An adapter to transform existing 3D printers (FDM) into automated Pick and Place machines able to assemble a full PCB or a whole panel without manual intervention.

The adapter consists of an unconventional SMD feeder and a small vacuum head. The same feeder can handle all types of SMD parts, and it is placed near the existing printer. The vacuum head is attached to the existing extruder of the 3D printer, by simply using a clamp.

Pros
- The same feeder will handle all the required SMDs, regardless of their type
- Continuous feeding for identical or panelized boards, no feeder setup required in between
- Easy to attach/detach the whole adapter (in a minute or so).
- No modding or dismantle required for the existing 3D printer.
- Fully automated PCB assembly
- Should work with almost any 3D printer
- Much smaller footprint than an industrial machine
- Cheap
- Free and open source

Cons
- Much slower than industrial grade Pick and Place machines