Nolan’s Notes: Finding Your Sweet Spot
Standard of Excellence: Delivering Excellence—A Daily Goal
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Tin Whisker Mitigation in Aerospace Applications, Part 3
Count On Tools Intros the StripFeeder Lightweight Kit
February 24, 2016 | Count On Tools Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, has released a new version in its line of StripFeeder products – the StripFeeder Lightweight. Increased demand for use of the StripFeeder platform in OEM automated tray towers prompted the need for a low-mass version to accommodate machine weight limits on tray capacity. The StripFeeder Lightweight system allows customers to take advantage of the StripFeeder platform in these specific applications.
The StripFeeder Lightweight includes six skeletonized rails and COT’s new low-mass base plate. The skeletonized design reduces carrier tray weight by 40-50 percent. StripFeeder Lightweight Rails are available for in 0.25" (6mm), 0.50" (12mm), 0.75" (19mm), and 1.125" (28mm) pocket depths.
All StripFeeder systems feature removable rails that can be mounted to accommodate a wide array of tape sizes in the same feeder. Unlike fixed width tape carrier trays, the StripFeeder can be adjusted by removing the rails and re-positioning them on the base plate at the desired width (4mm pitched pattern). The rails align with precision pin locaters and lock down tightly with magnets to guarantee a stable, repeatable application. All StripFeeder Lightweight Rails also feature a mechanical lock-spring to hold the tape in place by the sprocket hole for part registration and repeatable pick-and-place applications. This means the user only has to teach the pick-up location one time and consistently reload the unit with the same parts over and over for longer runs.
This innovative rail design holds the components securely in the machined tracks to prevent parts from being miss-picked, flipped in the pocket or lost. Customers also can remove rails to accommodate larger components up to 120mm tape width. The StripFeeder system is compatible with most types of SMT equipment. The StripFeeder systems are a cost-effective way to load many components, including odd-form and custom components, without having to purchase expensive feeders. The quick-to-assemble, easy-to-install modules are designed for rapid loading of tape-and-reel components on existing SMT pick-and-place equipment. Additionally, the trays enable fast changeover between product runs without unloading from the machine.
The StripFeeder Lightweight will be officially launched during the IPC APEX EXPO in Las Vegas this March. Customers can stop by the Count On Tools booth (2801) to see the new product.
Share on:
Suggested Items
The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.
Magnalytix and Foresite to Host Technical Webinar on SIR Testing and Functional Reliability
06/26/2025 | MAGNALYTIXMagnalytix, in collaboration with Foresite Inc., is pleased to announce an upcoming one-hour Webinar Workshop titled “Comparing SIR IPC B-52 to Umpire 41 Functional & SIR Test Method.” This session will be held on July 24, 2025, and is open to professionals in electronics manufacturing, reliability engineering, and process development seeking insights into new testing standards for climatic reliability.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.