The release of OpenPnP 2.4 (Stable) marks a significant milestone for the open-source SMT community. This version focuses heavily on "Job Planning" efficiency, user interface flexibility, and more granular hardware control.
Whether you are a hobbyist or running a small-scale production line, version 2.4 offers tools to significantly reduce your PCB assembly time.
1. What's New in OpenPnP 2.4?
The SimplePnpJobPlanner
The star of this update is the SimplePnpJobPlanner. Unlike the older planner, which could be slow on complex boards, this new engine is designed for speed. It prioritizes:
- Maximum Nozzle Utilization: Ensuring multi-head machines pick as many parts as possible in a single trip.
- Minimal Tool Changes: Smartly grouping components to reduce the time-consuming nozzle tip swapping process.
Enhanced Vision and Camera Control
OpenPnP 2.4 introduces direct access to advanced camera hardware properties. You can now adjust:
- Backlight Compensation & Sharpness.
- Powerline Frequency: Essential for eliminating flickering under LED or fluorescent workshop lighting.
- Hue and Contrast: Helping the computer vision system identify small 0402 or 0201 components more reliably.
User Interface & Safety Improvements
- Detachable Windows: You can now split camera feeds horizontally or vertically, perfect for multi-monitor setups.
- Auto-Save & Auto-Home: The software can now automatically save your job progress after every placement and home the machine immediately upon being enabled.
- Board Filtering: Easily toggle between Top and Bottom layers in the placement table to avoid errors on double-sided boards.
2. How to Optimize Speed Using SimplePnpJobPlanner
If you want to get the most out of OpenPnP 2.4, you must configure the new planner correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Enable the New Planner
Go to Machine Setup > Job Planner. Change the Class to SimplePnpJobPlanner and click Apply.
Step 2: Configure "Penalties" for Efficiency
The planner uses "Penalties" (measured in seconds) to decide its next move.
- Nozzle Change Penalty: Set this to a high value (e.g., 30–60 seconds). This tells the software: "Don't change the nozzle unless absolutely necessary." It will force the machine to finish all parts compatible with the current tip first.
Step 3: Multi-Nozzle Optimization
For machines with dual or quad heads:
- Verify that all Nozzle Tips are correctly assigned to their respective nozzles in the Head settings.
- The planner will automatically look for parts that can be "gang-picked" (picked simultaneously or in sequence) before moving to the PCB, drastically cutting travel time.
Step 4: Use the "Analyze Job" Tool
Before hitting the 'Start' button, use the Analyze feature. It provides a breakdown of the planned cycles. If you notice the machine making "empty" trips with available nozzles, check if your Feeder locations or Nozzle Tip compatibilities are misconfigured.
Conclusion
OpenPnP 2.4 is less about "new looks" and more about raw performance. By switching to the SimplePnpJobPlanner and fine-tuning your nozzle penalties, you can achieve a much higher CPH (Components Per Hour) rate.
OpenPnP Official: https://openpnp.org
Github OpenPnP: https://github.com/openpnp
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