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.