In the world of electronics manufacturing, especially in PCB (printed circuit board) assembly, having a reliable insertion machine can mean the difference between profit and waste. Enter the Loupot P300i, a semi-automatic insertion machine developed by French company Loupot SAS for re-eled terminal insertion and other tasks. This machine is positioned as a flexible, efficient production tool designed to deliver high productivity with manageable operator input.
In this deep-dive article you will learn:
- What the Loupot P300i is, and how it fits into modern assembly workflows
- Key features, technical specifications, strengths and limitations
- Practical applications and user-tips for getting the most value
- A buyer’s checklist and comparison with other machines
- FAQs and trusted information rooted in experience, authority and trust (E-E-A-T)
Whether you are an electronics engineer, production manager, or procurement specialist, this guide will help you decide whether the Loupot P300i is right for you.
What Is the Loupot P300i?
The Loupot P300i is a variant of the P300 insertion machine family from Loupot SAS — designed for semi-automatic insertion of reeled or pre-formed connections, terminals, or other components into PCBs. According to the company’s documentation, the machine supports re-eled connections and boasts productivity figures in the thousands of insertions per hour.
Some of the core features noted include:
- Electropneumatic, PLC-controlled machine setup (in older P300 specification)
- High operator-productivity ratio: for example the older model offered ~7,200 insertions/hour machine time and ~1,500/hour operator time.
- Support for reel capacities of 5,000 to 20,000 units.
When you see “P300i”, the “i” typically stands for an improved version (for example “insertion”, “intelligent”, or “improved”) though precise public documentation of the “i” suffix is somewhat limited. Regardless, the machine is aimed at small-to-medium volume production with semi-automatic insertion needs.
Why the Loupot P300i Matters in Modern Assembly Operations
Addressing insertion bottlenecks
In traditional PCB assembly workflows, insertion of through-hole or terminal connections is labour intensive. Older purely manual insertion is prone to error, fatigue, and slow throughput. A semi-automatic machine like the Loupot P300i bridges the gap between manual insertion and full automation, offering improved speed, consistency and operator comfort.
Flexibility for small and medium volumes
While high-volume manufacturing often utilises fully automated inline insertion machines, many production lines are hybrid: seasonal runs, prototyping, or limited-series require flexibility. The P300i is ideal for these cases — it offers fast changeover, manageable operator demands, and a smaller footprint than full-automation systems.
Quality & traceability
Modern electronics manufacturing demands more traceability, fewer defects and more consistent performance. Machines like the P300i support features like insertion detection, PLC/PC control systems, and integration with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) — strengthening quality assurance.
Cost-effectiveness
By automating the tedious parts of insertion (feeding, positioning, clinching, etc) but still relying on an operator for oversight, semi-automatic machines deliver a strong ROI: fewer insertion errors, less variation, faster cycles, lower operator fatigue. For many medium tiers, the Loupot P300i hits the sweet spot of productivity vs cost.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
Here are some of the important features and specs one should evaluate when considering the Loupot P300i (or similar). Note: you should check the specific version/configuration for your purchase.
Technical Specifications
Based on the older P300 model (reference) — useful to gauge baseline performance:
- Machine dimensions: approx H = 490 mm × L = 480 mm × I = 480 mm (for one version)
- Weight: approx 70 kg.
- Power supply: 220 V AC / 50-Hz single-phase.
- Air supply: 5.5 bars minimum.
- Insertion rate: up to ~7,200 insertions per hour machine time (in older spec).
- Reel capacity: 5,000 to 20,000 units.
Features & Advantages
- PLC‐ or PC‐controlled system: ensures repeatability, programmability and integration with MES.
- Clinching system: supports holding terminals under PCB for secure insertion; improves reliability.
- Tooling flexibility: supports standard or custom tools; changeover capability allows adaptation to different parts.
- Insertion detection / force monitoring (depending on configuration) — important for quality control.
- Compact footprint compared to full-inline insertion units, making it suitable for smaller lines.
Considerations & Options
- Setup and tooling cost: semi‐automatic machines still require jigs, feeders, tooling changeover which can add to cost/time.
- Scope of automation: While improved over manual, the P300i is not fully automatic; some operator work remains.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the machine supports your terminal types, reels, board sizes, and changeover needs.
- Maintenance & support: Verify that spare parts, service and tooling support are available locally.
Practical Applications & Use-Cases
The Loupot P300i finds versatile application across several scenarios in electronics manufacturing. Here are three common use-cases:
Use Case 1: Mid-volume PCB assembly
A contract manufacturer receives batches of 2,000-10,000 units for a device that uses several re-eled terminals. The machine helps accelerate those insertions reliably while maintaining flexibility for future batches or variant runs.
Use Case 2: Prototype or development runs
In product development, you often need smaller runs with variable components and frequent changeovers. The P300i supports that by enabling relatively quick tool changes, flexible insertion, and less waste than manual processes.
Use Case 3: Support line for higher volume manufacturing
In a hybrid environment, the P300i may serve as a support machine for less critical insertion tasks or for specific terminal families, freeing up the main line or serving as backup for rush/urgent orders.
Buying & Setup Checklist for the Loupot P300i
When evaluating a purchase of the P300i (or equivalent insertion machine), keep the following criteria in mind:
- Insertion requirements
- What terminal types, reel sizes, board sizes do you use?
- What insertion rate do you need? Consider both machine time and operator time.
- Changeover/flexibility
- How many different parts will you run?
- What is tooling changeover time? Are toolkits standard?
- Does the machine support rapid configuration change?
- Footprint, infrastructure & utilities
- Does your factory have appropriate power supply (220 Vac single phase or 380-V), air supply (e.g., 5.5 bars)?
- Is floor space available for the machine and operator access?
- Quality & traceability
- Does the machine offer insertion detection, force monitoring, MES integration?
- How easy is it to log and monitor insertion performance, scrap, and rework?
- Support, tooling & spare parts
- Are spare parts, tooling services and maintenance available locally?
- What is the lead time for custom tooling?
- Total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Initial capital cost + tooling + changeover time + operator cost + maintenance.
- Evaluate ROI in terms of increased throughput, reduced defects, lower labour cost.
- Vendor credibility and documentation
- Does the vendor (Loupot SAS or reseller) provide sufficient documentation, machine history, user reviews?
- Are there references from other users in your industry?
Strengths & Limitations (Pros & Cons)
Pros
- Offers strong productivity gains over manual insertion.
- Flexible enough for small/medium volume runs and variant production.
- Compact footprint and semi‐automatic design make it accessible for mid-tier manufacturers.
- Supports quality features like clinching, insertion detection, and PLC control.
Cons
- Not a fully automatic inline system — operator input and changeovers still required.
- Tooling costs and changeover downtime may diminish ROI if runs are very short or parts highly variable.
- If your volumes are very high, a full automation system might deliver better unit cost.
- Public documentation on the “P300i” variant is limited — you must verify exact model specs and support.
Comparison With Other Insertion Machines
To better understand where the Loupot P300i stands, here is a simplified comparison versus two other types of insertion/assembly machines:
| Machine Type | Ideal For | Typical Cost/Complexity | Flexibility |
| Loupot P300i (semi-automatic) | Mid-volume, mixed runs, moderate volumes | Moderate capital, moderate tooling | High |
| Fully Automated Insertion Line | High-volume, long runs, minimal variation | High capital, high complexity | Lower flexibility |
| Manual/Bench Insertion | Very small runs, prototyping, manual tasks | Low capital, high labour cost | Maximum flexibility but lowest throughput |
For many electronics manufacturers, the P300i strikes a good middle ground: better throughput than manual, lower cost than full automation, and decent flexibility for mixed production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What does “P300i” stand for in Loupot P300i?
A1. The “P300” identifies the machine family from Loupot SAS for terminal insertion. The “i” suffix generally denotes an improved or insertion-optimized variant, though exact definition depends on version and configuration.
Q2. What insertion rate can I expect from the Loupot P300i?
A2. According to older P300 specs, machine time insertion rate may be up to ~7,200 insertions/hour. Operator time was about 1,500/hour. Real rates will vary depending on parts, tooling, changeover and board complexity.
Q3. Can the Loupot P300i handle all types of terminals?
A3. The machine is designed for reeled or pre-formed connections and supports tooling changeover. You must verify compatibility with your terminal dimensions, reel size, board thickness and clinching requirements.
Q4. How much floor space and utilities does it require?
A4. Based on earlier P300 specs: approx 490 mm × 480 mm × 480 mm footprint and ~70 kg weight. Power supply: ~220 V AC single-phase, air supply minimum ~5.5 bars. Confirm current version specs before purchase.
Q5. Is the Loupot P300i suitable for high-volume manufacturing?
A5. It can support moderate volumes efficiently, but for very high-volume, high-variation, or 24/7 production lines you may benefit from a fully automated insertion line. The P300i is optimized for flexibility and mid-volume runs.
Q6. What are the main cost drivers when using this machine?
A6. Key cost drivers include initial purchase price, tooling and feeders, changeover downtime, operator labour, maintenance/spares, and scrap or re-work cost if tooling is sub-optimal.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The Loupot P300i offers a compelling solution for electronics manufacturers looking to accelerate insertion operations without committing to full automation. With the right setup, tooling and production planning, it can deliver significant productivity, quality and flexibility gains.
If you’re responsible for a PCB assembly line with insertion needs — especially small to medium runs, mixed part types, or frequent changeovers — you should evaluate the P300i (or equivalent) seriously. Steps to move forward:
- Request detailed specifications from Loupot SAS or authorised distributor and confirm “P300i” version details.
- Run a sample/benchmark test with your parts and board to measure cycle time, insertion rate, changeover time, and scrap rate.
- Compare total cost (machine + tooling + labour) vs your current manual or semi-manual process.
- Consider support services, availability of tooling, spare parts, and training.
- Evaluate ROI over 12-24 months and how the machine fits your production roadmap.
Getting the right insertion machine can become a competitive advantage, boosting throughput, reducing defects and lowering cost per unit. The Loupot P300i is a strong candidate for many operations — the only question is whether it aligns with your parts, volumes and business model.
Good luck with your evaluation—and feel free to ask if you’d like a customised comparison checklist, tooling specification list, or ROI calculator for the machine.
