Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, is pleased to announce that it offers the discontinued 702/902 nozzle for ASM Siplace equipment.

ASM phased out the 702/902 nozzles in January 2013 with the 706/906 being offered as a direct replacement. Due to higher customer demand, COT continued production of the 702/902 nozzles in anticipation of customers still seeking to utilize the 702/902 nozzle geometry for 0201 (0.6 x 0.3 mm) and 0402 (1.0 x 0.5 mm) components in their pick-and-place equipment.

COT produces molded ceramic tips based on OEM designs utilizing the latest injection molding technology and materials. COT’s unique vacuum geometry provides excellent performance, saving customers time and money during production. All COT ASM Siplace nozzle bodies are machined from a high strength plastic, making them flexible and more durable than the competition.

COT’s ASM Siplace nozzles are available individually or in six-packs in the 701/901, 702/902, 704/904, 706/906 and 725/925 versions. COT’s current technology can be extended for applications including custom engineered nozzles for odd-form components such as LEDs, connectors, switches and more.

All nozzles are guaranteed to function properly with the original equipment. Every nozzle manufactured by Count On Tools comes standard with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If any customer is not 100 percent satisfied with the performance or quality of a product, Count On Tools will replace it or offer a full refund. Count On Tools is a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts. The company has won numerous awards for its quality products and service. 

Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, has announced the release of the new support plates for its line of ezLOAD Board Supports. By utilizing the support plates on the ezLOAD modules, customers can limit the movement of the ESD-safe foam fingers while shortening the compression height. This provides enhanced support for heavy load procedures. The ezLOAD Support Plates are available in 1/4" (0.25) and 3/8" (0.375) heights.

The new ezLOAD PCB Support System features a precision-machined aluminum base with magnetic supports and soft, ESD-safe foam fingers. The ezLOAD system not only reduces changeover times, but also improves product build quality, increases revenues by providing significant cost savings, and eliminates component damage during the assembly process.

Count On Tools’ ezLOAD PAD features active grip technology to securely hold boards during the manufacturing process and is ESD-safe. With the basic universal design, there are no mechanical functions to fail. The system requires no air, electronics or communication from the user. Most importantly, the ezLOAD PCB Support System is affordable compared to competitive products on the market.

The ezLOAD PCB Support System is compatible with any SMT equipment, from pick-and-place to chip shooters, screen printers, dispensers, AOI equipment and more. The soft, flexible design makes it extremely durable and is proven to be reliable after testing in the most hazardous conditions. The ezLOAD PCB Support System is customizable depending on machine requirements, specialized components or specific design application requirements.

Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces that it now offers ID threaded versions of the Pillarhouse AP universal nozzles for its entire line of selective soldering machines. COT offers the OD threaded versions of the nozzles as well.

As Selective soldering becomes more popular in the electronics manufacturing industry, COT has realized the need for higher quality selective solder nozzles that can consistently apply flux and solder to component leads without disturbing nearby SMT components. By utilizing superior steel alloys made in the USA, along with the latest precision machining technologies, COT is able to produce selective soldering nozzles that have been proven to be more durable and last longer than those from the OEM, while still maintaining all of the original design properties.

The nozzles are available in all standards sizes; from 2.5mm to 14mm. Count On Tools also can provide identification marks that enable customers to easily identify leaded nozzles from lead-free versions. Additionally, COT offers custom selective solder nozzles based on specific application requirements. This includes special wave form sizes, multi-port and extended or shortened lengths.

“Our goal with this product line is to offer our customers a more cost-effective selective solder nozzle that will not only last longer than conventional nozzles, but will also outperform OEM nozzles in terms of accuracy and consistency,” said Zachery Shook, Marketing Director at Count On Tools, Inc. “It is our obligation to assist customers that wish to incorporate lean manufacturing into their operations by offering solutions that allow them to automate processes and become more streamlined in the production of circuit board assemblies.”

All nozzles are guaranteed to function properly with the original equipment. Every selective solder nozzle manufactured by Count On Tools comes standard with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If any customer is not 100 percent satisfied with the performance or quality of a product, Count On Tools will replace it or offer a full refund.

Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, is pleased to announce that it has been invited to take part in the Cree Solution Provider Program (CSP). The CSP Program was created to help lighting manufacturers find complementary components from third-party manufacturers that work with Cree’s LED products. The CSP Program helps lighting manufacturers by enabling a shorter design cycle to get products to market faster.

Recognizing concerns with LED component handling during the pick-and-place process, Count On Tools developed a new nozzle platform designed to overcome the tackiness or stickiness of the LED substrates (flashing). Count On Tools’ SMT nozzle designs for Cree® LEDs avoid placing mechanical stress on the LED lens by limiting contact with the optical surface during component picking or placement processes. This eliminates the possibility of degraded performance from the LED after the circuit board is assembled.

Count On Tools’ new technology uses an exclusive urethane material to create a vacuum bond with components that is guaranteed to improve placement accuracy and reliability with LED components while overcoming issues with the substrate. This new design also improves LED component release onto the board, preventing misplaced LEDs, lost components or miss-picks.

According to Cree, their mission is to obsolete energy-inefficient lighting. Cree understands that for solid-state lighting products to be successful, not only are the best and brightest LEDs on the market required, but the knowledge and support to handle these components in a high-speed, accurate manufacturing process is critical.

“Alliances with companies like Count On Tools are an essential part of delivering energy efficient, high-quality Cree LED lighting solutions to the market,” said David Cox, director of alliance development with Cree. “Their latest pick-and-place designs can help lighting manufacturers accurately and consistently place Cree LED components using their existing SMT equipment.”

Count On Tools also understands that in order for their customers to remain competitive in today’s market, they must be able to cut costs while simultaneously maximizing the capabilities of their customer’s SMT assembly equipment to prevent costly investments in new equipment or increased labor from hand placements of odd-form components. This new line of LED nozzles for Cree LEDs allows them to help customers achieve better placements with odd-form components in their machines while saving money.

Cree® is a registered trademark of Cree, Inc.

Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, is pleased to introduce its latest accessory, Rail Removal Tools, for the award-winning StripFeeder .mod System for loading tape-and-reel components onto compact modules for prototyping and high-mix low-volume applications. Effective immediately, a set of these tools will be included with the purchase of StripFeeder .mod Systems at no additional charge. Customers who have already purchased a StripFeeder system in the past are welcome to contact a local sales representative about receiving their free set of Rail Removal Tools.

The new StripFeeder .mod (Modular) System version 2 features removable rails that can be mounted to accommodate a wide array of tape sizes in the same feeder. With the new Rail Removal Tools, operators can quickly remove the rails for adjustments on product runs or to unload/reload components. They just slip into the machined tracks on both ends of a rail and pull up to easily remove the rail.

The innovative design holds the components securely in the machined tracks to prevent parts from being miss-picked, flipped in the pocket, or lost. Customers also can remove rails to accommodate larger components up to 120mm tape width. The StripFeeder .mod system is built to JEDEC-standards and size specifications to allow the unit to be utilized in most types of SMT equipment or JEDEC-style tray feeder units.

The new StripFeeder systems are a cost effective way to load many components, including odd-form and custom components, without having to purchase expensive feeders. The quick-to-assemble, easy-to-install modules are designed for rapid loading of tape-and-reel components on existing SMT pick-and-place equipment. Additionally, the trays enable fast changeover between product runs without unloading from the machine.

Count On Tools (COT) Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces that it has developed an improved process for marking its Fuji NXT products. With the cooperation of advanced labeling system manufacturers, COT has established a new layer of identification and protection for its products that is unmatched in the industry.

The Fuji NXT interchangeable head allows each machine to support almost all surface mount component types and perform both high-speed chip mounting and odd-form component placement. COT provides all standard size nozzles in all three styles including:

• H01 – 36mm Disc (1.0mm – 20.0mm; including Compliant and MELF)
• H04 – 19mm Disc (1.0mm – 15.0mm; including Ceramic, Compliant and MELF)
• H08/H12 – 9mm Disc (0.3mm – 5.0mm; including Ceramic, Compliant and MELF)

Every COT Fuji NXT nozzle features both the original 2D data matrix code and OEM color matrix code for easy identification of the nozzles by the user and the machine software. The new cutting-edge 2D barcode allows for endless marking applications that require durability, flexibility and resistance to forgery. This is a perfect fit for SMT placement tooling. The mil-spec material is even resistant to abrasion, grease, oils and many other chemicals. The most important feature; however, is the clear black and white mark that is easily read by the machine software and is guaranteed to never fade.

COT also offers a 2D barcode repair service for customers who have existing nozzles that cannot be recognized by the machine due to the worn or faded barcode. With this new system, all previous nozzle versions can be upgraded for extended use. This provides significant cost savings over purchasing new nozzles.

Count On Tools (COT) Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces that it now offers Custom Gripper Nozzles for Panasonic CM and NPM machines with multi-function placement heads. These nozzles feature precision machined, vacuum-actuated jaws for securely gripping a variety of parts and shapes that cannot be placed with traditional SMT placement tools. The COT Gripper Nozzles easily pick components from several input types, such as tape, trays, and other feeding solutions.

Additionally, COT can generally provide a finished nozzle within seven to ten days, saving customers up to 50 percent over OEM designs for custom nozzles. There are no design fees and COT provides free quotes based on the equipment and type of component being placed.

All nozzles are guaranteed to function properly with the original equipment. Every nozzle manufactured by COT comes standard with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If any customer is not 100 percent satisfied with the performance or quality of a product, COT will replace it or offer a full refund.

Count On Tools (COT) Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces a new addition to its custom nozzle engineering services with the Full Solution Package for Odd Form Components. With this new program, Count On Tools can offer customers placing odd form components the ability to streamline their process by purchasing a custom designed SMT placement tool along with the award-winning Stripfeeder .mod Version 2 kit. This combination provides a universal feeder platform for presenting the components in the equipment as well as a placement tool guaranteed to accurately and repeatedly place odd form components.

“This program not only offers significant cost savings for the end-user, but it also provides the board builder a full process solution from pick to place of odd form components in any SMT equipment,” says Zachery Shook, Marketing Director for Count On Tools, Inc.

By including the Stripfeeder .mod V2 kit, customers can take advantage of including oversized components in their equipment without the need for expensive custom feeders. The Stripfeeder .mod V2 kit features a mechanical lock-spring to hold the tape in place by the sprocket hole for part registration and repeatable pick-and-place applications. This means the user only has to teach the pick-up location one time and consistently reload the unit with the same parts over and over for longer runs.

Additionally, the StripFeeder .mod V2 features removable rails that can be mounted to accommodate a wide array of tape sizes in the same feeder. Unlike the fixed width version, the StripFeeder .mod can be adjusted by removing the rails and re-positioning them on the base plate at the desired width (4mm pitched hole pattern). The rails align with precision pin locaters and lock down tightly with magnets to guarantee a stable, repeatable application.

The innovative design holds the components securely in the machined tracks to prevent parts from being miss-picked, flipped in the pocket, or lost. Also, customers can remove rails to accommodate larger components up to 120mm tape width. The StripFeeder .mod system is built to JEDEC-standards and size specifications to allow the unit to be utilized in most types of SMT equipment or JEDEC-style tray feeder units.

Count On Tools has the experience and manufacturing flexibility to develop custom engineered solutions to satisfy individual process requirements. Customers wishing to participate in this program can submit information regarding the type of component to be placed, the equipment being used, as well as any other process requirements by email to [email protected]. If samples are available they can be submitted as well. The quick-to-assemble, easy-to-install modules are designed for rapid loading of tape-and-reel components on existing SMT pick-and-place equipment.

Count On Tools, Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, today announced plans to offer repair services for MYDATA Agilis Feeders. This program will be available for the 3.7, 4.0, 4.7, and 5.4 Agilis feeders. This is the only repair option for these feeders on the market and provides significant costs savings over purchasing replacement feeders.

All repair components (tape plows and feeder springs) are precision machined replacements for the original parts using high quality materials and industry leading coatings. COT guarantees their functionality in the equipment and the ability to extend the life cycle of worn or damaged feeders.

Starting in late September 2013, COT will begin accepting customer feeders for evaluation for repair. The program will be officially launched during SMTA International in Fort Worth, TX this October. For more information, visit www.cotinc.com.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces the availability of its new MYDATA ezTOOL, an assembly/disassembly fixture for MYDATA Midas Tool Tips.

With the new ezTOOL, customers are able to quickly replace tool tips with precision alignment for critical pick-and-place tooling. What sets the ezTOOL apart is that it not only works on the precision spring loaded Midas Tools (A23, A24, and C23), but with the additional tip jig, customers can quickly replace smaller tips with more accuracy with just a single tool.

The ezTOOL is compatible with MYDATA A12, A13, A14, B12 and C14 replacement tool tips. Each ezTOOL is precision machined from high quality aluminum and stainless steel to ensure durability and repeatability of use. Additionally, COT supplies all replacement tool tips for MYDATA Midas Tools as well as standard and custom nozzles for odd-form components.