Feeders
infoSlot usage: 8mm → 1 slot | 12mm → 2 slots | 16mm → 2 slots on AFARCO PNP V3.2 (40 slots)
CNC Aluminum
Optical Sensor
RS485 Control
Down to 0201
Why professional manufacturing matters for precision assembly
| Feature | AFARCO | Generic |
|---|---|---|
| Frame material | CNC Aluminum Alloy | Plastic housing |
| Position feedback | Optical sensor | Open-loop stepper |
| Communication | RS485 (99 addresses) | Proprietary bus or manual |
| Min component size | 0201 | 0402 minimum |
8 mm | 12 mm | 16 mm
Paper and plastic reels supported
1 – 2 slots
8mm: 1 slot | 12mm: 2 slots | 16mm: 2 slots
0201
Works with compression mechanism
0.2 Nm
Custom motor for precision feeding
Optical
Precise position control algorithm
RS485
Up to 99 addresses per channel
Slot Usage on AFARCO PNP V3.2 (40 slots)
For example: with 40 positions, you can install 20 AF8 feeders (1 slot each), 5 AF12 feeders (2 slots each), 5 AF16 feeders (2 slots each).
To enter Setting Mode, press and hold the MODE button for 5 seconds. Use UP/DOWN to navigate through the parameters below.
Range: 01 – 99
Sets the unique ID for the Feeder in the RS485 communication network.
Feeding Distance
Sets the distance the Feeder advances for each pick-and-place cycle.
Options
Tension Delay · Default: 5
Additional run-time for the Peel Motor after the Feed Motor stops — ensures the cover tape is properly tensioned.
Calculation: Delay (ms) = PE × 10
Example: PE = 5 → Peel Motor runs an extra 5 × 10 ms = 50 ms.
Adjust based on tape thickness and adhesive strength.
"OK" Feedback
Configures how the Feeder sends a "Finished" signal back to the software (e.g., OpenPnP).
Recommended: Rt = 1 for perfect sync with the PnP head speed.
Upon power-up, the screen displays the Feeder's Address (AD). The Feeder can only receive RS485 commands while on this home screen.
Pro Tip
Always verify that your RS485 wiring is secure and that no two Feeders share the same Address before starting a production run.
Everything included to get started.
Optical position sensor with custom motor providing 0.2Nm torque — precise, smooth feeding down to 0201 components consistently and reliably.
RS485 communication with up to 99 feeder addresses per channel. With 40 positions on AFARCO PNP V3.2: AF8 uses 1 slot, AF12 and AF16 use 2 slots each.
Push button and 7-segment LED display to set address (1–99) and step (2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24). Uses ReferenceAutoFeeder in OpenPnP with a single Pick command.
