Abstract: A system for electronic component processing, including: a frame configured to hold a printed circuit board; a tool head connected to the frame, the tool head being configured to position an electronic component on top of the printed circuit board; a heater disposed in the tool head, the heater being configured to direct heat towards the electronic component; and a dual-stage pre-heater connected to the frame, the dual-stage pre-heater being configured to direct heat towards the printed circuit board, wherein the pre-heater comprises: a first stage configured to direct heat over a wide area of the printed circuit board; and a second stage configured to heat a focused region of the printed circuit board adjacent to the electronic component.

Abstract: A fume extraction and filter apparatus includes a housing including a base and a top portion connected to a top side of the base. The base includes an inlet in a side thereof, the inlet leading into the housing and being in flow communication with an outlet in the top portion. A motor is disposed in the housing. A blower assembly is disposed in the housing and drivable by the motor to draw air into the inlet and cause the air to exit through the outlet. A filter is disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet and is arranged to filter air drawn in the inlet before the air exits through the outlet.

Abstract: A system for positioning components of different thicknesses on a component platform, comprising: a frame; a tool head connected to the frame, the tool head being vertically movable; a retractable vacuum tube receivable within the tool head; and a grasping assembly which can be actuated to securely hold the vacuum tube in a fixed position relative to the tool head after the vacuum tube has been at least partially received within the tool head.

Abstract: A system for positioning a tool head with respect to a component platform, comprising: a frame; a tool head connected to the frame, the tool head being adjustably positionable in X and Y directions; a component platform connected to the frame, the component platform being adjustably positionable in X and Y directions; and an optical system positionable to simultaneously view the tool head and the component platform. A method of aligning the position of a tool head with respect to a component platform, wherein the tool head and the component platform are both individually adjustably positionable in X and Y directions, comprising: positioning the tool head while the component platform is maintained at a fixed location; and then positioning the component platform while the tool head is maintained at a fixed location, while simultaneously viewing the positions of the tool head and the component platform with an optical system.

Abstract: A fume extraction and filter apparatus includes a housing including a base and a top portion connected to a top side of the base. The base includes an inlet in a side thereof, the inlet leading into the housing and being in flow communication with an outlet in the top portion. A motor is disposed in the housing. A blower assembly is disposed in the housing and drivable by the motor to draw air into the inlet and cause the air to exit through the outlet. A filter is disposed in the housing between the inlet and the outlet and is arranged to filter air drawn in the inlet before the air exits through the outlet.