Yamaha Auto Loading Feeder

The ALF is a feeder accessory for Yamaha pick-and-place machines (such as YS and YSM series) that automatically loads component tape without stopping production. It enables new tapes to be loaded in about 5 seconds, helping maintain continuous operation.

The ALF is compatible with Yamaha SMT pick-and-place machines, including the YS and YSM series. It requires the mounter to have a tape cutter.

It supports components from 1005 up to 3216 mm (often referred to in SMD sizing like 0402 to 1206), and works with four feeder types: S, M, L, and LL corresponding to different component size ranges.

• Tape width: 8 mm (maximum thickness 1 mm) for cover/carrier tape; tapes with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) are not
• Feed pitch: 2 mm or 4 mm settings.
• Applicable reel specs: reel width ≤ 14.4 mm and diameter ≤ 382 mm; using special reel holders, reels up to 13.6 mm width and diameter up to 178 mm.

The feeder can load cut tape strips with a minimum length of 400 mm or more.

The ALF has external dimensions (excluding projections) of approximately 549 mm (L) × 11.5 mm (W) × 278 mm (H), and weighs about 1.50 kg.

It supports paper carrier and cover tape. Embossed carrier tape is in development. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) cover tapes are not compatible. Tape maximum thickness is 1 mm, but with some restrictions.

• Reduces machine downtime caused by parts outages (i.e. tape running out or needing changeover).
• Less need for splice tape and manual loading, lowering labour and potential human error.
• The “centre-open” loading method of the ALF helps reduce pickup errors caused by static electricity or fibre residue from peeling tape.