HMS Industrial Networks Extends Connection with Europlacer to Increase Capacity and Flexibility

Sweden-based industrial communication pioneer continues to set the pace in the Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 with a new iineo+ flexible pick and place platform, building on previous successful investments in Europlacer equipment.

Extending support for advanced electronics assembly at HMS Industrial Networks in Sweden, Europlacer has supplied a new iineo+ flexible pick and place platform to the Halmstadt-based innovator of solutions for Industrie 4.0 and the IIoT.

Configured with dual placement heads and optional features for handling tall components, the latest iineo+ gives HMS greater capacity and flexibility. “We rely on fast prototyping and agile production to deliver competitive products that support the latest industry standards and are tailored to customer-specific needs,” says Christian Nilsson, Industrialization Manager and Production Technology Manager at HMS. “We build many different products, that’s why fast and efficient changeovers are essential.”

The latest platform is installed at the heart of a new, additional surface-mount line at HMS, which operates alongside an existing line that already contains two iineo machines. These continue to deliver a first-class service, which made Europlacer’s newer iineo+ model the natural choice in the latest round of investment. “We have trusted Europlacer for many years to provide the placement capacity and flexibility we need,” explains Nilsson.

With its dual heads and advanced placement technologies, iineo+ can place up to 30,000 components per hour. Extremely flexible feeder management, which allows the feeders to be placed at the front, rear, or both sides of the machine, enhances efficiency and simplifies setup. The 264 8mm-tape position capacity is the largest in the industry. In conjunction with internal support for trays and sequencers, this allows HMS to load inventory for multiple products at the same time and change over quickly with minimal reconfiguration.

“Our approach is to invest in equipment that can cope with the demands and challenges of today, with a view to meeting our future needs as well,” continues HMS’s Nilsson. “The iineo platform is capable of handling 01005 component technology, so it gives us cutting-edge capability to place small 0201 SMD passives, which are now entering mainstream use in our products, as well as the flexibility to handle large and tall components up to 70mm x 70mm and 34mm high.”

He adds: “It is also very important for us to have a good relationship with our supplier, with the assurance of a reliable service organisation.” Europlacer’s extensive and award-winning customer support services span conventional face-to-face technical assistance, online support using TeamViewer remote-access software, flexible maintenance contracts, fast-turnaround spares and service, and a rich selection of operator-training options.

Since the installation of the iineo+ machine at HMS, Europlacer has partnered with local SMT industry specialist, Cynergy. Based in Denmark, Cynergy is the first point of contact for Europlacer equipment across the Scandinavian territories going forward. In conjunction with Europlacer, Cynergy has already performed a usage audit at HMS to assist in implementing material handling procedures.

“The combination of excellent equipment performance and flexibility, with effective day-to-day collaboration between our teams, will ensure that HMS goes on to achieve further success,” Nilsson concludes.