Coming soon
From PCB files to assembled prototypes, faster.
Alta is a desktop pick and place machine built for rapid prototyping, helping engineering teams turn PCB files into assembled prototypes faster.
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Who’s using Voltera?
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Why do traditional PnPs bottleneck your prototyping?
Most pick and place machines are optimized for high-volume, static production runs — the exact opposite of prototyping. Engineering teams operate in a high-mix, low-volume reality defined by rapid design iterations. In this environment, minimizing setup overhead and adapting to change is far more critical than raw throughput.
Traditional PnP assumption
Prototype reality
The same job repeats
Board revisions keep changing
Parts arrive on reels
Parts arrive as cut tape
Setup time is amortized over large volume
Long setup time devours small batches
Technicians run machines
Engineers need usable workflows
Processes are optimized for repeat production
Better support for rapid iteration
For R&D teams, the real bottleneck is not raw placement speed. It is the setup friction, feeder preparation, and assembly uncertainty that slow every prototype spin before testing even starts.
For prototype PCB assembly, Alta just works
Feeders built for prototyping
In short-run assembly, feeder setup usually takes longer than the placement job itself.
Alta’s intelligent feeders are designed to simplify component loading and reduce manual prep, bringing feeder setup time down to seconds.
- Number of boards: 10
- Pads/board: 300
- Comps/board: 150
- BOM lines: 25
- Boards/panel: 10
- Number of boards: 10
- Pads/board: 300
- Comps/board: 150
- BOM lines: 25
- Boards/panel: 10
Alta is currently in development. Footage is of prototype only and is not indicative of final look or performance.
No stencil slowdown
Stencils slow down agile development cycles.
Alta integrates solder paste dispensing with pick and place, so teams can make quick design revisions without ordering new stencils.
Software that doesn't fight against you
Many entry-level PnPs rely on legacy or adapted control software requiring extensive setup and guesswork.
Alta’s proprietary OS is built for modern hardware engineers, with guided native file import, visual component mapping, automatic error detection, and a cleaner path from PCB files to first pick.
Software that doesn't fight against you
Many entry-level PnPs rely on legacy or adapted control software requiring extensive setup and guesswork.
Alta’s proprietary OS is built for modern hardware engineers, with guided native file import, visual component mapping, automatic error detection, and a cleaner path from PCB files to first pick.
Specifications
Prototyping specifications[1]
< 15 minutes (file import to placement)
< 15 seconds per feeder
0402 up to large fine-pitch ICs
≥ 99.8%
Alta specifications
- Components per hour (CPH): 1,000[1]
- Minimum pitch: 0.5 mm[2]
- Cut tape sizes: 0402 to 5050
- Cut tape max height: Up to 12 mm
- Cut tape types[2]: QFNs, connectors, odd-shaped SMD components
- Loose tray sizes: Up to 20 × 20 mm
- Loose tray weight: Up to 30 g
- Loose tray max height: Up to 15 mm
- Handles both single and double-sided boards
- Placement success rates: ≥ 99.8%
- Board thickness constraints: 1.2-2.54 mm
- Board finishes: HASL, ENIG, OSP, immersion tin, immersion silver
- Component types: Cut tape, loose
- Feeder sizes: 8, 12, and 16 mm widths
- Compatible paste: Leaded, lead-free
- Particle size metrics: T4, T5, T6, T7[2]
- Minimum pitch parameters: 0.5 mm[2]
- Volume density: Up to 5 cc cartridge
- Supports dynamic solder dots and lines
- Operating system: Browser-based layout
- Automated optical inspection framework (AOI)[3]
- Supported file formats: Gerber, CSV from Altium Designer, Cadence OrCAD/Allegro, Kicad, and Autodesk Eagle, and Autodesk Fusion 360
- Bed size: ≈ 260 × 385 mm[2]
- Dimensions: ≈ 659 × 665 × 490 mm[2]
- Weight: ≈ 32 kg[2]
- Power requirements: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Connectivity framework: Laptop interface
- Compatible modules: Pick and place module, solder paste dispenser
Get early access to Alta
Why Voltera
Voltera is a Canadian company dedicated to catalyzing innovation by lowering barriers to entry. We build electronics tools that help customers tackle meaningful challenges
Today, Voltera products are used in 92 countries by organizations such as NASA, MIT, Harvard University, leading technology companies, and government research centres.
[1] Simulation assumptions: Results are based on a batch of 10 double-sided PCBs, each containing 300 solder paste deposits, 150 placed components, and 25 BOM line items. Performance data for other pick and place systems is based on testing conducted by Voltera. Alta is currently under development, and performance characteristics are preliminary and subject to change.
[2] Bed size, dimensions, weight, cut tape component types, solder paste particle size, and minimum pitch are subject to change.
[3] AOI is an optional software add-on, available post-launch.
[4] Early-access is only open to customers in Canada and the U.S.. Pricing and availability are subject to inventory.
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