If you are using an SM pick and place machine, you may be wondering which IC tray feeder is the best choice for your production line.
The three commonly used models are:
- FW-1-SM
- FW-2-SM
- FW-2-SM-UP (New Version)
Although all three feeders are designed for IC tray feeding, they differ in installation method, feeder slot usage and flexibility.
This article explains the differences to help you choose the right model.
1. What Is FW-1-SM?
Model
FW-1-SM
Size
345 × 300 mm
Applicable Trays
- 2″
- 4″
- 136 × 316 mm
- 200 × 316 mm
- 272 × 316 mm
Type
Single-layer tray feeders (136 × 316 mm) with 2 trays
2. What Is FW-2-SM?
Model
FW-2-SM
Size
565 × 350 mm
Applicable Trays
- 2″
- 4″
- 136 × 316 mm
- 200 × 316 mm
- 272 × 316 mm
Type
Single-layer tray feeders (136 × 316 mm) with 4 trays
3. What Is the New FW-2-SM-UP?
Model
FW-2-SM-UP
Size
530 × 460 mm
Applicable Trays
- 2″
- 4″
- 136 × 316 mm
- 200 × 316 mm
- 272 × 316 mm
Features
- Tray feeder is Movable.
- Tray feeder inside machine-Not occupied feeder base slots
- Install on frame,not on feeder base
- Install it and don’t need change machine’s structure
4. How Do You Install FW-2-SM-UP?
Replacement Step
- Disassemble rail clamping strip in the middle of Moving Side Track.
- Disassemble Base cover plate.
- Disassemble Component reject box, finished above 3 steps and see Photo 1 & 2.
- Attention to direction of tray feeder (Photo 3).
- Install new rail clamping strip of tray feeder with below 4 holes. Attention to height of tray feeder not higher than ANC slot (Photo 4,5,6).
- Install fixed base with screw holes (Photo 7). Finished.
Attention: Height of tray feeder not higher than ANC slot (Photo 6).
5. What Are the Differences Between FW-1-SM, FW-2-SM and FW-2-SM-UP?
The biggest difference is how the tray feeder is installed and whether it occupies feeder base slots.
| Model | Size | Tray Capacity | Occupies Feeder Base Slots | Movable | Installation Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FW-1-SM | 345 × 300 mm | 2 Trays | Yes | No | Feeder Base |
| FW-2-SM | 565 × 350 mm | 4 Trays | Yes | No | Feeder Base |
| FW-2-SM-UP | 530 × 460 mm | 4 Trays | No | Yes | Machine Frame |
6. Are FW-1-SM and FW-2-SM Traditional IC Tray Feeders?
Yes.
Both FW-1-SM (345 × 300 mm) and FW-2-SM (565 × 350 mm) are traditional IC tray feeders.
Compared with the new FW-2-SM-UP, these two models:
- Occupy feeder base slots.
- Cannot be moved after installation.
- Are inserting on the feeder base.
7. What Are the Advantages of FW-2-SM-UP?
Compared with traditional IC tray feeders, FW-2-SM-UP offers several advantages:
- Tray feeder is movable.
- Does not occupy feeder base slots.
- Installed on the machine frame instead of the feeder base.
- No machine structure modification required.
- Better utilization of feeder base slots.
- Easier installation and replacement.
8. Which IC Tray Feeder Should You Choose?
If your production line only requires a traditional tray feeder, FW-1-SM and FW-2-SM remain practical solutions.
However, if you want to maximize feeder slot utilization while avoiding machine modifications, the new FW-2-SM-UP provides a more flexible installation method and improves production efficiency.
