A proper FIFO (First In, First Out) storage system helps prevent the paste from degrading, which could lead to poor performance or wasted materials. In this article, we will compare Drawer-type and Rotating Tower-type FIFO storage systems for solder paste, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and ideal use cases.
Quick Answer: Drawer-Type vs. Rotating Tower-Type FIFO Storage
Drawer-type FIFO storage (SM-SP300SP/SM-SP600SP models) is designed for high-volume operations and provides energy efficiency, stable performance, and large storage capacity (up to 600 jars).
Rotating tower-type FIFO storage (SM-SP200SP model) is more suitable for low-volume needs, with motorized rotation and a compact design, ideal for smaller operations or those with limited storage needs.
Drawer-Type FIFO Storage: High-Capacity, Energy-Efficient
1. How It Works
Drawer-type FIFO storage systems like the SM-SP300SP and SM-SP600SP models feature drawer-based storage that holds large quantities of solder paste. These units are optimized to retain cold air efficiently, minimizing energy loss during operation.
The system is designed for high-volume storage, with the added benefit of automated FIFO tracking using a MES (Manufacturing Execution System).
2. Key Features
- Storage Capacity: Stores 300-600 jars of solder paste.
- Energy-Efficient: Designed to minimize cold air loss when drawers are opened, reducing energy consumption.
- Solder Paste Types: Can store standard solder paste containers and syringe solder paste (manual storage).
- MES System: Allows easy scanning and automatic FIFO tracking.
- Temperature Monitoring: Features alarms for temperature fluctuations to ensure solder paste is stored at optimal conditions.
- Automatic Defrost: Maintains the system’s efficiency and keeps the paste in good condition.
- UPS Power Backup: Provides uninterrupted power during outages.
- Thawing: Can thaw up to 79 jars at once, with thawing times typically ranging from 4-5 hours.
- Solder Paste Mixer: Supports 2 jars at a time, with mixing speeds of 100-1000 rpm and adjustable mixing times (1-10 minutes).
3. Pros
Compact Design: Takes up less space, making it suitable for smaller facilities.
Automated Rotation: Reduces manual handling and improves FIFO efficiency.
4. Cons
Higher Initial Cost: More expensive than rotating tower systems.
Requires Larger Space: Suitable for operations with enough floor space for high-volume storage.
5. Ideal For
Large-scale SMT operations that require stable and efficient solder paste storage, especially those working with high volumes of paste.
Rotating Tower-Type FIFO Storage: Compact and Ideal for Low-Volume Operations
1. How It Works
The SM-SP200SP rotating tower-type FIFO storage system uses a central spindle and motorized rotation to automate the storage and retrieval of solder paste containers.
The design is compact, reducing the space required for storage, and the system is optimized for low-volume environments. The rotating tower ensures that the oldest solder paste is always retrieved first, maintaining FIFO compliance.
2. Key Features
- Storage Capacity: Stores up to 200 jars of solder paste.
- Compact Design: Perfect for environments with limited floor space.
- Solder Paste Types: Does not store syringe solder paste (only standard jars).
- MES System: Enables easy scanning and automatic FIFO management.
- Temperature Monitoring: Includes alarms for temperature deviations to ensure quality.
- Automatic Defrost: Helps maintain the system’s performance and keeps the paste in optimal condition.
- Optional UPS Power Backup: Prevents issues caused by power outages.
- Thawing: Can thaw up to 25 jars at a time, with thawing times typically 4-5 hours.
- Solder Paste Mixer: Supports mixing for 2 jars at once, with adjustable speeds (100-1000 rpm) and mixing times (1-10 minutes).
3. Pros
Compact and Space-Saving: Ideal for smaller facilities with limited space.
Automated FIFO Management: Simplifies FIFO storage and reduces manual handling.
Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to traditional storage systems.
Affordable: Lower initial investment compared to high-capacity drawer systems.
4. Cons
Limited Capacity: Only stores up to 200 jars, which may not be enough for large-scale operations.
Higher Energy Consumption: Requires more power due to the motorized system.
Cannot Store Syringe Solder Paste: Limited to jars of paste only.
5. Ideal For
Low-volume SMT operations, small businesses, or areas with space constraints that still need automated FIFO management.
Key Comparisons: Drawer-Type vs. Rotating Tower-Type FIFO Storage
| Feature | Drawer-Type (SM-SP300SP/600SP) | Rotating Tower-Type (SM-SP200SP) |
| Storage Capacity | 10 layers 30 jars 12 layers 50 jars | 10 layer*20 jars |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Moderate (motorized system consumes more power) |
| Advantages | . Drawer type has high precision, energy saving, and can store a large amount of solder paste (500g/bottles, 300 bottles=150kg; 600 bottles=300kg . The robot arm has been completely upgraded, holds tightly | . Rotating tower Max load ≦100kg, ensure Small inertia, stable braking by the middle spindle .Robot arm is driven by electronic |
| Space Requirements | Requires more space | Compact design for smaller spaces |
| Suitable For | High-volume operations | Low-volume operations |
| Can Store Syringe Paste? | Yes (manual storage) | No (only jars) |
| Thawing Capacity | 79 jars | 25 jars |
| Temperature Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Solder Paste Mixer | Yes (2 jars) | Yes (2 jars) |
| Robot Arm Driving | .Electronic Dirven Servo Motor–Expensive, Stabel .Rotate 360° | .Electronic Dirven Servo Motor–Expensive, Stabel .Rotate 360° |
How to Choose the Right System for Your Needs
1. Production Volume
High-volume production: If you handle a large number of solder paste jars regularly, the drawer-type system (SM-SP300SP/600SP) is more suitable.
Low-volume production: If your production scale is smaller or more variable, the rotating tower-type system (SM-SP200SP) is a better fit.
2. Space Constraints
Limited space: The rotating tower offers a compact design, making it ideal for smaller workspaces.
More space available: The drawer-type system offers a larger capacity but requires more physical space.
3. Energy Efficiency
The drawer-type system is designed to be more energy-efficient, retaining cold air better and using less power overall compared to the motorized rotating tower type.
4. Thawing and Mixing Needs
If you need larger thawing capacity (e.g., for up to 79 jars), the drawer-type system will better meet your needs. The rotating tower system is more limited but still effective for small batches.
Conclusion
Both the drawer-type and rotating tower-type FIFO storage systems have their strengths. The drawer-type system (SM-SP300SP/600SP) is better suited for high-volume operations requiring large storage capacity, energy efficiency, and advanced features like thawing and mixing.
In contrast, the rotating tower-type system (SM-SP200SP) is more compact, making it perfect for low-volume operations with limited space and a lower initial investment.
By considering your production volume, space constraints, and energy efficiency needs, you can select the most suitable solder paste storage system for your operation. Need assistance in choosing the right system? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
