Motion control systems are a means through which companies can control a specific aspect of a machine. It is a form of automation. In industry, a motion control system can be responsible for the operation of simple things such as conveyor belts and sliding doors as well as more complex devices, e.g., robotic arms. One type of motion control system is in machinery referred to as pick and place.
What Is Pick and Place?
As the name indicates, the machinery, using a mechanism, picks or grabs an item and then places it in a specified location. These actions all take place within the defined parameters of designated setting. The system is for a very specific type of application. Although manual versions do exist, companies tend to opt for automated versions. When electing to install pick and play (P&P) with a motion control system, they must be very specific when talking to the company installing the P&P with or it will not operate optimally.
Robotic machines, they are capable of fitting surface-mount devices (SMDs) onto a printed circuit board (PCB) with accuracy, speed, and precision. Such PCBs are common in many different types of equipment. These include:
* Computers
* Consumer electronics
* Medical devices
* Automotive components
* Military equipment
* telecommunications devices, e.g., cellphones
Increasingly, electronic and other companies are utilizing motion control systems with P&P to handle minuscule components.
P&P Motion Control Systems
Many types of motion control systems are available in the marketplace. One specific type is “pick and play” or P&P. Companies who need to employ P&P must be specific in their talks with a company that manufactures and/or installs this type of motion control system. It is imperative they find the right equipment to produce the best results possible in their production line. As a specialized application, and capital investment it is important to remember this is never a case of “one type fits all.”
