At $30K, you're going to probably have to go with a used machine. We're running a 1999 vintage MyData TP9 and it has performed well and is pretty easy to program.I've worked with other used machines and this one has made me a believer. I would suggest a used MyData TP12 if you can find one with a Hydra head and Tex Tray for JEDEC tray parts. You can always pick off the Y wagon if you need more feeder space- or if you get pieces of tape with no leader.Even if you can't load all the parts you and load all the available slots and the machine will allow you to run short of the other parts not on the machine. The TPSys software is easy to use and is pretty flexible- they have a great offline management system you can network with any garden variety PC to the machine to get machine performance, kit set up information. We use the MyLabel system to also track part batches if you need traceability. You can stop the program in the middle and reload the additional parts . My 2 cents worth Tom -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of prashant chopra Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 8:56 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] SMT machine recommendation Hi, We are planning to purchase a SMT pick and place machine for proto builds and NPI runs. We are looking for something in range of low to mid volume build (max may be 1000 nos. build). The important criteria for selection is --- 1. Base cost ---- range of 30,000 USD to 50,000 USD 2. Should be able to place chip components, odd shape parts, QFPs, BGAs. 3. Since we plan to buy one machine, so should be able to have high numbers of feeders which can be loaded in. Appreciate your valuable feedback and recommendations . Rgds Prashant --------------------------------- Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------