How the Unisoft
ProntoPLACE software (
www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.php ) is used in the JUKI Pick & Place
environment.
How to use the
Unisoft software with a JUKI Pick & Place machine:
You will need either JaNets (the current JUKI programming software)
or possibly JUKI EPU (Electronic Programming Unit).
Note the JUKI EPU
path may not be viable any longer.
So at
this point, JUKI JaNets is the better option.
.
Workflow:
Unisoft or Flexline CAD → JaNets or possibly
EPU → (.iss if using JaNets) →
HLC (possible option) → Machine
Process:
If you are using JaNets, it generates a machine program file (.ISS or
similar). If you are using EPU, the program gets passed into HLC for line
control and execution, and this path may not be viable any longer. So,
JaNets is the better option.
This follows the same general workflow used by most
pick-and-place systems—external data preparation followed by import into the
machine’s programming environment.
We
were notified by JUKI that, at one time, there was an older DOS-based
program from JUKI called either FlexProgram or FlexProg. This program would
import simple XYR ASCII text files containing data such as reference
designator, X placement center, Y placement center, rotation angle, and part
number, and then export that data into older Juki machines. This XYR format
is what Unisoft generates. At
this point, JUKI indicated that they do not believe it is possible to supply
that old application anymore, since it is DOS-based and not really
functional on current Windows operating systems. Their recommended path is
to use either the JaNets or FlexlineCAD software.
If
your JUKI machine has JaNets software, then the sample format below that
Unisoft creates—based on hundreds of different combinations of CAD, XYR,
Gerber, or BOM input data—can go directly into JaNets.
R273,2.819,184.963,270,RSM2.00KBMR
D33,8.865,182.398,90,DMURA120T3GSM
R105,12.675,183.287,0,RSM4.70BMR
D34,17.526,179.832,90,DZHCS400TASM
D42,20.549,179.858,270,DONOTSTUFF
R272,25.578,183.312,270,RSM2.00KBMR
To
export the Juki JaNets format so you can copy and paste it directly into
JaNets, import your PCB file and bill of materials (BOM) into the Unisoft
software as you normally would. Then go to the Place/AOI/X-Ray menu, click
on Juki, and choose to export either Juki JaNets in MM or Juki JaNets in
Inches.
Additional Benefits of using Unisoft with JUKI and
Other Pick & Place, AOI, Test & Selective Soldering Machines, as well as overall Shop Floor PCB
Assembly Operations
Unisoft automatically processes the wide range of file formats that
make up CAD files, XY rotation data, Gerber-only data, and BOM files. These
can combine in hundreds of different ways for each unique PCB design, and
Unisoft brings all of that together to generate complete component placement
information.
Unisoft has been doing this for over 40 years and has
thousands of customers, so the depth of our importers is unmatched. That’s
usually not the case with the importers that come from a Pick & Place
company. It’s just a different standard. Our standard is simple: we read
everything in—modern and legacy PCB designs—and we do it correctly, every
time, no exceptions.
This includes extracting the reference designators, rotations, part
numbers, and package shapes from the PCB design and the BOM. It also handles
rotation normalization if needed (0° reference vs. CAD), and identifies
fiducials on the panel, etc.
The software then converts all of that into clean, structured Pick
& Place manufacturing data. The whole issue of dealing with multiple file
formats from customers—whether they’re electronic contract manufacturers or
large OEMs—is handled and solved by Unisoft.
That prepared data can then be used inside the JUKI programming
environment. In practice, this means Unisoft handles the CAD translation and
data preparation, while JUKI software handles the final machine-specific
program generation. This
combination typically simplifies the programming workflow and reduces the
amount of manual work normally required when preparing machine programs.
If you have multiple Pick & Place machine lines—not just JUKI—those
can all be programmed at the same time using Unisoft. The same applies to
AOI inspection machines, ATE test equipment, and selective soldering
machines. All of these can be handled and programmed from the same software
environment.
Since Unisoft also supports programming for test equipment and
related processes, it includes a lot of CAD data that is typically missing
from standard Pick & Place manufacturer software. This includes things like
component pin information, full netlist data, trace runs, etc. That data is
all available inside Unisoft and can be used to support other shop floor
operations.
The Unisoft software can also be used to create assembly process
documents, generate kitting labels, perform first article inspection,
produce assembly and part cost reports, and generate solder joint count
reports (DPMO – Defects Per Million Operations). It can also assist with
assembly, rework, repair, and technician troubleshooting and hundreds of
other features all from one software system.
Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software is also available and is used
on the shop floor to track and control PCB production in real time.
Checking the see if you have JUKI EPU (Electronic Programming Unit). Note the JUKI EPU path may not be viable any longer. So, JUKI JaNets is the better option.
The quickest ways:
Other methods follow.
Have them look for any of these:
👉 Icon is usually:
Windows path:
Add or Remove Programs Look for:
👉 If it’s installed, it will show here — this is the most definitive check
check:
Look for folders such as:
Inside, look for executable files like:
epu.exe juki_epu.exe This is very important and often overlooked:
👉 Ask:
“Is there a separate computer where programs are created before being sent to the machine?”
If yes → that’s where EPU usually lives
HLC itself does NOT replace EPU, but:
This suggests EPU exists somewhere in the workflow
Have them search PDFs or printed manuals for:
If referenced → they likely have it (or were supposed to)
ft → EPU workflow
→ Possibilities:
Disclaimer
The information
above is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects
common SMT programming workflows. Actual system configurations, processes,
software versions, programming procedures and functions, and licensing
arrangements may vary depending on the specific JUKI machine model and
installation. Customers should
confirm all programming requirements directly with JUKI Corporation or an
authorized JUKI distributor.
Workflow descriptions are for general guidance only. Unisoft does not
control JUKI software or equipment operation, and final program verification
and machine validation remain the responsibility of the end user.
Independence
Notice
Unisoft
Corporation is an independent software developer and is not affiliated with,
endorsed by, or sponsored by JUKI Corporation. References to JUKI products,
processes or software are provided strictly for interoperability discussion
and informational purposes.
Copyright
Notice
© Unisoft
Corporation. All rights reserved.
JUKI®, JaNets®, JUKI EPU, JUKI HLC, JUKI .IS/.ISS and JUKI Flexline CAD® are
trademarks or registered trademarks of JUKI Corporation. All other product
and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.