First test of my ShapeOko pick and place prototype

[Digitalmagic]

Did you notice that every time the component is released, there is a (local Z-axis) rotation occurring for each of them?
Can't see detailed enough, but am curious about this, do you release component "airborne" or "landed" ?

[potatotron]

I'm definitely releasing the components airborne; yes you're right they're moving a little as they drop. I'm not that concerned about it right now because as others have pointed out eventually the parts will be landing on solder paste, and not onto a smooth surface.

[Karl]

If you haven't got the advice before, try to place the parts on a double sided tape, that will emulate how the paste will hold the component when you placing it on a real board.

[potatotron]

If you haven't got the advice before, try to place the parts on a double sided tape, that will emulate how the paste will hold the component when you placing it on a real board.

That is a great idea. Thanks!

I've got my ShapeOko partially disassembled to add home switches and clean up the cabling, but as soon as everything's put back together I will try this out.

I've been doing research on pick and place and read up on openpnp and your posts there. It all looks very interesting and I can't wait to see your system in action.

[Karl]

I have everything assembled for the Hello World test now, but my kit is missing the ATX power cable, so I need to get to Akihabara[1] tomorrow and pick one up so I can start testing my machine.

After that I will install the limit switches that I made before, and hook up the valve for the vacuum control. For vacuum, which pin on the arduino did you connect it to and which G-codes controls it?
Also need to figure out a good position for the Z-axis limit switch.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihabara

[potatotron]

For vacuum, which pin on the arduino did you connect it to and which G-codes controls it?
Also need to figure out a good position for the Z-axis limit switch.

I connected the vacuum solenoid transistor to Arduino D12 (GRBL Spindle Enable). For G-codes: M3 turns it on, M5 turns it off.

I too am trying to figure out where to put the Z switch. I am thinking about a small switch mounted below the Delrin nut, that gets pressed by a hex nut on the MakerSlide. Attached are some pics of the prototype.

[Karl]

Thanks for the instructions potatotron.

Today I hook up the vacuum solenoid and did successfully pick up a 1206 resistor, will try to make a video tomorrow.

I assume I should be able to pick up 0402 as long as I get spot on.