Pick and place machine

The main objective of the project was to create a solid model assembly for a Pick and Place (PNP) machine using Solidworks. We started by first creating a list of basic engineering specifications. Then, each team member was tasked with conducting research on different parts of a milling machine, as well as different designs of PNP machines. Once the research was collected, the engineering specification were refined. The team then brainstormed to generate four candidate designs. Based on the engineering specifications, the benefits and drawbacks of different designs were identified, and accordingly, a 3-axis PNP Machine box design with slider rail movements in X and Y direction was chosen as the final design solution. Based on the research conducted, material, component and cost analysis of the final design was conducted to create the 3D model.

First sketches

Spherical Design

The sphere design reaches each x-y-z axis through rotational and not linear motion. The platform where the circuit board rests can slide along the walls of the sphere and will stay stationary while the sphere rotates. The arm and its gripper rotate around the sphere through a slider rail mechanism which will be powered by a motor and a gearbox. The gripper is attached to a scissor lift mechanism to allow it to extend along the z axis. The overall footprint of this design is approximately 500 mm, with the bottom platform that the machine rests on having a corresponding radius of 250 mm.

Scotch Yoke Design

The Scotch yoke design is a simple but efficient design. It moves along the x axis through a slider mechanism and along the y axis through the scotch yoke mechanism, both of which are powered by motors. The gripper also moves along the z axis with the help of the scotch yoke itself, since it extends both horizontally and vertically. The overall footprint of this design is approximately 1500 mm x 1300 mm (these are the dimensions of the base plate of this design).

Box Design

The Box design is the simplest of the four designs. However, it focuses on the main functions and objectives of the pick and place design specifications. The frame is shaped as a rectangular box which allows the machine a full range of motion along all three axes. It is able to move quickly along both the x and y axis because of the smooth linear motion provided by guide rails and a linear actuator. It also includes a vacuum pick-up design which satisfies the picking and placing functionalities of the machine. For instance, it uses 3 different vacuum sizes to account for different reel sizes. The vacuums can extend on the z- axis in a controlled and rapid manner through the use of two hydraulic pistons and a motor.

Main Candidate and components

We selected the Box Design as the main candidate after using ranking chart system. Each design was assessed based on the criteria of durability, cost, feasibility, efficiency.

Each of the components - from the placing mechanisms to the reel feeders - of the PNP were detailed in their uses, choice of specific types and materials, as well as cost considerations, accompanied by an in-depth explanation of the safety factors that were considered to ensure that our design abides by engineering standards, codes, and regulations required.

Pick and place machine

First sketches

Main Candidate and components

FINAL SOLIDWORKS MODEL