company news about SMT‑mounting machines cannot achieve efficient operation without these industrial sensors.

In modern‑day electronics manufacturing facilities, SMT pick‑and‑place machines accurately mount components tinier than sesame seeds onto circuit boards, achieving a throughput of tens of thousands of units per hour. For these high‑speed and high‑precision operations, diverse sensors serve as the “eyes” and “nerve endings” of the machinery.

Today, we will take BOJKE’s sensor products as an example to examine how they fulfill distinct functions at various working stations of SMT pick‑and‑place machines.

The placement head serves as the core component of the SMT pick‑and‑place machine. With nozzles performing high‑speed lifting‑and‑lowering movements, it must ensure reliable pickup for each cycle as well as accurate and controllable mounting pressure.

Nozzle Pick‑up Detection Fiber‑optic Sensor & Fiber Amplifier

Application Scenario: Inside the confined space of the placement head, slim M3 / M4 optical fibers support flexible routing. Featuring high‑speed response, the amplifier checks for successful component pickup by the nozzle and verifies component availability on the carrier tape. Reliable detection is guaranteed even for miniature components.

Height Measurement and Warpage Compensation — Laser Displacement Sensor

Application Scenario: With analog output, the laser displacement sensor performs real‑time height measurement between the nozzle and PCB. It detects component thickness as well as substrate warpage, providing data for PLC to implement height compensation and achieve optimal

mounting pressure.

Feeder Station — Accurate Identification of Each Component

Feeders feed reel‑mounted carrier tape into the SMT pick‑and‑place machine. Accurate identification of component types, confirmation of tape position, as well as prevention of material shortage and tape breakage are essential.

Color‑mark Sensor

Application Scenario: Color‑mark sensors specialize in reading color marks and printed indicators on carrier tapes for differentiating various components or locating PCB reference fiducials. They provide superior stability and reliability compared with general‑purpose photoelectric sensors.

Detection of Miniature Components in Carrier Tape — Fiber‑optic Sensor

Application Scenario: Installed within the carrier‑tape passage, slim optical fibers are adopted to check whether miniature components exist. With quick response and space‑saving structure, they assist in confirming material shortage conditions of the carrier tape.

Carrier‑tape Counting and Tape Breakage Detection — U‑slot Photoelectric Sensor

Application Scenario: Installed on carrier‑tape reels, counting wheels and other positions, miniature U‑slot photoelectric sensors realize carrier‑tape counting and monitor material shortage or tape breakage. Boasting a simple structure, the sensors allow straightforward installation.

Substrate Presence and Position Confirmation — Photoelectric Sensor

Application Scenario: WRGS thin‑profile photoelectric sensors, background‑suppression photoelectric sensors and mini laser photoelectric sensors are commonly deployed to detect substrate presence and verify PCB positioning on the conveyor track. Thanks to their ultra‑slim housing, they adapt well to the narrow clearance of SMT pick‑and‑place equipment.

Limit Position Detection for Metal Parts — Inductive Proximity Sensor

Application Scenario: SM‑series mini M8/M12 proximity switches are installed on moving components and limit positions of the track to verify the in‑place status of metal parts. Their compact dimensions support embedded mounting while ensuring long‑term durability and stable performance.

Hazard Zone Intrusion Protection — Safety Light Curtain

Application Scenario: BOL‑series ultra‑thin safety light curtains are installed on access openings and safety door sections of SMT pick‑and‑place machines. Upon intrusion of human hands or foreign objects into the hazardous area, NPN/PNP signals will be output to the safety circuit for emergency stop actuation, providing reliable personnel protection.

Ranging from placement heads and feeders to conveyor tracks and safety protection units, BOJKE’s sensor product line features comprehensive technical coverage, which provides robust guarantee for the high‑efficiency operation of SMT pick‑and‑place machines.

Modern‑day SMT equipment is continuously upgraded for high‑speed operation, micro‑component processing and advanced intelligence. As the core underlying perception elements of machinery, sensors are growing more critical than ever.

Devoted to industrial sensor development, BOJKE facilitates the stable development of customers’ smart manufacturing with stable‑performance hardware products and customized solution services.