Mounting tool for a component mounting machine

A method operatively associated with a component mounting machine for simultaneously picking at least two components arranged in at least two adjacent component tapes in the component mounting machine, said method comprising steps of:

• providing the component mounting machine including at least two mounting tools for picking and placing components within the component mounting machine and arranged adjacent to each other along a horizontal axis, rotatably arranged around individual vertical rotational axes, and including individual mounting tool tip portions each offset in a horizontal direction relative to a respective vertical rotational axis such that respective x and y coordinates of each mounting tool tip portion of each respective mounting tool in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the respective vertical rotational axis are adjustable by rotating the respective mounting tool around the respective vertical rotational axis, and a component tape feeding mechanism for feeding the at least two adjacent component tapes along a y-direction;
• receiving respective x and y coordinates of said at least two components in the horizontal plane;
• positioning said individual mounting tool tip portions to respective x coordinates of said at least two components, said positioning including rotating the at least two mounting tools around respective vertical rotational axes;
• adjusting said at least two adjacent component tapes in the y-direction to the y coordinates of said at least two components, thereby aligning said at least two components under said individual mounting tool tip portions;
• and
• picking said at least two components with said at least two mounting tools.