NeoDen YY1 Maintenance: Daily Cleaning and X/Y Rail Rust Prevention

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, a high-precision, highly reliable surface mount pick and place machine serves as the core equipment for R&D, prototyping, and even small-to-medium batch SMT production. Since its launch, the NeoDen YY1 benchtop pick and place machine has become the preferred choice for numerous engineers and manufacturing enterprises, thanks to its exceptional placement accuracy, flexible multi-feeder support, and user-friendly interface.

Drawing from the official “NeoDen YY1 user manual” and NeoDen's years of SMT equipment manufacturing expertise, this article provides a detailed breakdown of the YY1's routine maintenance checklist. It specifically highlights two often-overlooked yet critically impactful areas: daily cleaning and rust prevention for X/Y rails.

Why is maintenance so crucial for the NeoDen YY1?

Since its founding in 2010, NeoDen has remained dedicated to SMT equipment R&D and manufacturing, with products sold in over 130 countries worldwide. As NeoDen's flagship model, the YY1 is specifically designed for R&D validation, professional prototyping, and small-to-medium batch production scenarios. Its core advantages include:

• High repeat positioning accuracy (±0.025mm)
• Dual-head support
• Supports multiple feeding methods including tape-on-reel, tube, reel, and bulk components
• Modular structure for easy maintenance and upgrades

However, sustaining these advantages relies on a clean, dry, static-free environment with standardized operation. As emphasized in the YY1 manual:

“A pick and place machine is a relatively complex, high-tech precision device requiring operation in a constant temperature, humidity, and highly clean environment, along with regular maintenance habits.”

Neglecting routine maintenance not only shortens equipment lifespan but may also increase placement failure rates, raise rework costs, or even result in entire PCB batches becoming scrap.

I. Daily Cleaning: From Suction Nozzles to Components, Details Determine Success

1. Nozzle Cleaning — The First Line of Defense for Precise Placement

The nozzle is the “finger” through which the PCB pick and place machine directly contacts components. Once solder paste, dust, or oxidation adheres to the tip, it directly compromises vacuum suction force, leading to:

• Pick-up failures
• Component dropouts
• Placement position deviations

Maintenance Recommendations

• Before and after daily operations, gently wipe the outer surface and end face of the nozzle with a lint-free cloth dipped in a small amount of anhydrous alcohol.
• For fine nozzles (e.g., CN030 for 0201 components), use dedicated nozzle cleaning needles or ultrasonic cleaning.
• When replacing nozzles, inspect for internal blockages.

Usage Note: “Ensure no solder paste or contaminants adhere to the nozzle tip, as this may impair placement. Maintain cleanliness.”

2. Component Compatibility Check — Preventing “Invisible” Recognition Failures

YY1 relies on high-resolution cameras for component recognition and positioning. However, aged or heavily oxidized component leads may exhibit insufficient reflectivity or low contrast, preventing accurate camera identification.

Maintenance Recommendations

• Prioritize use of original manufacturer parts or new components stored in sealed packaging.
• For chips stored long-term, gently brush pins with a soft-bristle brush or wipe with isopropyl alcohol before use.
• On the “Component Edit” page, manually switch to “Large Chip Camera Recognition” mode (Recognition Mode=4) for hard-to-identify components.

Manual Note: “Older chips or components often have oxidized, darkened pins that are difficult for the camera to recognize. Use new components whenever possible.”

3. Safety Precaution: Power Off Before Maintenance!

Any cleaning or adjustment involving the machine's interior (e.g., emptying scrap bins, inspecting guide rails) must be performed only after the machine has completely stopped and been powered off. This prevents accidental movement that could cause personal injury or equipment damage.

II. Rust Prevention Maintenance for X/Y Rails: Precision Lifeline—Never Touch with Hands!

The X/Y rails are the core transmission components enabling YY1's high-speed, high-precision positioning. Their surface finish and lubrication status directly determine placement repeatability accuracy. However, iron rails are highly susceptible to rusting from human contact. Once corroded, this will lead to:

• Movement stuttering and abnormal noises
• Positioning drift
• Increased belt load and motor overheating

Key Rust Prevention Principle

“Avoid contact between hands or water and iron components like guide rails, as this promotes rusting.”

This means

• Operators must never touch guide rails directly with bare hands (even gloved contact is discouraged).
• Wet cloths or water-based cleaners are prohibited during cleaning.
• If dust accumulates on the guide rail surface, gently remove it using a dry, lint-free cloth or compressed air (low pressure).

Recommended Maintenance Procedure (Weekly)

1. Disconnect power and open the acrylic cover (magnetic design for easy removal).

2. Wipe along the guide rail direction using a dry, lint-free cloth in one direction only. Avoid back-and-forth friction.

3. Inspect the guide rails for rust spots or scratches. If minor rust is found, apply precision instrument rust remover oil sparingly, wipe immediately, and reapply a minimal amount of guide rail-specific grease.

4. Check if the X/Y-axis belts are loose and adjust tension if necessary.

Note: The NeoDen YY1 X/Y-axis is equipped with automatic preload springs. Frequent belt adjustments are not required during routine use. Intervention is only required when “belt slippage” or “degraded positioning repeatability” occurs.

III. Environment & Electrostatic Protection

• Avoid direct sunlight: Intense light may disrupt camera white balance and cause recognition failure.
• Temperature and humidity control: Recommended ambient temperature 20–25°C, humidity 40–60% RH.
• Static Electricity Protection: Operators must wear anti-static shoes/wrist straps. Severe static electricity may not only interfere with the touchscreen but also damage sensitive ICs on the PCB.

The manual emphasizes: “During operation, it is best to wear anti-static shoes and other anti-static equipment. If your body carries significant static electricity, it may interfere with the screen and also pose a threat to the chips on the PCB.”

IV. Establish Your YY1 Maintenance Log

To ensure no maintenance tasks are overlooked, we recommend creating a daily/weekly maintenance checklist:

Conclusion

NeoDen firmly believes that exceptional equipment demands equally exceptional usage habits. The NeoDen YY1's high precision isn't “factory-set and permanent”—it's a value promise delivered through scientific maintenance. Spending 10 minutes daily on cleaning and inspection is far more cost-effective than three days of downtime waiting for repairs.

As a global SMT solutions provider, NeoDen delivers not just hardware but full-cycle technical support. With over 40 agents and 30+ technical engineers worldwide, we guarantee an 8-hour response and professional solutions within 24 hours.

Before leaving today, spend 5 minutes checking your YY1 guide rails for cleanliness and nozzle hygiene—ensuring every placement remains as precise as day one.