M 12

The MyData M 12 is a pick and place machine used in surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly. Pick and place machines are a class of automated assembly equipment that retrieves electronic components from feeders and positions them onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) with high accuracy. MyData was a manufacturer of flexible, modular pick and place systems designed for medium-volume, high-mix production environments.

Control software manages the placement sequence, feeder indexing, and vision alignment. The system reads a component placement file (typically in Common Placement Format or a proprietary format) that defines the position, rotation, and feeder location for every component on the board. The machine operates in a step-and-repeat cycle: the board remains stationary while the head moves to each pick and place location, or the board may be indexed under the head on a conveyor.

In an SMT assembly line, the MyData M 12 is positioned after the solder paste printer and before the reflow soldering oven. The line typically begins with a solder paste printer that applies solder paste to the PCB pads. The pick and place machine then places components onto the paste. After placement, the board enters a reflow oven where the solder paste is melted to form permanent electrical and mechanical connections. Optionally, an inspection station such as an automated optical inspection (AOI) system may be placed after pick and place or after reflow to verify component presence and alignment.