a. What would be the ideal air release pressure (a.k.a air kiss, vacuum break) for 0201 and smaller components? Occasionally we encounter problems with component release from nozzle during placement cycle. Anyone with similar problems please feel free to share you solution or thoughts.

b. Anyone out there using a template/tracker to keep tabs on individual machine history (i.e. Parts replaced, software upgrades, machine parameter etc.)? How to implement such a system in a SMT manufacturing environment?

Would appreciate if someone can help.

Anyone have ideas for this question?

a. What would be the ideal air release pressure (a.k.a air kiss, vacuum break) for 0201 and smaller components? Occasionally we encounter problems with component release from nozzle during placement cycle. Anyone with similar problems please feel free to share you solution or thoughts.

Have you contacted the manufacturer/distributor of this equipment? Equipment manufacturers tend to maintain performance and set-up data of their machines. Have you contacted industry groups in your country?

b. Anyone out there using a template/tracker to keep tabs on individual machine history (i.e. Parts replaced, software upgrades, machine parameter etc.)? How to implement such a system in a SMT manufacturing environment?

Sorry, can't help on this one...:(

Would appreciate if someone can help.

Yes we have contacted the manufacturers but they dont have a solution in hand.

Well, if by chance you happen to come accross a solution do let me know. Thnx

We had trouble with placing 0201’s as well, to correct the problem we needed to address the nozzle size, indexing issues and placement issues. The only answer I can give you is that you need to characterize your current 0201 placement process and then optimize it.

This article addresses' most of the process issues you’ll see placing 0201 components.
http://www.smtnet.com/express/200209/0201placement.pdf

Thank you very much for the information. Will read it through. Thanks again.