Diploma in Pick&Place Line Optimization
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in pick-and-place line optimisation: 8 modules covering pick-and-place machines, line balancing, sequence optimisation, changeovers and setup, programming and preparation, placement quality and production management under IPC-9850A, IPC-A-610J and IPC-2591 CFX, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse pick-and-place machine performance according to IPC-9850.
Balance placement lines with several machines and products.
Optimise placement sequences using heuristic algorithms.
Reduce changeover times by applying SMED and setup families.
Prepare placement programs from CAD data.
Control placement quality and component attrition.
Plan high-mix production with the support of simulation.
Who it's for
- SMT process engineers.
- Pick-and-place machine programmers.
- Industrialisation engineers.
- Electronics production planners.
- Process optimisation analysts.
- SMT line managers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to move into EMS electronics manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- IPC-9850A (performance parameters for placement equipment)
- IPC-A-610J (acceptability of electronic assemblies)
- IPC-2591 CFX (Connected Factory Exchange)
- IPC-HERMES-9852 (machine-to-machine communication in SMT lines)
- ISO 22400-2:2014 (manufacturing operations KPIs)
- IEC 61340-5-1:2024 (electrostatic discharge control)
- IPC-7351B (land pattern and footprint standard)
- Siemens Valor Process Preparation
- ASM Works
- Fuji Nexim
- Siemens Plant Simulation
- Python with OR-Tools
8 modules
1.1Types of placement machines1.2Gantry and turret heads1.3Nozzles and their selection1.4Tape, tray and tube feeders1.5Centring vision systems1.6Placement accuracy and repeatability1.7Theoretical and actual speed in CPH1.8Fine-pitch component capabilities1.9Suppliers and platforms1.10Case study: comparison of two placement lines
2.1The concept of balancing in SMT2.2Bottleneck and cycle time2.3Allocating components to machines2.4Feeder constraints2.5Multi-product balancing2.6Heuristic allocation algorithms2.7Balancing simulation2.8Measuring actual cycle time2.9Impact on OEE2.10Laboratory: balancing a line with three placement machines
3.1The placement sequencing problem3.2Head routes and the travelling salesman problem3.3Optimising simultaneous pick-ups3.4Nozzle assignment3.5Feeder positioning on the machine3.6Genetic and simulated annealing metaheuristics3.7Manufacturers’ optimisation software3.8Validation of optimised programs3.9Comparison of results3.10Practical exercise: sequence optimisation with a genetic algorithm
4.1Changeover losses4.2Product families and common setups4.3Pre-loaded feeder trolleys4.4SMED applied to SMT4.5Offline preparation4.6Load verification4.7Order sequence planning4.8High mix, low volume4.9Changeover indicators4.10Workshop: reducing changeover time with setup families
5.1CAD data and bills of materials5.2Offline program generation5.3Component and shape libraries5.4Fiducial management5.5Panels and sub-panels5.6Programming bad-board rejection5.7Valor and Siemens Process Preparation tools5.8First article validation5.9Program version control5.10Practical exercise: program preparation from CAD data
6.1Placement defects and their causes6.2Nozzle wear and maintenance6.3Head calibration6.4Centring vision errors6.5Capturing pick-up errors6.6Component losses and attrition6.7Correlation with AOI6.8Machine capability Cmk6.9Preventive maintenance of placement machines6.10Case study: reducing component attrition
7.1Order planning in SMT7.2Finite capacity scheduling7.3Internal reel logistics7.4Integration with MES7.5Productivity indicators7.6Simulation of production scenarios7.7Automation of SMT intralogistics7.8Staffing and training7.9Continuous improvement7.10Practical exercise: weekly production plan for high mix
8.1Analysis of the line and products8.2Measuring the baseline8.3Proposed balancing8.4Sequence optimisation8.5Setup strategy8.6Placement quality plan8.7Evaluation of improvements8.8Implementation plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Siemens Valor Process Preparation, ASM Works, Fuji Nexim, Siemens Plant Simulation and Python with OR-Tools, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures: balancing a multi-product SMT line, optimising placement sequences, and reducing product changeover time. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final project.
Standards covered: IPC-9850A, IPC-A-610J, IPC-2591 CFX, IPC-HERMES-9852, ISO 22400-2:2014, IEC 61340-5-1:2024, IPC-7351B.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Siemens Valor Process Preparation, ASM Works, Fuji Nexim, Siemens Plant Simulation and Python with OR-Tools, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer capable of running the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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