New Universal AdVantisX from Contax

Citation

(2009), "New Universal AdVantisX from Contax", Assembly Automation, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2009.03329aad.001

New Universal AdVantisX from Contax

Article Type: New products From: Assembly Automation, Volume 29, Issue 1

Production automation system specialist, Contax Ltd, has announced the new generation Universal Instruments AdVantisX placement machines (Figure 1). Based on Universal’s Genesis platform, the new AdVantisX offers many of the same high-level features and performance levels but at a very competitive price.

Figure 1 An AdVantisX placement machine by Contax Ltd

Available either as a single or dual beam system, the AdVantisX offers exceptional throughput of up to 57,000 cph per module, with the highest pick PPM and final product yield. This performance level is unique within this sized system, with only the larger Genesis offering the same productivity.

In financial terms, based on the same component placement rate, the AdVantisX offers a 25 per cent saving over the larger Genesis range; whilst costing only fractionally more than Universal’s smaller AdVantis series.

A fully modular system, the AdVantisX is ideally suited to mid-volume, high-mix production environments. It offers the most advanced technologies of any mid-range assembly solution, incorporating a number of Universal’s patented designs.

VRM technology

Both the AdVantisX and Genesis use variable reluctance motor (VRM) linear drives with closed-loop, direct drive, positioning. This offers very high accuracy to 1 μm resolution, powerful acceleration to 2.5 G and unmatched precision. Fewer moving parts also ensure that there is minimal maintenance and no adjustments.

Lightning placement head

The AdVantisX range offers the option of the Universal’s industry acclaimed Lightning head. This delivers the industry’s fastest tact rate, and when configured as a dual-beam system, the AdVantisX can achieve speeds of 61,300 cph. It also offers a component range of between 01005 and 30 mm².

Alternatives include the InLine7 head, an all-round performer that quickly and accurately places components from 0201 up to 55 mm² and 25 mm tall, or the InLine4, which is unmatched for flexibility and odd-form capability.

Magellan digital camera

Universal’s patented Magellan digital optics provide both wide field-of-view and high resolution on every component type.

The system is also easy to use with efficient “feeder anywhere” technology, reduced changeover and standby time, icon-based Windows interfaces and platform and line flexibility.

“The AdVantisX offers exceptional value for money,” explained Bob Thornton, Director of PCB Division at Contax Ltd “It is the most powerful solution available for the mid-market, and offers many of the features from the Genesis range”. The Genesis series is well known in the industry for offering the fastest quad-gantry machine on the market, so its pedigree is unparalleled.