A Surface Mount Technology (SMT) placement machine, also known as a pick-and-place machine or a chip shooter, is a robotic device used in electronics manufacturing to place surface-mount components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). SMT placement machines automate the process of populating a PCB with components, making it faster, more accurate, and more efficient compared to manual assembly.

The primary function of an SMT placement machine is to pick up electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits (ICs), and other surface-mount devices (SMDs), from feeders or trays and accurately place them onto designated locations on the PCB. The machine achieves this through a combination of mechanical movements, vision systems, and control software.

Here's a breakdown of the main components and features of an SMT placement machine:

Feeders: These are devices that hold and supply the components to the placement machine. They can be tape feeders, stick feeders, tray feeders, or bulk feeders, depending on the type and packaging of the components.
Vision system: SMT placement machines are equipped with vision systems, including cameras and image recognition software, to locate fiducial marks or other reference points on the PCB and align the components accurately.
Nozzles: Nozzles are specialized tools attached to the placement machine's head that pick up components from the feeders. They come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate various component sizes and types.
Placement head: The placement head is responsible for the movement and placement of components on the PCB. It typically consists of multiple axes of motion, allowing precise positioning of the nozzles.
Conveyor system: SMT placement machines often have a conveyor system to transport the PCBs through the assembly process. The conveyor moves the PCBs into position, allowing the placement head to accurately place the components.
Control software: The placement machine is controlled by software that coordinates the movements of the machine, vision system, and feeders. The software ensures accurate component placement based on the PCB design data.
SMT placement machines are crucial in high-volume electronics manufacturing, where large quantities of PCBs need to be assembled quickly and with high precision. They significantly improve production efficiency, reduce human error, and enable smaller component sizes and higher component density on PCBs, leading to more compact and advanced electronic devices.