sell Against Points:

Universal offers a complete Axial product line; Single Head, Dual Head, VCD Sequencer and Sequencers while TDK offers a single Axial machine.

Universal completes the IM product offering with Radials and Special Products which include Eyelet and Pin Inserting Machines, and 3-Span Radials.

We offer optional Universal board handling on most models.

Universal offers a superior training, service and support infrastructure.

We offer industry leading cost per insertion and the highest throughput per square foot of floor space.

UIC Strengths and Proof Points:

UIC Strengths

Benefit

For the Customer:

Machine designs allow flexibility in the production environment.

Universal offers a complete IM product line of Axial inserters, Sequencers and combination machines, as well as Radial product offerings.

Universal board handling is optional for machine integration.

Discuss customer need for  factory integration.

Possible future need for increased automation.

High value for the price, and  fastest inserters in the industry.

Dual Head machines provide  the highest throughput in the industry, 32,000 cph, a cost effective approach for high volume applications.

Ask the customer to compare cost per insertion.

Superior service, support and training.

Excellent investment protection.

UIC is a respected and secure provider of insertion equipment.

Pre and post sale assistance with specific applications and systems integration.

Ask the customer to compare UIC’s support infrastructure (tech. specialists, spare parts, FE response time) to Panasonic.  Also discuss unique value benefits – Uptime 100 and Tech Advisor.

TDK Strengths and Counter Points:

Competitor Strength

The Facts

For the Customer:

Perceived high throughput (16,000 CPH).

The throughput Nepcon Tokyo 觀appeared closer to 10,000 CPH.

Noisy.

Demonstrate UIC’s commitment to reducing customer costs by: 

1.  Comparing cost per insertion.

Single insertion head provides better stability and less maintenance and setup.

Dual head machine is the  highest throughput inserter in the industry with exceptional reliability and insertion performance.

Single head machine offers competitive cost per insertion with all the other values of UIC.

Demonstrate UIC commitment to customer support with:

1. Service and support, including PM schedules and maintenance manuals.

2. Uptime 100 program.

3. Tech Advisor.

4. Superior training program.  

Priced competitively in the 80K – 106K range.

Targeting existing Dynapert accounts where support requirements are minimal.

Demonstrate UIC’s commitment to reducing customer costs by: 

1.  Comparing cost per insertion.

Financial backing from a major IM provider.

Very similar to Dynapert V12000 machine 

Possible patent infringements on Dynapert design.

Not a complete product line, no complementary Sequencer available to date or board handling.  

May not have devoted TDK backing for service and support.

Determine if customer is will to obtain investment protection:

1. From a supplier that may not remain in business due to legal problems.

2. Has revived very old designs.

3. Discuss Broome Engineering products for low cost entry and their ability to allow trade-up. 

Appendix – Reference Accounts and Testimonials:

Account Name

Salesman to contact

Comments

AT&T Monterey, Mexico

Michael Lewis 

TDK offered AT&T accepted an all expenses paid trip to Boston to evaluate the AC-7 but still prefers the UIC Dual Head machines.

Axial Insertion machine Competitive Analysis – Amistar AI-6448 vs Universal 6241D

This paper compares Amistar’s Model AI-6448 Inserter/Sequencer and Universal’s Model 6241D VCD/Sequencer machines.  

Amistar Corporation, head quartered in San Marcos, California, is a small company – 154 employees and ~ $20 mil in annual sales.  Both resources and exposure are limited and Amistar predominantly sells via representatives.  To my knowledge, manufacture of the Amistar Model AI-6448 was discontinued approximately 7 years ago.  Because of this, current information about Amistar is limited.

Amistar advertises the AI-6448 on their web page as follows:

The Amistar AI-6448 is a fully automated Axial component inserter. 

Stand alone automation: sequences & inserts in one operation 

Cycle rate of 9,600 insertions per hour 

Capacity: 64 cartridges, 88 reels 

Automatic optical position correcting via PCS (Position Correcting Servo) 

Axial component verifier 

Lead protrusion inspection 

Microprocessor control 

Easy to program 

Easy to use

Amistar’s approach to axial insertion with their model AI-6448 is very different from Universal’s.  Axial lead components are cut at the dispensing head and dispensed down a tube via free fall (gravity) compressed air. The component is then recaptured at the transfer station for eventual insertion into the PCB.  The Amistar machine has capacity for 88 reels and 64 cartridges, but no ammo pack capability.  Each cartridge is kitted off line and capable of handling a maximum of 75 components.  Some customers believe this feature works well for small production runs, although it does add another preparation step to the process, as well as additional component handling, which increases the potential for component damage and or errors.

Other differences from the method in which Universal handles axial components include the way in which components are centered.  Amistar centers on lead end instead of the component body.  This can lead to components being cut off-center and consequently effect insertion reliability.  

In order to utilize the AI-6448’s method of transferring components to the insertion area, the positioning system is very low to the floor making it difficult to maintain and/or access.  Universal FE’s have had the opportunity to evaluate AI-6448’s installed at customer locations and have reported concerns with the durability, accuracy and repeatability of the rotary table.  

While the Amistar Model AI-6448 can be equipped with board handling, the method utilized is limited to stand-alone applications, not allowing for pass-through or in-line capability and takes up a lot of floor space.  

In the past, Amistar has sold the AI-6448 when the prospective customer is interested in combined sequencing and insertion and price is a major factor.  Typically, the price of the AI-6448 is much less than the 6241 in a similar configuration (similar in a sense that there are similar number of inputs).  When speed, capability and machine performance are added to the equation, the AI-6448 is not as attractively priced.  Because Amistar has not manufactured the AI-6448 in 7 years, no current pricing information is available to us.

Feature

Amistar Model AI-6448

Axial Insertion Machine

Universal Model 6241D

VCD Sequencer/Inserter

Speed

9,600 cph

16,000 cph

Max PCB Size w/Board Handling

20″ x 20″

(508mm x 508mm)

19″ x 16″ 

(483mm x 406mm)

Max PCB Size w/out Board Handling

20″ x 20″

(508mm x 508mm)

18″ x 22″ 

(457mm x 559mm)

Max # of Inputs

52mm only:  64 cartridges, 88 reels 26mm not available

ammo pack not available

52mm: 220 stations in 20 station increments

26mm: 220 stations in 20 station increments

Reel and/or Ammo Pack

Insertion Span

Std:.300″ – .800″ 7.62mm – 20.3mm)

5mm:  Not available

Std: .300″ – .950″ (7.6mm – 24.1mm)

5mm: .197″ – .850″ (5mm – 21.6mm)

Component Centering

Component Leads

Component Body

Board Error Correction

Yes

Yes

Verification

Yes  – limited capability

Yes

Lead Sensing

Yes

Yes – dual lead

Rotary Table

Yes

Yes

On-Line Programming

Yes

Yes

Automatic Board Handling

Yes

Yes – designed and manufactured by Universal

Part Transfer

Chute

Sequencer

Refire

Yes

Yes

Part Repair

Automatic

Semi-automatic

Max Body Length

.400″(10.2mm)

.620″(15.7mm)

Max Body Diameter

.175″(4.5mm)

.420″(10.69mm) – 2 x PCB thickness

Lead Diameter

Standard Tooling: 

copper lead

.015″- .036″(.38mm – .9mm)

.015″- .032″(.38mm – .81mm)

Standard Tooling: 

copper lead

.015″- .026″(.38mm – .66mm)

.015″- .032″(.38mm – .81mm)

5mm Tooling: copper lead

Not available

.015″- .032″(.38mm – .81mm)

5mm Tooling: copper lead

Not available

.015″- .032″(.38mm – .81mm)

Jumper Wire Capability

Yes

Yes

Low Part Sensing

No

Yes

Universal’s 6241D is still manufactured and design development activities continue to enhance and improve the machine as part of Universal’s ongoing commitment to the through-

hole market.  In addition to the items listed above, recent enhancements in the Model 6241D product line include:

Axial Tech Advisor is available which provides Operators and Maintenance Technicians on-line, menu-driven diagnostic information and assistance on machine operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair at the time of need.  It is available in English, Chinese and Spanish.

Newly designed jumper wire dispensing system provides fast, reliable and accurate wire feed and accommodates .45mm to .6mm wire diameters

Newly designed dispensing heads are easy to operate, greatly extend life of wearable parts and allow for quick changeover with minimal scrap.

The 6241D now offers a low-level Sequencer Add-On Module for easy reach loading.  It features low part sensing to alert the operator before parts are depleted, allowing replenishment without interrupting machine operation, removable end scrap bins for easy clean out, and refire is offered on each dispensing head.

Precision WBH’s, both adjustable and fixed are available.  Universal can also accommodate Amistar WBH’s.   

The 6241D contains a 4 color light tower which signals machine operating status.

New and improved board handling increases system reliability, ease of PCB changeover and ease of assembly. (See SH BHS Improvements Presentation).

Newly designed 5mm tooling is now available for increased reliability, longer life and better handling of bent lead component input.  (See 5mm Tooling Improvements Presentation).  Customers have told us this tooling lasts three times longer than the old style tooling

Universal offers a AAA version of the VCD Sequencer machine that is capable of inserting 26mm input.

The 6241D is CE marked to meet all European health and safety standards.

While Universal does not offer conversion software for converting Amistar pattern programs, the Amistar programs could be treated as CAD data and translated via the CAD translator available in PPU.  If your prospective customer would like to supply us with one of their programs and briefly explain the fields, we will review the program and offer suggestions for performing the translation.

And last, but not least, Universal offers a support infrastructure which includes a knowledgeable and experienced Field Service organization, world wide Training Centers and Parts Distribution Centers as well as an extensive installed base.