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BambooFeeder AS2

1. Overview

BambooFeeder-AS2 is a low-cost auto feeder for the Pandaplacer machines.

All the components can be 3D printed using the models available below.

Improvements over AS1:

  • Slot-based feeders
  • Mounting blocks for 13 feeder groups
  • Easy swap with minimal recalibration
  • Improved reliability
  • Precise part location for 4mm pitch and up
  • Vision calibration via OpenPnP BambooFeeder-AutoVision
    • Included support for 2mm pitch for 0402 & 0201 parts
  • Feeder sizes: 8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm

2. 3D Model Files

All models are licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

PPBF-AS2 V2.0-240917

PPBF-AS2 V2.0.1-251212

Simplified positioning part, also including experimental 08-P02 support.

AS2 8-12-16-24 All: PPBF-AS2-08_12_16_24-20251212.zip

AS2-AlignTool

PPBF-AS2-AlignTool: PPBF-AS2-AlignTool-V1.0-20251109.zip

PPBF-AS2-Magazine

3. 3D Printing Notes

The BambooFeeder AS2 parts are provided in multiple files:

  • All the parts in the 3mf file can be printed with PLA/PETG/ABS, 0.2mm layer height with 0.4mm nozzle.
  • The TopClampingPlate, TopSpring and BlockA act like springs, PETG or ABS are required for these parts
  • The color of the material is relevant only for the support under the tape holes in the part pick window
    • Preferably with both black and white color difference, which is compatible with white, black, and clear tapes, e.g. green, blue
    • Using the colors that will be sufficient contrast for the visual calibration to identify the holes
    • For transparent tapes, the visual pipeline usually gets adjusted until the tape holes are located properly for the respective feeders

4. AS2 Assembly Tutorial

Servo wire vs Controller pins:

  • The feeder controller pins for each port are labeled left to right: G, 5v, S, F
  • On the servo motor, the brown wire is G, red is 5v, yellow/orange is S (pwm signal)
  • The feeder controllers are designed to also support classic 08-16 auto feeders created by Mike Menci ( https://docs.mgrl.de/maschine:pickandplace:feeder:0816feeder ) and therefore they have the 4th pin F for feedback. We may chose to use it in the future.
  • The unconnected pin on the controller is the F pin, to the right of the feeder port as the controllers are installed on the machine under the aluminum profiles

4.1 Preparation

  • 3D-printed AS2 parts
  • AS2 accessory kit (SG92R/MG90S servo, M2x8 screws and other accessories)
  • Tools: Hex wrenches 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm; Phillips screwdriver (3.0-4.0mm PH1); Plier/scissor; Tweezer; Utility knife

The majority of fasteners use M2x8 self-tapping screws.

4.2 Install the servo arm to the initial position

This step is important. The servo arm must first be installed at the correct initial angle (180deg) to function properly; otherwise, issues such as jamming may occur. To control the servo's angle during assembly, we can use small devices such as a servo tester or directly use the pre-installed controllers on Pandaplacer.

Adjust the servo to the 180° position, then we can properly install the arm.

The following content describes how to adjust the initial installation angle of the servo using the BFC controller on the Pandaplacer machine.

After powering on the machine, connect to OpenPnP via USB. Once the software connection is successful, send the following commands sequentially in

Machine Setup>Drivers>BFC>Console:

M610 S1
M611 S0
M611 N0 S1

Under normal circumstances, the controller interface with address N0 (typically the first interface at the back left corner of the machine) will output a PWM signal corresponding to 180°.

Now, you also can use the new PPBFC_AS_Feeder_Test_Tool to send these commands.

Connect the servo to this N0 port, and the servo will immediately rotate to the 180° position.

Install the Arm onto the top gear of the servo in the direction shown in the diagram, ensure alignment with the center axis.

Install the top screw (supplied with the servo) to secure the arm.

Cut the arm to the appropriate length. We will use the first hole closest to the output gear, but to maintain strength, we will retain two holes and cut off from the 3rd hole. As shown in the picture.

4.3 Installing the Servo and Pushrod Assembly

Next, install the main advance execution parts.

Note: The tips of the pushrod should print well. If the tips are deformed or not sharp enough, use sandpaper or a small file to make minor adjustments to ensure the tip can enter the tape holes.

First, install the Pullrod with Connector. This two parts should be securely fastened.

Then, install the Connector and Pushrod. The Pushrod should rotate freely.

Next, install the Advancer. To ensure smooth rotation after installation, before securing it, rotate the screw multiple times within the hole to reduce friction.

Install the Advancer into the first hole on the Servo Arm near the output gear. Ensuring the Advancer can rotate freely.

Install together with the pushrod, ensuring the connection can rotate freely after installation.

4.4 Installing the Main Structure

The Base and Cover parts in AS2 have pre-set brims located at the edges where warping is likely to occur. Before use, these sections must be removed using a utility knife.

Remove the support at the bottom

Before installation, manually rotate the Servo Arm clockwise by 10-30 degrees.

Install the servo and pushrod assembly together into the corresponding position on the Base, as shown in the figure below.

Secure the servo using two M2x8 screws. The screws must be installed from the bottom upward, with the screwdriver passing through the two reserved mounting holes.

Next, route the servo wire and connector through the back of the base and secure them in the designated mounting locations. Please note the colors and wiring sequence of the servo wire and install them according to the pictures.

Secure the servo wire into the designated slot and install the servo 3P connector into the mounting slot. Pay attention to the wire sequence.

Adjust the position of the servo wire to minimize excess length, then press the cable into the routing channel on the back. You may optionally use double-sided tape or glue to secure the servo wire.

Coil the excess servo wire and hide them in the empty space next to the servo.

Install the spring.

Note: If the servo you are using is of poor quality or cannot provide sufficient output torque, you may also try omitting the spring.

First, insert one end of the spring into the groove on the Advancer. Then, compress the spring using your fingers or a flathead screwdriver, and insert the other end of the spring into the groove on the Base.

Place the M3 hex nut into the bottom of mounting slot.

Install the Cover onto the top of the Base and align all details.

Secure the Cover to the Base using 7 * M2x8 self-tapping screws. When installing, first fasten the screws at the far ends of the head and tail to prevent deformation.

For AS2 with a width of over 12, there are 2 additional M2X8 screws.

Assembly of the main body of AS2 is complete.

4.5 Install the Spool, Spring and front end parts

The cover tape spool structure at the rear consists of the following parts.

The number of O-rings installed can be adjusted to regulate the friction force. Two O-rings are installed by default. Additional O-rings can be added when friction is insufficient.

The outermost SpoolRing is used to secure the cover tape.

Install an M2x8 screw at the center and adjust its height so that the SpoolWasher can be inserted and rotated.

Rotate the SpoolWasher to the locked position. When the accumulated cover tape requires cleaning, simply rotate the SpoolWasher to remove and reinstall the SpoolRing.

Install the top adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is used to fine-tune the gap at the top of the tape. Precise gap adjustment helps reduce component bounce and prevents tape retraction.

Here is just the initial setup. After loading the tape, precise adjustments will be required during actual testing based on the actual situation.

Use a 1.5mm hex wrench to install the M3x4 flat-head set screw into the top hole.

Install the top spring. Secure the topspring to the top using M2x8 screw.

The top spring offers three elasticity options to compensate for insufficient elasticity caused by different printing materials and other factors. Insufficient elasticity may lead to unstable behavior of the AS2.

Install the front plate and label card.

The label card slides from the front to the fixed position, where its surface can be affixed with identification labels.

At this point, all major components of AS2 have been assembled. Typically, AS2 is now fully operational, though it may require some testing and fine-tuning.

4.6 Spool Holder and Magazine

Spool holders and magazines are both used to store components at the bottom of the feeder. Both are simple to assemble.

For 8mm tape, the entire spool can typically be mounted onto the spool holder and placed at the bottom of the feeder.

For strip tape or wider tape, the tape can be loaded into magazines of different sizes, which can also be placed at the bottom of the feeder.

Slide from the bottom of AS2 into the fixed position. If the fit is too tight, you can loosen the two M2X8 screws slightly to adjust.

The rear end is secured with an M3x6 screw.

4.7 Installation on the Machine

When installing onto the machine, we need to use the positioning part MountingBlockA.

Note

All widths of the AS2 feeder models are left-aligned to the controller pins.

For AS2 feeders wider than 8mm, from the top, the left side is the primary alignment surface, while the right side is the free end.

Pre-assemble the SHCS M3x8 and Tnut-20_M3 with MountingBlockA.

Additionally, you can now use the alignment tool to assist with installation.

You can also use this tool to check whether pre-installed BlockB is properly aligned and make necessary adjustments.

First, roughly position and install BlockA at the alignment point. At this stage, BlockA can still be moved slightly.

Then install the alignment tool. The alignment tool is installed vertically straight down from the top and precisely aligns the controller pins with the front positioning block. This also allows BlockA to move slightly, completing the accurate alignment. Finally secure BlockA.

You can install BlockA at any position and in any width according to your own arrangement to achieve the desired combination configuration. Remember, all AS2 feeders are left-aligned.

Loading and unloading AS2:

When loading the AS2 feeder, first gently lower the AS2, allowing BlockA to enter the slot at the bottom of AS2 while aligning the bottom edge with the front of aluminum profile.

Then gently push the feeder forward, the servo connector at the bottom of AS2 will automatically connect to the controller's pins, and the front end of AS2 will engage with the front positioning block.

When unloading/replacing the feeder, first gently pull the AS2 backward from the rear end. Once the feeder disengages from the controller, gently lift it upward.

4.8 Loading Tape

To ensure the end smoothly enters the feeder, wrap it with a small piece of tape.

Use a finger to lift the front end of the pushrod, then gently push the tape into the AS2 front pickup area in the correct direction.

Use tweezers to lift the cover tape at the front end of the tape, separating it from the tape base. Push the tape base under the front pressure plate, using tweezers to lift the front pressure plate if necessary.

Remove the Spool Washer and Spool Ring from the rear end of the AS2.

Use 5mm mara tape to extend the cover tape to the rear end.

When applying the yellow tape to cover tape, ensure the adhesive side faces downward.

Flip the tape backward (adhesive side up) and extend it to the end, leaving sufficient length, then wrap and adhere it around the surface of the SpoolRing.

Cut the tape.

Install the SpoolRing onto the rear end of the AS2. Rotate the SpoolRing clockwise to tighten the yellow tape.

Reinstall SpoolWasher. Finished

4.9 Fine-tune AS2 and modify parameters (08-P02 Support)

▶ The two most important fine-tuning adjustments:

  1. During actual use, if the tape cannot move (due to excessive resistance) or components jump significantly (caused by large gaps), you can fine-tune the top set screw to resolve these issues. Adjustment goal: No gap above the tape, and the tape can move with low friction.

  2. If insufficient friction at the tail end makes it difficult to remove the cover tape effectively, continue increasing the number of O-rings. You may also consider replacing the printing material for these cover tape spool parts to increase friction, the reference model above uses matte PLA.

Sometimes, due to installation errors or differences in the Servo Arm's shape and hole spacing compared to the demonstration above, stable results cannot be achieved with the default control parameters. In such cases, individual port parameter adjustments are also required.

MachineSetup>Driver>BFC>Console:

Send M621(twice) to retrieve all configurations, You will receive a list of the config of all ports.

Locate the port number you are currently testing, For example, N1. Copy the contents of the N1 row to the Console, modify the C (stop angle), and the U (action time).

For example, the configuration of N1 in M621 output is:

M620 N1 A180 B120 C58 F4 U480 V500 W2500 X1

Copy to console and modifying it to: M620 N1 A180 B120 C50 F4 U600 V500 W2500 X1

Send this command in the console, and the configuration for port N1 will be updated.

AS2-08-P02 Support

The default advance stroke for AS2-08-P02 is less than the standard 4mm stroke. We can modify the default parameters to enable specific ports to support AS2-08-P02 while maintaining the standard 4mm Advance command unchanged.

Similar to the previous example, we modify specific port parameters by sending the M620 command.

For instance, if we need to use AS2-08-P02 on port N2, if the initial parameter is M620 N2 A180 B120 C58 F4 U480 V500 W2500 X1, we can attempt to modify the C value to

M620 N2 A180 B120 C125 F4 U480 V500 W2500 X1

and send them to the controllers via the console.

In OpenPnP, the 4mmAdvance command is still used, but now the travel distance for each AS2-08-P02 advance movement will decrease, advancing the tape by 2mm each time.

AS Feeder Test Tool

The new PPBFC_AS_Feeder_Test_Tool utility program can assist in sending the mentioned commands. The program connects to the feeder controllers independently via the serial port. Before connecting, it is necessary to disconnect the OpenPnP first to release the serial port.

The Repeat Advance feature is highly practical during the fine-tuning phase of AS2. The program will repeatedly send Advance commands at set time intervals, allowing users to continuously adjust the top pressure screw while AS2 is running to achieve stable results.

4.10 AS2 Configuration in OpenPnP

AS2 is a simplified automatic feeder and supports ReferenceAutoFeeder or BambooFeederAutoVision when adding a new AS2 feeder.

The Pandaplacer configuration file provides few preconfigured examples. You can add new AS2 instances based on these reference configurations.

Some Notes:

  • Rotation in Tape: This angle must be set according to OpenPnP's default orientation definition. By default, the AS2 feeder installed on the left side of the machine (tape advancing to the right) should be set to -90, the AS2 feeder installed on the right side should be set to 90, and the AS2 feeder installed on the front side should be set to 0. * Special case: If components are not pre-load into the tape according to standard definitions, causing pick-and-place angle/direction errors, you can attempt to modify this value to correct the issue.

5. Assembly Videos

The BambooFeeder AS2 assembly is similar to AS1. A new video will be uploaded soon.

Alternatively @nickyDoes provided a video of the assembly for the pre-release version. Changes to the final AS2 version are insignificant.