Method for controlling different component inserting system

A method of controlling a component inserting system for inserting components into a printed circuit substrate, said method comprising the steps of:

• setting, in a programmable logic controller, a program having a first variable for identifying a component insertion point and a second variable for identifying a component to be inserted;
• providing at least two component feeders;
• selecting a component feeder from said at least two component feeders based on said program;
• storing chuck data and insertion data of the selected component feeder in said programmable logic controller;
• positioning a printed circuit substrate on a conveyor at a substrate position;
• judging whether the selected feeder is operative depending on the condition of a component to be fed by the selected feeder;
• moving a chuck to a component chucking position with a hand mechanism connected to said programmable logic controller based on said chuck data of said selected feeder when the selected feeder is judged to be operative in said judging step;
• determining whether the selected feeder is operative depending on whether components can be fed by the selected feeder;
• supplying at least one component to said chuck from said selected feeder at said component chucking position when the selected feeder is determined to be operative in said determining step;
• moving said hand and a clinch to a component insertion position on said printed circuit substrate based on said insertion data;
• inserting said at least one component into said printed circuit substrate;
• and
• discharging said printed circuit substrate from said substrate position after said at least one component has been inserted into said printed circuit substrate.