Hi Rick, We don't use tape and reel either but could one of those Contact Systems semi-automated placement systems help? It identifies the location with a flashing light, person places the part and hits the foot peddle and the machine trims and cinches the part in place. We're expecting our throughput to go through the roof form manual place, trim and cinch. Now all we need to buy is a lead former and trimmer that takes loose parts. Apologies if everybody already uses/knows about those things. Hans ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hans M. Hinners Materials Engineer (Process & Manufacturing) Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Avionics Production Division Precision Attack/ Radar/Manufacturing Branch Engineering Section 380 Second Street, Suite 104 Building: 640, Mail Stop: LYPME Robins AFB, GA 31098-1638 Voice: (478) 926 - 1970 Fax: (478) 926 - 7164 mailto:[log in to unmask] http://www.robins.af.mil -----Original Message----- From: Rick Thompson [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 1:14 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Component Taping Equipment? As a small contract manufacturer, we receive alot of components that aren't machine placeable from our customers. I'm looking into the possibility of putting the components on tape and reel in-house. Any feedback on vendors for this equipment and the feasability/cost effectiveness of doing this would be appreciated. Should I even consider it or just send parts out? Thanks in advance, Rick Thompson Ventura Electronics Assembly 2665A Park Center Dr. Simi Valley, CA 93065 +1 (805) 584-9858 voice +1 (805) 584-1529 fax [log in to unmask] ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ##############################################################