Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, will exhibit its new StripFeeder Modular (.mod) System version 2 in Booth #725 at the IPC APEX Expo, scheduled to take place March 25-27, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award-winning StripFeeder System is the ideal solution for loading tape-and-reel components onto compact modules for prototyping and high-mix low-volume applications.

The latest version of the StripFeeder Modular (.mod) System 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 System version 2 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. Customers who have already purchased StripFeeder System can contact COT about upgrading their systems to the latest version.

Also at the show, COT will discuss its new repair services program 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 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.

Additional product lines to be showcased at the event include: The complete series of StripFeeder .mod kits and accessories, Cree® LED Nozzles and the expanded line of ezLOAD modules. In addition to the company’s standard product range, a broad assortment of custom nozzle designs for odd-form components will be on display.

Company representatives will be available to explain how Count On Tools products and services can help optimize SMT equipment for faster production and lower build costs. Count On Tools supplies a full range of SMT tooling, odd-form component tooling and design services, and other SMT consumables for the electronics manufacturing industry. The company’s product range can be found in leading EMS companies worldwide. For more information, speak with a company representative in Booth #725 or visit www.cotinc.com.

Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, worked closely with its customer, Nortech Systems, to eliminate board failures on the company’s screen printer line and improve the application process for future builds.

As a full-service electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider, PCBA, electromechanical and wire and cable contract manufacturer for the medical device, military and aerospace, industrial and machine vision markets, Nortech is focused on supporting customers throughout a product’s life cycle.  From product development through production, Nortech’s experienced team members have the necessary skills to offer superior engineering services, EMS contract manufacturing options, on-time delivery of quality products, and post-production support.

By utilizing the ezLOAD modules for their equipment, engineers at Nortech were able to quickly realize the benefits of COT’s award-winning products. By using ezLOAD supports during solder paste printing for fine-pitch boards, as well as dual-sided boards after they had gone through reflow, Nortech was able to reduce failures by up to 100 percent. The ezLOAD modules paid for themselves after only a handful of successful product runs.

According to Michael Fritz, Manufacturing Technician at Nortech Systems, “We began to notice a growing failure trend related to the printing process. Solder bridging, solder voiding, and inconsistent printing causing line stoppages prompted us to start looking at our options for achieving consistent and efficient printing. To combat these issues we looked to Count on Tools for their universal board supports. Not only did we reduce and/or eliminate defects, we also reduced the amount of changeover time with the ease that the ezLOAD pcb support system provides.”

COT was recently awarded a 2013 NPI Award in the category of Screen/Stencil Printing Peripherals / Consumables for its ezLOAD Board Support System. The new ezLOAD PCB Support System for screen printers 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 screen printing 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.