Sony’s new F-series of cellular mounters includes the SI-F130 and SI-F209 models, which are expected to become available for sale in North America this spring.

“Our F-series mounter systems incorporate Sony’s most advanced factory automation technology and can dramatically reduce mounting tact time to achieve fast turnaround and meet the increasing demands and high standards of the semiconductor industry,” said Koh Nakata, president and CEO for SMSA.

The SI-F130 model is equipped with Sony’s advanced planetary head, incorporating a new overlap mounting process that achieves a high placement tact time of 0.139 seconds and reduces cycle time by 20 percent when compared to the previous models. This model also features a newly developed PCB loading/unloading system that improves production performance and minimizes downtime by 40 percent over current models. With these added benefits built in a compact design, the SI-F130 model is ideal for handling 0402 chips.

SI-F130 Specifications
Head Configuration: 1 head & 12 nozzles
Max. Mountable Cassettes: 40 front & 40 rear on 8mm cassettes
Mounting Tact Time: 0.139s
Mounting Accuracy: +/- 0.06mm (Cpk 1.0 or better)
Loading/Unloading Downtime: 0
Dimensions: 1,220Wx1,400Dx1,434H (mm)

The fine-pitch SI-F209 model uses improved speed with Sony’s unique flying vision and nozzle changing systems, which reduce 20 percent of mounting cycle time compared to the previous models. It also utilizes the latest ejector-aided PCB loading/unloading system with advanced recognition technology, which enhances the ability to automatically generate image data for complex new parts.

SI-F209 Specifications
Head Configuration: 1 head & 6nozzles
Max. Mountable Cassettes: 40 cassettes on 8mm in front & 80 trays at the rear
Mounting Tact Time: 0.49s
Mounting Accuracy: +/- 0.05mm (Cpk 1.0 or better)
Loading/Unloading Downtime: 0.6s
Dimensions: 1,220Wx1,700Dx1,524H (mm)

“Our cellular mounters can handle both small-sized and large irregular-sized parts, enabling the production line to be adaptable and configurable as needed,” Nakata added. “We can in turn provide customers with flexibility, as well as excellent production performance and economical efficiency to help them meet their strategic production plans and business goals.”

Pricing and Availability
The new Sony surface mounter systems are expected to become available this spring. The SI-F130 model will have an MSRP starting at $160,000, and the SI-F209 model an MSRP starting at $190,000.

About Sony Manufacturing Systems Corporation
Sony Manufacturing Systems (SMS) is a world leader in factory automation and system integration with expertise in a wide variety of manufacturing applications. The company is recognized as a major player in technological innovation and is the world's largest producer of precision measurement and positioning tools, machinery and scientific apparatuses.

Sony Manufacturing Systems America, Inc. (SMSA), is a subsidiary of SMS, and is a leading provider of precision measurement devices, including linear encoders, digital linear gauges, digital readout displays and the high accuracy Laserscaleé for use by end users and OEMs across a wide spectrum of industrial applications. SMSA also provides portable instrumentation recorders using digital audiotape technology for test, research, and development as well as testers for the post-production inspection of CDs and DVDs. The cellular surface mounter system series has been available in North America for more than a decade. The sales and marketing for this product line was transferred to SMSA in April of 2003. More information can be found at www.sonysms.com.